Anne Margaret Pass
Peak · 11,099 ft · Yosemite corridor
Anne Margaret Pass is an 11,099-foot saddle in the Yosemite corridor's high Sierra. This alpine crossing sits exposed to westerly flow and sees sustained wind; it suits experienced mountaineers planning winter or shoulder-season ascents.
Wind dominates the pass environment. The 30-day average of 12 mph climbs sharply in afternoon hours as thermal heating drives air over the crest. Morning windows, especially before 10 a.m., offer the calmest conditions. Snowpack and avalanche terrain are permanent concerns from November through June.
Over the last 30 days, Anne Margaret Pass averaged 33 on the NoGo Score with a 12 mph average wind and temperatures hovering near 25 degrees Fahrenheit. The week ahead will track late spring conditions with variable snow coverage and typical afternoon strengthening. Use the chart below to spot calm mornings and stable snowpack windows.
30 days back / 7 days forward
Today's score by factor
About Anne Margaret Pass
Anne Margaret Pass sits at 11,099 feet in the high Sierra, straddling the Yosemite corridor between high-country lakes and alpine basins. The pass is accessed primarily via backpacking routes from the Tioga Road (CA 120) corridor; most parties approach from the east via Cathedral Lakes or from the west via High Country trails branching off Highway 120. The nearest roadside jumping-off points lie 6 to 10 miles north, making this a multi-day objective rather than a day-trip destination. Base popularity sits low (0.2) because the pass itself is a navigational waypoint rather than a summit or lake; traffic remains sparse outside peak summer months.
Winter and early spring dominate the pass's character. From November through June, snowpack and avalanche terrain are non-negotiable hazards; the SAC avalanche center covers this zone. The 30-day average temperature of 25 degrees Fahrenheit and max wind of 36 mph reflect current late-spring conditions where corniced ridges and wet slabs are active concerns. Summer (July through September) sees temperatures climb but wind remains consistent at 12 mph on average; afternoon thermal-driven gusts are routine. The average crowding score of 3 out of 10 reflects the pass's remoteness; even in summer, solitude is the norm. By late September, snowfall returns and the window for safe passage narrows again.
This pass suits experienced mountaineers and high-country backpackers comfortable with exposed terrain and navigation. Skiers use it as a connecting saddle in spring touring traverses. Solo hikers and casual day-trippers face hazards here: the sustained 12 mph wind, elevation-driven cold, and steep fall-line terrain on both sides mean wind-chill cuts deep and mistakes have real consequences. Plan a morning departure window before 9 a.m. if you want to avoid afternoon wind and unstable snow. Carry a detailed topographic map; cell service is absent. Watch for corniced edges on the crest, especially in spring when warming destabilizes overhanging snow.
Nearby alternatives include Cathedral Lakes (lower, more sheltered, busier) to the east and High Country passes to the north that offer slightly lower wind exposure but longer approach hikes. Anne Margaret Pass is the most direct high crossing in this zone; it rewards early starts and clear avalanche forecasts. Experienced parties often pair it with the broader Cathedral Lakes basin itinerary. For those seeking lower-elevation, less technical pass traverses, the Tuolumne Meadows area offers multiple options with shorter approaches and winter closure periods that define the season far more rigidly than Anne Margaret's year-round avalanche hazard.