Gale Peak
Peak · 10,688 ft · Yosemite corridor
Gale Peak sits at 10,688 feet in the Yosemite corridor of California's Sierra Nevada, a windswept high-country summit above the eastern slope. Expect sustained wind and rapid afternoon deterioration.
Wind dominates here. Mornings can be calm, but gusts funnel off the eastern face by midday and intensify through afternoon. Temperature swings between freezing at dawn and the mid-30s on warmer days. Snow lingers into early summer; avalanche terrain requires current snowpack assessment.
Over the last 30 days, Gale Peak averaged a NoGo Score of 32 with wind running 10 mph on average, though gusts have reached 34 mph. The week ahead will likely track similar patterns. Early mornings offer the best window before wind and crowds build. Winter snowpack conditions still govern safe passage; check the Avalanche Center before heading out.
30 days back / 7 days forward
Today's score by factor
About Gale Peak
Gale Peak is a high-Sierra summit in the Yosemite corridor, accessed from the east via Highway 120 near Tioga Pass. The peak sits above the Mono Basin on the Sierra crest, roughly 45 miles northeast of Yosemite Valley. Most parties approach from the Tioga Pass trailhead or continue beyond Tenaya Lake on Highway 120, then branch into the high country via backcountry or scramble routes. Winter and early spring access requires skis or snowshoes; summer and fall permit off-trail hiking.
Gale Peak's 30-day average temperature of 24 degrees Fahrenheit reflects its elevation and exposure. The rolling 30-day average wind of 10 mph masks the afternoon acceleration; exposed ridges and slopes regularly face gusts of 25 to 34 mph once heating begins. Crowding averages 3 out of 10, a reflection of the peak's remoteness and technical access. Spring snowpack is significant; the Avalanche Center (SAC) monitors this terrain. Summer brings warmer days, typically into the mid-30s, and sparser snow by late July. Fall cools rapidly after Labor Day.
Gale Peak suits backcountry hikers, climbers, and skiers comfortable with exposed terrain and self-rescue. Winter ascents demand avalanche training and gear; corniced ridges and wind-loaded slopes require careful reading. Spring melt creates slush and wet-slab hazard; solid snow-footing vanishes by mid-June in most years. Summer parties face talus, scree, and afternoon thunderstorms. Fall offers the most stable conditions but shortest window before snow returns.
Nearby peaks in the Yosemite corridor include Cathedral Range summits to the west and Mount Dana to the north. Highway 120 connects Gale Peak's approach to Tenaya Lake, Tioga Lake, and Mono Basin viewpoints. The peak rewards early starts; wind and visibility degrade sharply by 2 PM. Check Road reports for Highway 120 closure dates; late spring closures block access for weeks.