Lake of the Lone Indian
Lake · 10,219 ft · Mammoth Lakes corridor
Lake of the Lone Indian sits at 10,219 feet in the Mammoth Lakes corridor of California's Sierra Nevada. A high-alpine lake backed by steep granite and snowfields, it remains colder and windier than lower Mammoth Basin waters.
Wind accelerates off the open water by mid-morning and peaks in the afternoon. The 30-day average wind is 14 mph with gusts to 43 mph. Early morning offers the calmest window. Exposed shorelines offer no shelter; tree cover is sparse at this elevation.
Over the past 30 days, Lake of the Lone Indian averaged a NoGo Score of 36 with temperatures near 23°F and the 30-day average wind of 14 mph. The week ahead will show typical late-spring variability; calm early-week mornings are likely followed by wind and possible afternoon snow. Plan accordingly if you're traveling from Highway 395 or the June Lake Loop approach.
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About Lake of the Lone Indian
Lake of the Lone Indian sits at 10,219 feet in the high Sierra south of Mammoth Lakes. Access is via the June Lake Loop (Highway 158 from US-395 south of Mammoth) or backcountry routes from the Mammoth Lakes area. The lake is a destination for experienced hikers and mountaineers willing to navigate high-alpine terrain and seasonal snowpack. Most visitors approach in summer and early fall when snow is absent. Winter access requires avalanche knowledge; terrain to the north and east of the lake holds steep slopes prone to instability after heavy snow.
Winter and spring bring sustained cold. The 365-day minimum temperature is 8°F; the rolling 30-day average sits at 23°F. Wind dominates the experience; the 30-day average is 14 mph with recorded gusts to 43 mph. Summer temperatures climb to the mid-30s (F). Afternoon wind is nearly certain from June through September. Crowding is minimal year-round (average 4 out of 10) because access is difficult and the lake lacks developed facilities. Late September through mid-October sees the most stable conditions and warmest afternoons.
This lake suits backcountry skiers, mountaineers, and high-alpine photographers. Day hikers from Mammoth Lakes typically aim for mid-week windows when afternoon wind is lightest. Parking at trailheads fills quickly on summer weekends; arriving before dawn is essential. Afternoon whiteout conditions are common in spring and early summer. Snowpack instability is a serious concern; check avalanche forecasts from ESAC before travel. Winter ascents require glacier travel skills and crevasse awareness.
Nearby alternatives include the Mammoth Lakes themselves (lower elevation, more sheltered, busier) and the June Lake Loop chain (Silver Lake, Grant Lake) which offer shorter access and gentler terrain. Tioga Pass (Highway 120) to the east and Highway 203 into Mammoth are the primary mountain gateways; Highway 395 is the main regional arterial. Lake of the Lone Indian's high elevation and exposure make it a specialist destination; casual day-trippers should consider Mammoth's developed lake loop instead.