Cattle Mountain
Peak · 7,946 ft · Yosemite corridor
Cattle Mountain is a 7,946-foot peak in the Yosemite corridor of California's Sierra Nevada. A moderate scramble with avalanche terrain, it rewards early-season climbers with reliable afternoon wind and exposure to the high country.
Wind averages 9 mph but funnels unpredictably in afternoon thermals, especially in spring. Morning calm is the rule; skip after 2 pm if you're sensitive to gusts. Exposure is real on the final approach; snowpack persists into late spring and requires avalanche awareness.
Over the last 30 days, Cattle Mountain averaged a NoGo Score of 31, with temperatures holding near 47 degrees Fahrenheit and wind running 9 mph on average. The week ahead will likely track similar patterns unless a low-pressure system moves in from the north. Plan morning efforts and monitor avalanche reports through the SAC forecast.
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About Cattle Mountain
Cattle Mountain sits at 7,946 feet in the high Sierra east of Yosemite Valley, accessible from Highway 120 (the Tioga Pass road). The peak lies roughly 45 minutes from the valley floor and requires either a backcountry approach from the Tioga Pass corridor or a longer hike from the west. Base popularity is low, meaning crowds are sparse and the experience stays quiet. Most parties approach in spring or early summer when snow provides a defined line but avalanche hazard demands active decision-making. The SAC (Sierra Avalanche Center) monitors this terrain; always check their forecast before committing.
Spring dominates the climbing season here. The 30-day average temperature of 47 degrees Fahrenheit reflects lingering snowpack typical of April and May. Wind averages 9 mph but peaks at 24 mph, often in afternoon hours as valley air heats and rises. The rolling 30-day crowding average of 3 (on a scale of 10) means the peak sees sparse traffic, even during weekend windows. Winter and early spring bring unstable snowpack; late spring offers consolidation but also cornices. Summer, when temperatures climb and snow melts, shortens the hazardous window but brings afternoon thunderstorms. Autumn is reliably clear and stable.
Cattle Mountain suits climbers comfortable with routefinding, snow travel, and avalanche terrain. Most visitors are experienced backcountry or peak-baggers pairing it with adjacent high country. Plan for a dawn start to summit before afternoon wind and convection kick in. Carry avalanche safety gear (beacon, probe, shovel) and route your ascent through stable zones identified by the SAC forecast. Parking at trailheads near Highway 120 fills quickly on weekends; arrive by first light. The peak offers little shelter on summit, so wind sensitivity and exposure tolerance matter. Solo climbing is common but riskier in avalanche terrain; parties of two or more are safer.
The Yosemite corridor includes adjacent peaks like Mount Dana and Mount Gibbs, both accessible from the same Highway 120 corridor and offering similar exposure to afternoon wind and spring snowpack. Cattle Mountain ranks lower in popularity than Dana but delivers comparable Sierra high-country character with less crowding. For those avoiding avalanche terrain entirely, the corridor's eastern approaches via Highway 395 and Bishop offer drier, lower-elevation alternatives. The SAC avalanche forecast and NoGo Score charts here integrate real-time conditions to help time your visit.