Burst Rock
Peak · 9,124 ft · Yosemite corridor
Burst Rock is a 9,124-foot peak in Yosemite's high Sierra corridor, sitting exposed above the surrounding ridgeline. Typically windier than sheltered valley approaches, it rewards early starts and clear-weather timing.
Wind dominates here. Afternoon gusts funnel up from the east, pushing speeds into the 20s by late day. Expect calmer conditions in early morning hours before thermal circulation kicks in. Temperature swings sharply with elevation; at 9,124 feet, snow lingers into spring and freezes return by mid-September.
Over the last 30 days, Burst Rock averaged 9 mph wind with a NoGo Score of 32, meaning stable conditions are frequent but afternoon deterioration is reliable. The week ahead will test the same pattern: mornings likely calm, afternoons increasingly gusty as the season transitions. Watch the max wind forecast; gusts have reached 24 mph in recent weeks.
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About Burst Rock
Burst Rock sits at 9,124 feet in the high-Sierra Yosemite corridor, roughly 30 miles northeast of Yosemite Valley via Highway 120. Access is via the Tioga Pass Road (Highway 120 East) toward Lee Vining; the approach trailhead lies in the high country beyond Tenaya Lake. The peak is a direct ascent from the surrounding ridgeline, offering unobstructed views of the Cathedral Range and the Sierra crest. Base popularity is low, meaning crowds are sparse compared to valley approaches, but the exposed location and high elevation make weather planning non-negotiable.
Conditions at Burst Rock are controlled by two factors: elevation and exposure. The 30-day average wind is 9 mph, but afternoon winds routinely exceed 15 mph and have peaked at 24 mph. Average temperature over 30 days is 34 degrees Fahrenheit; the year-round spread is 24 to 49 degrees, with the coldest readings in winter and the warmest in early fall. Spring snow lingers here through late April; by mid-September, overnight freezes return. The 30-day crowding average is 3 out of 10, meaning the peak sees light traffic compared to Yosemite Valley classics. Plan for solitude but prepare for unpredictable afternoon wind.
Burst Rock suits hikers and climbers comfortable with high-elevation exposure and rapid weather shifts. Early morning visits are mandatory; head out by first light and plan to descend by early afternoon before wind picks up. Avalanche terrain is present in approach gullies; winter and spring ascents require current snowpack assessment from the Sierra Avalanche Center. Snow-fed creeks along the approach run cold year-round. Parking at the trailhead fills on weekends after Highway 120 opens in spring; arrive before 7 a.m. or expect a wait. Cell service is unreliable; carry a map and plan your descent before conditions deteriorate.
The Cathedral Range and neighboring peaks like Mount Dana and Tenaya Peak offer similar high-Sierra exposure within the same corridor. If Burst Rock is too windy or snowed in, lower-elevation alternatives in the Tuolumne Meadows zone provide shelter. The Tioga Pass Road (Highway 120) typically opens in late May and closes by late October; verify road status before driving. Backcountry camping is available via permit; day visits are more forgiving given afternoon wind patterns.