Echo Peak #3
Peak · 10,967 ft · Yosemite corridor
Echo Peak #3 is a 10,967-foot alpine summit in the Yosemite corridor of the Sierra Nevada. Exposed ridgeline terrain with persistent afternoon wind and seasonal avalanche hazard dominate the approach.
Wind accelerates mid-afternoon as thermal circulation builds off adjacent peaks and lake drainages. Morning calm typical before 11 a.m. Winter and spring snowpack creates sustained avalanche terrain on approach gullies. Expect temperatures well below valley baselines due to elevation.
Over the past 30 days, the average wind here runs 12 mph with peaks to 33 mph, typical for this high-elevation exposure. The 30-day average score is 32, reflecting frequent afternoon wind and remaining winter snowpack instability through late spring. Watch the next 7 days for wind direction shifts; northwesterly flows compress afternoon gusts.
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About Echo Peak #3
Echo Peak #3 sits at 10,967 feet on the Sierra crest within the Yosemite corridor, south of Cathedral Range and north of the Mono Basin. Access is via Highway 120 to Tioga Pass or from the west via Yosemite Valley, with the peak typically approached from high camp or via the Cathedral Range traverse. The location sits in Mono County, within avalanche terrain mapped by the Sacramento Avalanche Center. Base popularity is low, so crowds are minimal even during peak season.
Winter and spring dominate conditions here. The 30-day rolling average temperature is 24 degrees Fahrenheit; the 365-day range spans 12 to 38 degrees, with snow persisting into June most years. Wind averages 12 mph over 30 days but gusts to 33 mph regularly, particularly in afternoon hours when thermal circulation peaks. The exposed ridgeline funnels wind from multiple aspects. The 30-day rolling score of 32 reflects sustained avalanche hazard on approach gullies and persistent wind exposure; safer windows open during high-pressure systems when wind drops below 8 mph.
The peak suits experienced mountaineers comfortable with winter travel, snow climbing, and avalanche terrain assessment. Parties should carry rescue-grade avalanche safety tools and check current snowpack stability via the Sacramento Avalanche Center before committing to gullied approaches. Early morning ascents before 10 a.m. catch calmer conditions and minimize afternoon wind exposure. Late spring and early summer offer the best technical climbing as snow consolidates, though wind remains a factor. Solo hikers should avoid the approach during unstable snow periods.
Cathedral Peak and Echo Lakes lie immediately adjacent, offering lower-elevation alternatives with similar access routes but reduced avalanche risk. The Cathedral Range traverse is popular with experienced backcountry skiers in spring when corn snow develops. Tioga Pass gateway towns provide resupply but limited services; plan fuel and food carefully for multi-day missions into this zone.