Folger Peak
Peak · 9,639 ft · Yosemite corridor
Folger Peak rises at 9639 feet in the Yosemite Sierra corridor, an exposed high-country summit accessible by scramble from the east. Wind dominates here year-round.
Cold and consistently windy. The 30-day average wind runs 11 mph with gusts to 29 mph, typical for a high, open ridge. Afternoon thermals push wind hardest between 2 and sunset. Morning calm windows close by 10 a.m. on clear days.
The 30-day average NoGo Score of 33 reflects Folger Peak's baseline wind exposure and cold. Temperature averages 29 degrees Fahrenheit; plan for ice and avalanche terrain through spring. The week ahead should track close to that 11 mph average wind, with afternoon surges. Watch the score grid for the rare sub-10 mph window.
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About Folger Peak
Folger Peak stands at 9639 feet on the high Sierra crest between the Yosemite and Mono drainages. Access runs from Highway 120 via the Tioga Pass corridor; the nearest trailhead is the Mono Basin side, reached from Lee Vining. The peak sits exposed above timberline, roughly a half-day scramble from the parking area. The summit offers unobstructed views into Mono and across the Sierra crest. Low base popularity (0.2) means few crowds, but the exposure and avalanche terrain are real; winter and spring approach requires avalanche awareness from the SAC.
Folger Peak tracks cold year-round, with the 365-day minimum temperature recorded at 17 degrees and summer highs to 45 degrees. The rolling 30-day average of 29 degrees reflects spring conditions still gripped by winter cold. Wind is relentless; the 30-day average is 11 mph, but gusts spike to 29 mph. Afternoon thermals accelerate flow off the Mono Basin, making morning the only reliably calm window. Crowding registers at 3 on the rolling 30-day index, meaning solo or small-party visits are the norm. Snow persists through late spring; avalanche terrain on the north and east flanks requires route selection and stability judgment.
Folger Peak suits experienced scramblers and climbers comfortable with exposure, steep snow, and sustained wind. The approach is best in late spring or early fall when snow is consolidated or gone. Summer afternoon thunderstorms build quickly at this elevation; plan to be off the summit by 1 p.m. Winter ascents demand avalanche rescue training, beacon, shovel, and probe. Parking is limited at the trailhead; arrival before 8 a.m. is necessary on weekends. The peak is not a beginner destination; the scramble is class 3, and weather can deteriorate in minutes. Bring a map and compass; cell service is absent.
Nearby Monitor Peak and Koip Crest offer similar Sierra crest climbing with comparable wind and cold. Yosemite Valley, 45 minutes to the west at much lower elevation, runs 10 to 15 degrees warmer and calmer. The Mono Basin east side is drier and slightly warmer but more exposed to afternoon wind. For a gentler high-Sierra experience, the Tuolumne Meadows area offers protected camping and lower-risk peak access, though still at elevation. Folger Peak rewards those willing to climb alone into persistent wind and cold.