Anona Lake
Lake · 9,097 ft · Yosemite corridor
Anona Lake sits at 9,097 ft in the Yosemite corridor of California's Sierra Nevada, a high-elevation alpine lake with low base popularity and reliable access from Highway 120.
Wind averages 8 mph over the rolling 30-day period but peaks at 27 mph, typically funneling stronger in afternoons. Morning conditions are calmer and preferred. The lake sits in avalanche terrain; winter approach requires snowpack assessment.
The 30-day average wind of 8 mph masks variability; maximum gusts reach 27 mph. Temperatures average 34 degrees Fahrenheit over the last month, with the rolling 365-day range spanning 22 to 50 degrees. Crowding averages 6 on the rolling 30-day window. The week ahead will follow seasonal patterns; expect morning calm and afternoon strengthening typical of high Sierra basins.
30 days back / 7 days forward
Today's score by factor
About Anona Lake
Anona Lake occupies alpine terrain at 9,097 ft within the Yosemite corridor, accessed primarily via Highway 120. The lake lies in a high-Sierra drainage system with avalanche-prone slopes nearby; winter and spring visitors must evaluate snowpack stability before approach. Base popularity sits at 0.25, meaning this lake receives minimal foot traffic compared to flagship Sierra destinations. Primary access runs through the Tioga Pass gateway; drive time from the western Sierra foothills or eastern desert towns will vary based on seasonal highway conditions. Highway 120 is the dominant corridor route through this region.
Weather and seasonality at Anona Lake are governed by elevation and high-Sierra exposure. The rolling 30-day average temperature of 34 degrees Fahrenheit reflects typical spring conditions at this elevation; the 365-day minimum of 22 degrees reflects winter cold, while the maximum of 50 degrees indicates brief summer warmth. Wind averages 8 mph over 30 days but regularly exceeds 20 mph in afternoon hours; mornings are significantly calmer. Crowding averages 6 on the rolling 30-day metric, well below peak Sierra destinations. Late September through early October brings the most stable conditions and lowest crowding; late spring and early summer experience increasing traffic as Highway 120 opens fully.
Anona Lake suits experienced backcountry travelers and off-season visitors seeking isolation and high-elevation terrain. Activities center on backpacking, fishing, and mountaineering in avalanche-aware context. The low base popularity means parking is rarely contested, but the remoteness and avalanche exposure demand pre-trip planning. Winter visitors should skip this area unless snowpack is well-consolidated and slopes have been assessed by qualified observers. Summer travelers face afternoon wind; morning departure and mid-day camp establish the pattern experienced visitors follow. The 27 mph maximum wind on record underscores afternoon risk for exposed activities like paddling or exposed traverses.
Anona Lake pairs naturally with neighboring Sierra targets accessed via Highway 120. Nearby alternatives in the Yosemite corridor offer less avalanche exposure but similar elevation-driven wind and weather patterns. The corridor as a whole experiences afternoon wind funneling; Anona Lake is no exception to this rule. Visitors considering this lake should cross-reference Highway 120 gateway conditions and avalanche forecasts from the SAC (Sierra Avalanche Center) before committing to a trip. The low traffic volume means conditions change slowly; scout reports may be sparse, making local avalanche assessment critical.