Petit Griffon
Peak · 13,058 ft · Mammoth Lakes corridor
Petit Griffon is a 13,058-foot peak in the Mammoth Lakes corridor of California's Sierra Nevada. Wind and exposure dominate this high-elevation summit; plan for afternoon gusts and severe weather shifts.
Petit Griffon sits fully exposed at high elevation with sustained wind averaging 13 mph and frequent gusts exceeding 30 mph by mid-afternoon. Morning calm windows close by 10 a.m. Winter snowpack remains unstable through spring; avalanche terrain requires practiced assessment and retreat planning.
Over the last 30 days, Petit Griffon has averaged a NoGo Score of 37.0 with temperatures holding at 18 degrees Fahrenheit and winds at 13 mph, reaching 39 mph on the windiest days. The week ahead follows the same high-elevation, wind-exposed pattern; expect marginal conditions most days unless a rare calm morning coincides with stable snowpack.
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About Petit Griffon
Petit Griffon stands at 13,058 feet in the high Sierra east of Mammoth Lakes, accessible from the Mammoth Lakes corridor via Highway 395 south to Mammoth. The peak sits in the granite and volcanic complex between the Mammoth Crest and the Lakes Basin, roughly 6 to 8 miles northeast of the town of Mammoth Lakes proper. Most approach routes involve scrambling from the Lakes Basin or cirque access after snow melt; winter ascents require climbing skills and avalanche terrain awareness. The peak is not a trailhead destination but a waypoint for ridge traverses and high alpine touring in the region.
Winter and spring conditions dominate the climbing season. The 30-day average temperature of 18 degrees Fahrenheit reflects typical late-season snowpack instability and high winds common above 13,000 feet in the Mammoth corridor. Max wind speeds of 39 mph occur on 1 to 2 days per rolling 30-day window; sustained winds of 13 mph are the norm. Afternoon winds are severe; morning hours before 10 a.m. offer the only predictable calm. Summer (late July through August) brings warmer conditions and snow melt, reducing avalanche hazard but increasing crowding in the broader Lakes Basin. Crowding averages 2.0 on a 1 to 10 scale, reflecting the peak's remoteness and technical approach. Fall (late September through early October) briefly shortens wind and improves visibility before early season storms return.
Petit Griffon suits experienced alpinists and ski mountaineers who navigate avalanche terrain and high-altitude exposure as routine. Solo ascents are uncommon; most visitors traverse the peak as part of multi-day ridge expeditions in the Mammoth Lakes high country. Water and shelter are absent; plan water carries from cirque snowmelt or lakes basin sources. Parking near approach trailheads fills on weekends during snow melt season (May to June); weekday access is less crowded. Winter routes require belay anchors, crampons, and a working avalanche risk assessment. Late-season slush and rollover crevasses demand early starts and swift descents.
Nearby alternatives include the Sherwin Range peaks to the south and the Glass Creek traverse to the west, both offering similar exposure and mixed terrain but with slightly lower avalanche hazard. The Mammoth Crest chain running north provides longer ridge options for parties wanting to avoid descending to the valley. Yosemite's Cathedral Range (Highway 120 corridor) lies 60 to 80 miles northwest and typically has calmer afternoon winds due to lower exposure and different drainage patterns, though higher crowds and permit restrictions apply. Parties planning Petit Griffon should confirm ESAC avalanche center advisories before departure and carry communication devices; cell coverage is absent above the ridge.