Burgson Lake
Lake · Yosemite corridor
Burgson Lake sits at 6473 feet in the Yosemite corridor of California's Sierra Nevada. A modest alpine lake with low crowding and consistent mild conditions year-round.
Morning winds typically run light; afternoon gusts arrive by mid-day. The 30-day average wind of 7 mph masks surges to 17 mph in the afternoon. Water and air feel colder than lower Sierra lakes; plan for layering even in late season.
Over the last 30 days, Burgson Lake has averaged a NoGo Score of 14 with temperatures around 38 degrees Fahrenheit and the 30-day average wind of 7 mph. Wind peaks in early afternoon and can reach 17 mph. The week ahead follows typical spring patterns for the corridor: expect fluctuation between calm mornings and windier afternoons.
30 days back / 7 days forward
Today's score by factor
About Burgson Lake
Burgson Lake lies in the high Sierra east of Yosemite National Park, accessible via Highway 120 from the west or Highway 395 from the east. The lake sits 6473 feet above sea level in the Yosemite corridor, a region of glacial valleys and granite-rimmed basins. Most visitors approach via Tioga Road (Highway 120) when open, typically late spring through early fall. The drive from Lee Vining via Highway 395 and Highway 120 is the primary alternative route. Parking is limited; arrive early on weekends.
Burgson Lake experiences cold spring and fall temperatures that average 38 degrees Fahrenheit over rolling 30 to 90 day windows. Winter snowpack persists into late spring; by midsummer the lake is fully accessible but crowds remain low (average crowding score of 6). Afternoon wind dominates; the 30-day average wind is 7 mph, but gusts regularly spike to 17 mph by mid-afternoon. Morning paddlers and fishermen find calmer conditions. The lake transitions sharply when snow melts; water levels peak in early summer and drop steadily through fall.
Burgson Lake suits kayakers, anglers, and hikers seeking alpine solitude without the crowds of more famous Yosemite lakes. The low base popularity of 0.25 and average crowding of 6 mean you can often find the lake nearly empty on weekday mornings. Cold water demands a wetsuit or dry suit year-round. Wind exposure is moderate; the lake does not funnel gusts as severely as more open alpine basins, but afternoon wind is reliable enough to plan around. Fishing pressure is light and success is variable. Plan for a half-day trip; the lake itself is modest in size.
Nearby Tioga Lake and Ellery Lake lie along Highway 120 to the west and offer similar elevation and conditions. Tioga Lake is slightly larger and more exposed to wind. Ellery sits lower and warms faster in spring. Both are closer to Highway 120 and draw more casual traffic. Burgson Lake's low profile makes it ideal for visitors seeking a quieter alternative without the complexity of backcountry access. The Yosemite corridor provides year-round roads; Highway 120 closures in winter force a long detour via Highway 395 and Highway 203.