Hoof Lake
Lake · Mammoth Lakes corridor
Hoof Lake sits at 10,774 feet in the Mammoth Lakes corridor of California's Sierra Nevada. A small alpine lake with moderate exposure, it draws fewer crowds than neighbouring basins.
Wind funnels across the open water by early afternoon, driven by thermal patterns typical of high-Sierra lakes. Mornings are markedly calmer. Temperatures average 23 degrees Fahrenheit over the rolling 30-day window, with afternoon gusts regularly climbing to 15 mph or higher. Plan accordingly.
Over the rolling 30-day period, Hoof Lake averaged a NoGo Score of 15.0, with wind averaging 15 mph and temperatures holding at 23 degrees. The week ahead looks similar to recent conditions. Monitor wind and temperature on the chart below to identify your best window for paddling or fishing without afternoon thermal turbulence.
30 days back / 7 days forward
Today's score by factor
About Hoof Lake
Hoof Lake is a small alpine basin in the Mammoth Lakes corridor, accessed via the high-Sierra network east of Highway 395. It sits at 10,774 feet elevation and sees light foot traffic compared to lower-elevation lakes in the region. The lake drains into the Owens River system. Primary access is from the Mammoth Lakes area; expect a high-elevation drive followed by a short approach hike. The location is best suited to visitors already acclimated to altitude or planning a multi-day Sierra traverse.
The lake experiences strong afternoon wind patterns typical of exposed high-Sierra water. The rolling 30-day average wind speed is 15 mph, with recorded gusts reaching 43 mph. Temperatures average 23 degrees Fahrenheit across the same period, ranging from a 365-day low of 10 degrees to a high of 36 degrees. Crowding is minimal, averaging 4.0 on the rolling 30-day scale. Spring and early summer bring snowmelt; late summer and early fall offer the most stable conditions, with fewer wind swings and easier access.
Hoof Lake suits small groups of experienced Sierra backcountry users: backpackers, fishers, and paddlers comfortable with high elevation and afternoon wind. Those targeting the lake should plan morning trips only; afternoon gusts make midday and evening activities unpleasant. Parking is limited and the approach requires solid Sierra navigation skills. Snowpack persists well into late spring at this elevation, making early-season visits difficult. Low base popularity (0.25) means you will rarely encounter large groups, but this also reflects the lake's isolation and the commitment required to reach it.
Nearby alternatives include the slightly lower Mammoth Lakes basin and the open drainages to the north and south. Visitors with less altitude tolerance or shorter timeframes should consider lower-elevation lakes in the corridor. The Hoof Lake area is best paired with a longer Sierra backpacking objective rather than a single-day visit; the approach effort and altitude justify multi-day planning.