Gilman Lake
Lake · Yosemite corridor
Gilman Lake sits at 9482 feet in Yosemite's high Sierra, a glacial basin lake accessible via Highway 120 and the Tioga Road corridor. Wind dominates the afternoon; mornings are calmer.
Gilman Lake faces sustained afternoon wind funneling off the eastern Sierra. The 30-day average wind of 14 mph masks peak gusts to 33 mph by mid-afternoon. Head here on calm mornings before wind builds; skip the lake surface after noon if you're paddling or fishing.
Over the last 30 days, Gilman Lake averaged a NoGo Score of 15 with temperatures around 25 degrees Fahrenheit and wind averaging 14 mph. The week ahead will likely hold similar patterns; expect afternoon wind and crowding to rise as Highway 120 stays open and snowpack retreats. Watch the trend grid for morning windows and temperature swings.
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About Gilman Lake
Gilman Lake is a high-elevation alpine lake in the Yosemite corridor of California's Sierra Nevada, accessed via Highway 120 (Tioga Road) from the west or US 395 from the east. The lake sits at 9482 feet and drains into the Mono Basin. Primary approach is from Lee Vining or Yosemite Valley via the Tioga Pass gateway. The trailhead is a moderate hike from the road; most visitors arrive mid-morning and depart by early afternoon. Parking fills on weekends once the pass opens; arrive before 8 a.m. to secure a spot near the standard pullouts.
Gilman Lake's conditions swing with elevation and exposure. Winter snowpack persists well into spring; expect frozen conditions and difficult access until late spring. Summer brings temperatures ranging from 25 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit across the year, with the 30-day average sitting at 25 degrees. Wind is the defining feature. The 30-day average wind of 14 mph masks afternoon gusts that peak at 33 mph. Mornings are calm; wind builds steadily from late morning through mid-afternoon, dropping again after sunset. Crowding averages 6 visitors per rolling window and spikes the first weekends after Tioga Road opens. Late September and early October offer calmer conditions and fewer people than midsummer.
Gilman Lake suits anglers, photographers, and day hikers seeking solitude at high elevation. The lake is cold year-round and remains deep enough for small boat access in summer. Winter mountaineers and ski tourers use the lake as a navigation landmark; the frozen surface can be crossed but is not a primary objective. Plan around afternoon wind if you're paddling or rely on calm water for photography. Experienced visitors know to be off the lake by 2 p.m. to avoid the worst gusts. Smoke from Mono Basin fires can degrade visibility in late summer and early fall; check regional air quality forecasts before driving over the pass.
Nearby alternatives include Tioga Lake and Lee Vining Lake, both slightly lower and more sheltered than Gilman. Gull Lake, on the Mono Basin side, is warmer and more accessible from US 395. For Yosemite Valley visitors willing to cross Tioga Pass, Gilman Lake offers genuine alpine character and fewer crowds than the main park lakes. The trade-off is exposure to wind and a shorter open season; plan a visit between late spring and early October for reliable conditions.