Andrews Peak
Peak · 8,566 ft · Yosemite corridor
Andrews Peak rises to 8,566 feet in the Yosemite corridor's high Sierra. This exposed alpine summit sits above avalanche terrain and demands clear conditions and stable snowpack.
Wind dominates here. The 30-day average wind runs 9 mph, but gusts spike to 22 mph by afternoon, especially as thermals push off the surrounding ridges. Temperatures average 33 degrees Fahrenheit over the rolling month, making morning ascents colder and more stable than late-day attempts. Expect rapid cloud buildup after mid-morning on unstable days.
Over the past 30 days, Andrews Peak has averaged a NoGo Score of 32, with a low of 6 and a high of 50. The 30-day average wind of 9 mph masks afternoon acceleration; temperature has hovered around 33 degrees Fahrenheit, typical for this elevation in spring. The rolling trend shows moderate variability week to week. Watch the 7-day forecast for wind direction and snowpack stability bulletins from the Shasta Avalanche Center, which covers this terrain.
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About Andrews Peak
Andrews Peak sits in the Yosemite corridor of California's high Sierra at 8,566 feet, positioned in terrain that requires avalanche awareness year-round. Access is typically from Highway 120 east of Yosemite Valley, via trailheads in the Tioga Pass gateway. The peak is a summer-season objective once snow melts and slopes stabilize; winter and spring approaches demand current avalanche forecasts from SAC. The nearest supply towns are Lee Vining and Mammoth Lakes to the east; Yosemite Village lies to the west.
Spring conditions at Andrews Peak are inherently unstable. The rolling 30-day average temperature of 33 degrees Fahrenheit sits at the freeze-thaw threshold, amplifying wet-slab risk when solar input climbs midday. Wind averages 9 mph but peaks at 22 mph; afternoon thermals funnel upslope, making early-morning starts essential to avoid dangerous wind exposure and deteriorating snow. Crowding averages 3 on a 10-point scale, low for the Yosemite corridor, reflecting the technical hazards and short season window. By late summer, when snowpack vanishes and temperatures climb toward the rolling 365-day high of 48 degrees, conditions stabilize, but the peak becomes exposed rock scramble with full weather exposure.
Andrews Peak suits experienced mountaineers and climbers comfortable with avalanche terrain, GPS navigation, and self-rescue. Summer scrambling (once snow fully clears) draws fewer visitors than established Yosemite Valley day hikes, making it attractive for solitude. Spring ascents require current avalanche bulletins, a sharpened ice axe, crampons, and a partner; solo travel is not advised. Parking near trailheads fills moderately on weekends, but the technical barrier and avalanche exposure deter casual hikers. Plan for sudden cloud buildup and carry layers; afternoon wind can drop wind-chill well below the recorded ambient temperature.
The broader Tioga Pass corridor and adjacent peaks like Mount Dana (13,053 feet, north-northwest) offer similar exposure and avalanche risk with higher traffic. Gaylor Lakes and Cathedral Lakes provide lower-elevation alternatives in the same zone with reduced avalanche exposure. Mount Gibbs and the Kuna Crest ridgeline run parallel to Andrews Peak to the south, sharing the same freeze-thaw vulnerability in spring. For visitors targeting the Yosemite high country without avalanche terrain, Tenaya Lake or Cathedral Lakes are nearby, lower-risk choices that open earlier in the season.