Bean Hill
Peak · 4,501 ft · North Sierra corridor
Bean Hill, a 4,501-foot peak in California's North Sierra corridor, commands views across the high country. Typical conditions run milder and less exposed than the open ridges nearby.
Wind averages 6 mph but funnels sharply in afternoons as valley heat rises. Morning calm is the rule; by 2 p.m., gusts push above 10 mph. Snowpack lingers into late spring; avalanche terrain demands careful line choice on the descent.
Over the last 30 days, Bean Hill averaged 35 NoGo Score with temperatures holding near 42 degrees and wind at 6 mph. The week ahead brings typical spring volatility; crowding climbs as Highway 120 access improves. Monitor snowpack stability reports from the Sierra Avalanche Center before any winter or early-spring approach.
30 days back / 7 days forward
Today's score by factor
About Bean Hill
Bean Hill sits in the North Sierra at 4,501 feet, roughly 30 miles northeast of Nevada City and accessible via Highway 120 east. The peak rises from the rolling granite and lodge-pole country between the main Sierra crest and the transition zone toward the Great Basin. Winter approaches require a snow-capable vehicle and familiarity with gate closures on secondary roads; summer and fall approaches are straightforward via maintained roads. The nearest services and fuel are in Grass Valley, about 45 minutes' drive west.
Bean Hill experiences a compressed weather window. Winter snowfall is substantial at elevation; spring melt runs fast through May. The 30-day average temperature of 42 degrees reflects the current shoulder season; summer highs climb into the upper 50s, while winter lows drop below freezing most nights. Wind averages 6 mph but peaks at 16 mph in the 30-day rolling window, driven by afternoon sea-breeze effects that pump air up the Sierra's western slope. Crowding averages 5 on a 10-point scale, rising sharply after snow recedes. The peak's north-facing slopes retain snowpack longer than south-facing terrain, creating asymmetric conditions.
Bean Hill suits hikers, peak baggers, and backcountry skiers familiar with avalanche terrain assessment. Summer and early fall offer the most reliable conditions; afternoon wind can be sharp but rarely shuts down a planned outing if you start at dawn. Winter and spring visitors must check Sierra Avalanche Center forecasts before departure; wet-slab activity is common in the 3-4 week melt window. Parking is limited at most trailheads; arrive before 10 a.m. on weekends. Afternoon thunderstorms are routine in July and August; descend by early afternoon to avoid lightning exposure on the open summit.
Nearby Pilot Peak and the high country around Mount Pleasant offer similar elevation and exposure with slightly better wind protection. The North Sierra corridor as a whole shifts from rain-on-snow volatility in spring to dry, stable conditions by late September. Visitors combining Bean Hill with the Grass Valley area should plan 2 to 3 days to account for weather windows; a single-day push is risky unless you go ultralight and start before dawn.