Alstot Lake
Lake · 9,225 ft · Yosemite corridor
Alstot Lake sits at 9225 feet in the Yosemite corridor's high Sierra, a glacially-fed alpine basin with moderate exposure to afternoon wind funneling off the eastern ridges.
Wind builds steadily from late morning onward, peaking mid-afternoon as thermals drive flow off the lake's eastern flank. Morning hours are markedly calmer. Water temperature stays cold year-round; air temperature swings 15 to 43 degrees Fahrenheit across the calendar. Crowding remains light compared to valley-floor destinations.
Over the last 30 days, Alstot Lake has averaged 34 NoGo Score with an average wind of 9 mph and temperatures near 29 degrees Fahrenheit. The trend ahead shows typical spring volatility: expect afternoon wind gusts and temperature swings tied to high-altitude exposure. Watch the 7-day forecast for wind spikes above the 30-day average and lingering snowpack on approach routes.
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About Alstot Lake
Alstot Lake lies in the Yosemite corridor's eastern high country, accessed via Highway 120 from Lee Vining or Highway 395 from the east side. The lake sits as a backcountry destination requiring a full day's effort from trailheads near Tioga Pass or further south via Mono Basin routes. Base popularity remains low, meaning parking and campsite pressure are minimal compared to valley and lake-edge destinations. The approach crosses variable snowpack through late spring and early summer; avalanche terrain exists on the lake's northwest slope where gullies drain the ridgetop.
Spring and early summer bring the steepest conditions swings at Alstot Lake. The 30-day average temperature of 29 degrees reflects current alpine conditions; by mid-to-late summer, daytime highs climb toward 43 degrees, while nights remain near freezing. Wind averages 9 mph over 30 days but routinely peaks at 29 mph in afternoon hours, making morning window critical for any water activity. Snowpack typically lingers into late spring on the approach; the avalanche center (SAC) rates slides possible on loaded slopes. Crowding averages 6 out of 100 even in shoulder season, a reflection of the backcountry access commitment.
Alstot Lake suits hikers and mountaineers comfortable with high-altitude exposure and self-rescue capability. Anglers visit for cutthroat and brook trout in a low-pressure basin. Climbers use the lake as a basecamp for nearby Sierra peaks. The steep morning-to-afternoon wind swing favors those arriving before dawn or late afternoon; paddlers and swimmers should avoid the 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. window when thermals peak. Expect to navigate snow on approach in spring and early summer; microspikes or full winter gear may be mandatory depending on the year's snowpack. Water remains too cold for extended immersion without protection.
Nearby alternatives in the Yosemite corridor include Mono Lake basin routes to the east and the Cathedral Range peaks accessed from the west. Visitors pairing Alstot Lake with a longer Sierra traverse often combine it with Tioga Lake or peaks above the Tioga crest. The lake's minimal crowding and high elevation make it a logical detour for those already committed to Highway 120 or 395 access; casual day-trippers are rare. Plan conservatively for time and weather; the 9225-foot elevation and avalanche terrain demand respect and early starts.