McElroy Hill
Peak · 5,531 ft · North Sierra corridor
McElroy Hill is a 5,531-foot peak in the North Sierra corridor, sitting between the high ridges and lake basins of the northern Sierra Nevada. Typically calmer than exposed ridge crests but windier than sheltered valleys at the same elevation.
Wind rises predictably by mid-afternoon as thermal circulation strengthens over the basin. Morning conditions are often still. Snow persists into late spring; avalanche terrain requires awareness of slope aspect and recent loading. Crowds remain light except after major holiday weekends.
Over the past 30 days, the average NoGo Score was 35.0, with wind averaging 10.0 mph and temperatures around 42 degrees Fahrenheit. The week ahead looks typical for late April in the North Sierra, with morning windows before wind builds and lingering snowpack on north-facing slopes. Check avalanche forecasts from SAC before any winter or early-spring approach.
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About McElroy Hill
McElroy Hill stands at 5,531 feet in the North Sierra corridor of the Sierra Nevada, roughly equidistant between Highway 89 to the west and the high basins to the east. The peak sits in transitional terrain where the lower foothills transition into true alpine ridgeline. Primary access is via Highway 89 from the Truckee side or Highway 50 from the west, with Truckee serving as the nearest gateway. The location is accessible by foot from multiple trailheads in the surrounding drainage system, though snow and avalanche terrain dictate safe approach windows.
McElroy Hill experiences typical high-Sierra spring and autumn conditions. Over the rolling 30 days, the average NoGo Score was 35.0, with temperatures averaging 42 degrees Fahrenheit and wind averaging 10.0 mph, though gusts reach 26 mph on exposed ridges. Winter snowpack lingers well into May; north-facing slopes hold snow through early summer. Summer brings drier, more stable conditions with lower wind; afternoon thermals dominate by July. Early autumn offers calm mornings before September storms. Crowding averages 5.0 over the 30-day window, reflecting the location's modest popularity compared to well-known trailhead destinations.
McElroy Hill suits experienced alpine travelers and ridge walkers comfortable with avalanche terrain and variable snowpack. Winter and spring approaches demand avalanche awareness; the SAC avalanche center covers this zone. Avoid solo travel during active snowmelt or after heavy loading. Morning ascents before wind kicks up mid-afternoon yield the steadiest conditions and best visibility. Parking at nearby trailhead access points fills fastest on weekends after Highway 89 fully opens from winter closure. Bring layers; exposure at 5,531 feet means wind chill drops quickly, especially in early season.
Nearby alternatives include higher ridgeline peaks to the east that offer more dramatic exposure and wind, and lower basin lakes and creeks to the west that see heavier crowds. Peak baggers often pair McElroy Hill with traverses to neighboring summits in the same drainage system. The location's moderate elevation places it between the windier high-alpine terrain and the sheltered valley floors, making it a solid choice for visitors seeking a balance of access and solitude. Check road conditions on Highway 89 before driving; this corridor often reopens later than Routes 50 or 80.