Cattle Creek Trailhead
Trailhead · Yosemite corridor
Cattle Creek Trailhead sits at 7,188 feet in the Yosemite corridor of the Sierra Nevada. A high-elevation access point to the backcountry, it sees minimal crowds and faces consistent afternoon wind.
Wind accelerates through the drainage by mid-afternoon, with 12 mph average gusts climbing to 33 mph. Morning calm is reliable before 11 am. Exposure is moderate; the trailhead sits in open forest, not ridgeline-level wind but also not sheltered.
Over the last 30 days, Cattle Creek Trailhead averaged a NoGo Score of 17.0, with wind averaging 12 mph and temperatures at 38 degrees Fahrenheit. The week ahead will track the seasonal transition from spring melt conditions into early summer stability. Use the chart below to spot days when the 30-day pattern breaks or holds.
30 days back / 7 days forward
Today's score by factor
About Cattle Creek Trailhead
Cattle Creek Trailhead lies on the eastern flank of the Yosemite corridor, accessed via Highway 120 heading toward Lee Vining. The trailhead sits at 7,188 feet elevation in a mixed conifer zone with open meadow. Nearest gateway is June Lake, roughly 30 minutes west. Parking is limited; arrive before 9 am on weekends or plan for a weekday visit. The site itself is small and quiet, rarely crowded even during peak season. Access is year-round when Highway 120 is passable; winter closures depend on Nevada-side conditions.
Spring through early summer is when conditions shift most visibly. The 30-day average temperature of 38 degrees reflects the late-April melt window; expect frost most mornings and rapid warming by afternoon. Wind averages 12 mph but can spike to 33 mph, creating a clear morning-to-afternoon progression. By late June, afternoon thermals and drainage wind stabilize at slightly lower intensity. Crowding remains low year-round, averaging 13 out of 100; this is not a destination that fills parking lots. Late summer brings drier conditions and slightly warmer afternoons, making it more forgiving for high-elevation day trips.
Cattle Creek Trailhead suits backcountry hikers and packstock users seeking solitude. The low base popularity (0.4) means experienced Sierra visitors use it as a quieter entry to the high country. Plan for early starts; afternoon wind is not dangerous at this elevation but makes exposed travel uncomfortable. Water is reliable from spring melt and seasonal creeks. Bring layers; the temperature swing from 20 degrees minimum (year-round record low) to 54 degrees maximum (year-round high) can exceed 30 degrees in a single day. Early morning and late evening are most stable; avoid planning high-risk terrain or technical work during the 11 am to 5 pm wind window.
Nearby alternatives include Tioga Lake and Lee Vining Canyon trailheads, both more exposed and windier due to proximity to the Sierra crest. Glen Aulin and Cathedral Lakes (via Highway 120 from the west) offer lower-elevation starts with heavier foot traffic. For solitude at similar elevation with comparable conditions, Saddlebag Lake and Gull Lake on the east side are equally quiet. Cattle Creek Trailhead bridges the gap between lowland Yosemite Valley trailheads and the bare ridgeline; it rewards early-morning discipline and rewards visitors who time the weather window correctly.