Upper Graveyard Lake
Lake · Mammoth Lakes corridor
Upper Graveyard Lake sits at 10,262 ft in the Mammoth Lakes corridor, a high-elevation alpine lake less visited than nearby Chain Lakes. Cold, windy conditions dominate; expect afternoon gusts and small crowds.
Wind rises sharply by mid-afternoon, funneling across the open water. Mornings are calm and colder, typically in the low 20s Fahrenheit. The exposed basin offers little shelter; afternoon visits invite 30+ mph gusts. Crowds stay light year-round.
The 30-day average wind here is 12 mph, with peaks near 36 mph typical of high-Sierra afternoon thermals. Temperature averages 24 degrees Fahrenheit over the same window. The week ahead will track that pattern: calm before dawn, building wind by early afternoon, light crowding throughout. Plan water activities and photography for first light.
30 days back / 7 days forward
Today's score by factor
About Upper Graveyard Lake
Upper Graveyard Lake lies in the high Mammoth Lakes corridor at 10,262 ft elevation, accessible via Highway 395 south from the town of Mammoth Lakes. The lake drains into the Mammoth Lakes basin and sits in the eastern Sierra Nevada's rain shadow, making it drier than western slope drainages. Primary access comes from the Mammoth Lakes area to the south; the drive is under 30 minutes from town via local routes. The location sees low baseline popularity, drawing mostly experienced Sierra visitors and mountaineers linking it into multi-lake traverses.
Conditions here are dominated by high-altitude wind exposure and sub-freezing average temperatures through spring and early summer. The 30-day average temperature is 24 degrees Fahrenheit with a 30-day average wind speed of 12 mph; peak gusts regularly reach 36 mph in the afternoon. Snowpack persists into late spring; the lake itself typically unfreezes by early summer, but surrounding terrain stays wet and unstable through June. Crowding averages 4 out of 10 year-round, rising modestly only on holiday weekends when Highway 395 sees heavy regional traffic.
Upper Graveyard Lake suits mountaineers, alpine photographers, and experienced backpackers comfortable with exposure and cold. The open basin and high elevation make it a waypoint rather than a destination for casual swimmers or picnickers. Visitors plan around afternoon wind; helicopter-style downdrafts are common by 2 pm. Parking is tight and informal; early arrival (before 9 am) is essential on weekends. The lake's barren, treeless surroundings offer no wind breaks and minimal shade; bring layers and sun protection. Fishing is viable but limited by cold water temperature and short access windows.
Nearby Chain Lakes and Duck Lake offer similar elevation and longer access corridors from the Mammoth Lakes trailhead network. Duck Lake sits slightly lower, typically warmer by 3 to 5 degrees, and draws more traffic. The high-Sierra alternatives in the Inyo National Forest (Grass Lake, Emerald Lake) lie north and east; all share the same afternoon wind regime and snow-melt seasonality. Visitors pairing Upper Graveyard Lake with a second location should choose a sheltered lower-elevation site (Walker Lake, Arrowhead Lake) to balance afternoon wind exposure.