Clear Lake
Lake · Yosemite corridor
Clear Lake sits at 6962 feet in the Yosemite corridor of California's Sierra Nevada, a glacially-carved alpine lake sheltered from the high-elevation wind that hammers exposed ridges nearby.
Wind funnel off the lake intensifies by mid-afternoon, averaging 8 mph over the rolling month but capable of 22 mph gusts. Morning paddling and fishing are calmer; plan water activities before noon. Expect crowding to spike on weekends after Highway 120 opens to valley traffic.
Over the last 30 days, Clear Lake has averaged a NoGo Score of 15 with temperatures around 33 degrees Fahrenheit and wind averaging 8 mph. The week ahead will show typical spring patterns: calmer early mornings, wind pickup by afternoon, and variable crowding depending on Highway 120 access and valley heat.
30 days back / 7 days forward
Today's score by factor
About Clear Lake
Clear Lake is a high-Sierra alpine lake at 6962 feet elevation in the Yosemite corridor, located northeast of Tioga Pass near the Sierra crest. Access is primarily via Highway 120 from the west (Yosemite Valley gateway) or US 395 from the east. The lake sits in the Inyo National Forest boundary zone, a backcountry alpine setting with limited services; Lee Vining and Tuolumne Meadows are the nearest supply and lodging hubs. Trailhead parking is restricted and fills quickly on weekends, especially once Highway 120 snow gates lift in late spring.
Clear Lake's character is defined by exposure and elevation. Winter snowpack persists into early summer; the lake itself may remain partially frozen or ice-covered into late May depending on the year. The rolling 30-day average temperature stands at 33 degrees Fahrenheit, with a year-round minimum of 23 degrees and maximum of 47 degrees. Wind averaging 8 mph over the month regularly spikes to 22 mph in afternoon thermals funneling down the Sierra slope. Crowding averages 6 on the rolling month, but weekend surges and Highway 120 opening windows can double that in a single day. Late September through early October offers the most stable weather and the fewest crowds, as summer heat breaks and Labor Day traffic clears.
Clear Lake suits backcountry anglers, alpine hikers, and experienced paddlers willing to camp or day-trip from lower valleys. Afternoon wind makes it unsuitable for novice kayakers or inflatable watercraft. Snowshoe access dominates winter and early spring; by midsummer, the lake becomes a waypoint on longer Sierra cross-country routes rather than a destination itself. Parking is primitive and unmanaged; arrive before dawn on weekends or visit Tuesday through Thursday to avoid gridlock. The location appeals to self-sufficient travelers comfortable with cold, exposure, and minimal facilities.
Clear Lake is often visited as part of a longer Yosemite corridor trip that includes Tenaya Lake or the Tioga Pass approaches to the Sierra Crest. Anglers comparing water conditions should note that Clear Lake's elevation and wind exposure make it materially colder and more exposed than lower Sierran lakes like Bass Lake or Huntington Lake. Hikers using this area as a staging point for High Sierra Camps or backcountry routes should plan water and fuel before arrival; the nearest reliable services are in Lee Vining or Tuolumne Meadows, both 30 to 45 minutes drive away depending on Highway 120 snow-gate status.