Antelope Peak
Peak · 10,249 ft · Yosemite corridor
Antelope Peak rises to 10,249 feet in the Yosemite corridor of the Sierra Nevada. A high-elevation approach with avalanche terrain demands winter caution and stable snow conditions.
Wind averages 10 mph but gusts to 28 mph in exposed positions. Morning calm gives way to afternoon funneling off adjacent terrain. Temperatures swing from 17 degrees in winter to 53 in summer. Snowpack instability is the primary hazard from December through April.
Over the last 30 days, Antelope Peak averaged a NoGo Score of 32 with temperatures near 34 degrees and average wind of 10 mph. The week ahead follows the same pattern: expect continued cool conditions, moderate afternoon wind, and low crowding typical of this remote approach. Check the Sierra Avalanche Center forecast before any winter or spring ascent.
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About Antelope Peak
Antelope Peak sits at 10,249 feet on the eastern edge of the Yosemite corridor, accessed via Highway 120 east from the Valley or Highway 395 from the east. The standard approach begins from the Tioga Pass region and follows high-country drainages; plan for a full day or overnight. Few visitors reach this peak, making it quieter than trails to Cathedral Range or Lyell Canyon. The location is remote enough that weather and snowpack assessment must come before any decision to travel.
Winter dominates Antelope Peak's character. The 30-day average temperature of 34 degrees masks the real hazard: snow depths and stability. Year-round data show winter lows near 17 degrees and wind maxing at 28 mph, creating wind-slab and persistent-slab zones on north and east aspects. Spring brings wet-slab risk as sun weakens bonds. Summer (June through September) offers stable snow-free access with temperatures climbing to the 50s, but afternoon wind remains constant. Crowding stays minimal year-round because the approach is long and the peak non-iconic.
Antelope Peak suits experienced mountaineers comfortable with off-trail navigation, avalanche-terrain recognition, and self-rescue. Winter ascents require current stability assessment from the Sierra Avalanche Center; skipping a day due to slab potential is standard practice here. Spring travelers should start early to avoid afternoon warming and sun-loaded slopes. Summer parties enjoy stable conditions but must contend with afternoon wind funneling off the lake basins to the east; head to the summit by mid-morning if you want sheltered time. Parking is roadside; expect no facilities or services.
Antelope Peak lies on a natural approach chain toward higher Sierra passes and remote water sources. Nearby Cathedral Range peaks offer slightly lower elevation and more defined trails but similar wind exposure. The comparison to Lyell Canyon (also Yosemite corridor, lower, more popular) highlights why Antelope Peak appeals to off-trail travelers seeking solitude. Weather and avalanche forecasting are more critical here than trailside convenience; come prepared or do not come.