Choo-Choo Mountain
Peak · 11,325 ft · Yosemite corridor
Choo-Choo Mountain rises to 11,325 feet in the Yosemite corridor of California's Sierra Nevada. A high alpine peak with avalanche terrain, it demands winter caution and offers summer scrambling when snow clears.
Sustained wind funnels across the exposed ridge; the 30-day average wind is 12 mph, with gusts reaching 33 mph. Morning conditions run calmer than afternoon. Snowpack persists into early summer. Approach from the north side to reduce exposure to the main ridgeline wind.
Over the last 30 days, Choo-Choo Mountain averaged a NoGo Score of 31.0 with temperatures around 24 degrees Fahrenheit and the 30-day average wind of 12 mph. The week ahead will track similar patterns. Watch for wind spikes in the afternoon and monitor the avalanche center forecast before any approach on or near steep terrain.
30 days back / 7 days forward
Today's score by factor
About Choo-Choo Mountain
Choo-Choo Mountain sits at 11,325 feet on the crest of the Sierra Nevada within the Yosemite corridor. Access typically runs via Highway 120 from the west (Lee Vining approach from the east) or Highway 395 corridors leading to trailheads in the Mono Basin. The peak lies in an area of significant avalanche terrain; slopes above and around the mountain shed slabs during rapid warming or after heavy snow. Winter and spring approaches require avalanche awareness and stable snow conditions. Parking and trailhead access depend on whether Highway 120 is open; early season trips require checking Caltrans road status.
The 30-day average temperature of 24 degrees Fahrenheit reflects typical late-winter and early-spring conditions at this elevation. Summer brings maximum temperatures around 38 degrees Fahrenheit, with snow retreating by mid-summer in average years. Wind remains a constant factor; the 30-day average wind of 12 mph masks afternoon peaks of 33 mph or higher that funnel off the crest. Crowding averages 3.0 on a scale where higher is busier, reflecting the peak's remote location and technical approach. Snow stability dominates the planning calendar from November through May. By late summer, the peak offers scrambling access when stable, though afternoon thunderstorms build rapidly.
Choo-Choo Mountain suits mountaineers, winter climbers, and high-alpine scramblers experienced with avalanche terrain. Most visitors approach in stable snow conditions (generally late spring) or post-melt scrambling season (mid-summer through early fall). Wind and exposure demand respect; afternoon conditions are noticeably windier than morning. Parking fills slowly due to remote access, but early season trips may find gates closed or roads impassable. Experienced parties bring avalanche gear and check the Sierra Avalanche Center forecast before any travel on slopes steeper than 30 degrees.
Nearby peaks in the Yosemite corridor include Mount Dana and Mount Gibbs, both accessible from similar Highway 120 corridors and sharing similar winter avalanche terrain and summer scrambling character. The Mono Basin to the east offers lower-elevation alternatives when high-alpine snow or wind is prohibitive. Choo-Choo Mountain's isolation and avalanche terrain make it less trafficked than Dana or Gibbs, suiting parties seeking solitude on high-exposure terrain.