Double Peak
Peak · 10,662 ft · Yosemite corridor
Double Peak sits at 10,662 feet in the Yosemite corridor of the Sierra Nevada. A high alpine summit with sustained wind exposure and avalanche terrain; best visited in stable snowpack windows and calm mornings.
Wind dominates. The 30-day average runs 12 mph with gusts to 36 mph; afternoon acceleration is typical at this elevation and exposure. Cold persists year-round; plan for sustained temperatures near 25 degrees Fahrenheit across the rolling month. Crowding stays minimal except near major holiday weekends.
The 30-day average score of 33 reflects the thin margin between skiable snowpack windows and wind-driven closure risk. The 30-day average wind of 12 mph underpins most planning. Head here on calm mornings in late spring through early fall; skip the peak thermal-wind afternoon window. Winter and early spring require avalanche awareness and stable slab conditions before approach.
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About Double Peak
Double Peak rises as a marker summit in the Yosemite high country, accessible via Highway 120 (Tioga Pass route) in summer and fall. The approach demands high-clearance or hiking access depending on seasonal road closure. Parking and trailhead infrastructure are minimal; the peak draws experienced backcountry skiers and climbers rather than day-hikers. Elevation at 10,662 feet places it in the true alpine zone where snowpack lingers into June most years and returns by October.
Conditions swing sharply by season. Winter and early spring bring instability risk; the avalanche terrain here demands current Mammoth Lakes or SAC (Sierra Avalanche Center) advisories before any approach. Late spring through early fall opens a narrow window when snowpack stabilizes and afternoon wind becomes the primary hazard. The 30-day average temperature of 25 degrees Fahrenheit reflects late-season cold; expect freezing conditions year-round except during mid-summer brief warm spells. The rolling 30-day average wind of 12 mph with gusts to 36 mph means morning departures are non-negotiable for ski descents or exposed traverses.
This peak suits experienced mountaineers and ski tourers comfortable with exposure, avalanche terrain, and self-rescue. Solitude is near-guaranteed; base popularity is low. Plan for no services within an hour of the peak; carry water, food, and emergency supplies for a full alpine day. The high-elevation cold and thin air demand acclimatization; visitors from sea level should spend at least one night in the corridor before attempt. Afternoon wind build is reliable enough to anchor trip planning around early starts and descent by mid-day.
Double Peak sits in a cluster of comparable high-Sierra summits accessed from the same Highway 120 corridor. Nearby peaks like Mammoth Crest and the Cathedral Range offer lower-crowding alternatives but similar wind exposure. The Tioga Pass route is the only year-round gateway; plan for closure in winter and early spring when Highway 120 shuts. Late September through early October offers the steadiest weather window after summer heat clears but before sustained snow returns.