McGee Pass
Peak · 11,876 ft · Mammoth Lakes corridor
McGee Pass is an 11,876-foot Sierra peak in the Mammoth Lakes corridor, approached via steep alpine terrain. Wind-exposed and snow-dependent, it demands stable weather and solid snowpack.
Wind funnels through the pass itself, intensifying in afternoon hours as valley heat rises. Morning windows close quickly once thermals kick in. Snow cover persists longer than lower drainages; exposed rock and wind-slab instability are constant concerns through spring.
Over the last 30 days, McGee Pass averaged a NoGo Score of 36 with temperatures near 23 degrees Fahrenheit and average wind of 14 mph, though gusts reached 43 mph. The week ahead will likely track similar patterns. Watch for wind spikes in the afternoon and snow instability on steep flanks after storm cycles.
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About McGee Pass
McGee Pass sits at the head of McGee Creek drainage in the high Sierra, 10 miles west of Highway 395 near Mammoth Lakes. Access is via the McGee Creek Trailhead, reached by driving west from Mammoth Lakes village on McGee Creek Road to the parking area. This is a high-alpine pass crossing, not a roadside destination. The approach crosses multiple avalanche gullies and wind-loaded ridgelines; snowpack assessment and stable weather are non-negotiable prerequisites. Early season (spring and early summer) requires glacier travel experience and current avalanche bulletins from the Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center.
McGee Pass temperature and wind patterns are governed by elevation and exposure. The 30-day average temperature sits at 23 degrees Fahrenheit, with annual extremes ranging from 8 degrees to 36 degrees. Wind averages 14 mph over the past month but routinely gusts above 30 mph; the 30-day maximum was 43 mph. Afternoon wind is the rule, not the exception. Snow lingers through early summer on north-facing slopes and in the pass itself. Late September through early October offers the most stable snow conditions and lowest wind risk. Crowds remain minimal year-round; the base popularity is 0.2, reflecting its technical nature and high-altitude location.
McGee Pass suits experienced mountaineers and snow-travel-competent trekkers. The pass is not a casual day hike. Winter and spring ascents require avalanche awareness, proper gear, and route-finding in whiteout conditions. Summer visitors (typically late August onward) encounter mostly bare rock, scrambling, and exposure. The area is best for parties comfortable with 11,000-foot alpine terrain, steep snow, and self-rescue scenarios. Solitude is a given; expect to encounter no more than a handful of parties per month. Park at the McGee Creek Trailhead; no facilities exist above the parking area.
Nearby alternatives include Mono Pass (directly south, lower elevation, less technical) and the Wheeler Crest (north, similar elevation but steeper approach). The Mammoth Lakes corridor offers lower-altitude options like Mammoth Mountain and Horseshoe Lake if McGee Pass conditions are unstable. Check ESAC avalanche forecasts before any spring or early-summer attempt. Wind and snowpack are the dominant constraints; plan for morning departures and abort if afternoon thermals are building or if the avalanche forecast shows heightened instability on slopes above 10,000 feet.