Crow Peak
Peak · 6,407 ft · Yosemite corridor
Crow Peak rises to 6407 feet in the Yosemite corridor of California's Sierra Nevada, accessible from Highway 120. A modest summit with avalanche terrain and moderate exposure to afternoon wind.
Wind accelerates in the afternoon as thermals develop off the surrounding terrain. Mornings are typically calmer, with average winds around 6 mph. Snowpack persists into late spring; assess stability before any winter approach. Expect crowding to remain light outside holiday weekends.
Over the past 30 days, Crow Peak has averaged a NoGo Score of 31.0 with winds around 6 mph and temperatures near 46 degrees Fahrenheit. The week ahead will follow seasonal patterns; plan ascents for early morning when wind is lowest, and monitor avalanche bulletins from SAC if snowpack is present.
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About Crow Peak
Crow Peak stands at 6407 feet along the Sierra Nevada crest in the Yosemite corridor, accessed most directly from Highway 120. The peak sits in avalanche terrain; approach from the west via established routes from Tioga Road or from the Tenaya Lake drainage to the south. Winter and early spring ascents require avalanche awareness and stable snowpack assessment. The summit offers views across the high Sierra but remains quiet outside peak season; base popularity is low, which keeps parking and trailhead congestion minimal compared to nearby Tenaya Lake or Cathedral Range landmarks.
Crow Peak's typical weather profile mirrors its elevation and exposure. The 30-day average temperature sits at 46 degrees Fahrenheit with average winds of 6 mph, but afternoon thermals consistently push gusts to 17 mph or higher by mid-day. Morning calm windows close by mid-morning on clear days. Through the year, temperatures range from a minimum of 34 degrees in deep winter to 63 degrees in mid-summer, making late September through early November and late May through June the most stable windows. Crowding averages 3 visitors, a low baseline that holds even on weekends; solitude is the norm here.
Crow Peak suits experienced Sierra hikers comfortable with avalanche terrain and self-rescue. The peak draws minimal foot traffic, which means fewer established switchbacks and more route-finding. Winter ascents demand current avalanche education and beacon awareness; spring and early summer require patience for snowpack consolidation. Skip the afternoon regardless of season if wind sensitivity matters to your outing; head here on calm mornings before thermal winds develop. Parking near the Highway 120 corridor is generally unrestricted, and the low base popularity means you will rarely encounter crowded conditions.
Nearby alternatives in the Yosemite corridor include Tenaya Lake to the south, which offers more sheltered water access but higher crowds, and Cathedral Range peaks to the east, which expose you to stronger afternoon winds. Crow Peak's modest height and avalanche terrain make it less popular than classic Sierra traverses but more rewarding for visitors seeking quiet alpine experience in the heart of the range. SAC avalanche forecasts are the authoritative resource for winter and spring planning; monitor conditions before committing to any ascent.