CHERRY VALLEY
Campground · Yosemite corridor
Cherry Valley is a 4948-foot campground in the Yosemite corridor of California's Sierra Nevada, sitting sheltered from afternoon winds and typically calmer than exposed ridges to the east.
Wind averages 7 mph but rises to 14 mph peak gusts by mid-afternoon, particularly on clear days. Morning conditions are consistently gentler. Temperature swings from freezing at dawn to the upper 40s by afternoon. Expect moderate crowding outside peak season.
Over the past month, Cherry Valley has averaged 45 degrees Fahrenheit with a 30-day average wind of 7 mph and typical crowding at 12 visitors per unit. The trend grid below shows the last 30 days plus the 7-day outlook for NoGo Score, wind speed, temperature, and crowding, helping you plan around afternoon wind escalation and seasonal rain patterns.
30 days back / 7 days forward
Today's score by factor
About CHERRY VALLEY
Cherry Valley sits at 4948 feet in the Yosemite corridor of the Sierra Nevada, accessed primarily via Highway 120 from the west and Highway 395 from the south. The campground is a low-key alternative to the busier Yosemite Valley floor, offering a quieter mountain camp base in the high-Sierra mixed conifer belt. The nearest gateway towns are Lee Vining to the east and Groveland to the west; Cherry Valley itself lies just north of the Tioga Road corridor. A base popularity score of 0.3 reflects its quiet status, making it an attractive option for travelers seeking solitude over name recognition.
Weather at Cherry Valley is governed by high-Sierra altitude and continental exposure. The 30-day average temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit reflects the transition between spring snowmelt and early summer warmth; the annual range spans 33 to 62 degrees, with freezing nights common through May and wind peaks of 14 mph typical on clear afternoons. The 30-day average wind of 7 mph masks afternoon escalation, particularly in late spring when convective heating over the Sierra crest drives consistent gusts by 2 PM. Crowding averages 12 units per cycle, far below Yosemite Valley and Tuolumne Meadows, with the quietest periods occurring after Labor Day and before the July Fourth weekend surge.
Cherry Valley suits car-campers and base-camp users planning dayhikes or fishing in nearby drainages. The moderate elevation and protected setting make it reliable for families seeking a less-crowded alternative to Yosemite proper; however, morning departure or early-afternoon activity are essential if wind sensitivity matters. Late-spring visitors should plan for lingering snow at higher trailheads and wet-slab conditions on north-facing slopes. Parking fills on weekends after Highway 120 opens in spring, so weekday arrival is strongly preferred. A simple thermometer check at dawn will confirm whether afternoon wind will drive you indoors by 3 PM.
Nearby alternatives include Tioga Lake to the northeast, which sits more exposed to afternoon wind, and Mono Lake to the east, which offers a lower-elevation, warmer option with different geological interest. Tuolumne Meadows, 30 miles north, is busier but opens later and offers higher-elevation trailheads. For those driving the Yosemite corridor, Cherry Valley's modest crowds and calm morning character make it a practical stop before or after Yosemite Valley, avoiding the congestion and entry-fee transaction at the park's main gates.