Givens Lake
Lake · 8,815 ft · Yosemite corridor
Givens Lake sits at 8815 feet in the Yosemite corridor, a high-Sierra alpine lake exposed to afternoon wind and winter snow. Access is seasonal and weather-dependent.
Morning calm gives way to afternoon wind funneling off the lake. The 30-day average wind runs 10 mph, with gusts to 30 mph common by mid-day. Water temperature and air stability reflect the high elevation; expect snow cover into late spring. Wind direction and strength dictate the best paddling and shore hours.
Over the last 30 days, Givens Lake averaged a NoGo Score of 33, with temperatures around 27 degrees Fahrenheit and average wind at 10 mph. The coming week shows variable stability. Plan visits on calm mornings and monitor afternoon wind trends; spring snowmelt and lingering winter pack will define access and safety margins through early summer.
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About Givens Lake
Givens Lake occupies a cirque basin in the high Sierra Nevada within the Yosemite corridor, roughly between the Tioga Pass drainage and the eastern Sierra crest. The lake lies at 8815 feet, making it a true alpine destination accessed via a mix of pack trails and seasonal approach routes. Primary access flows through Highway 120 (Tioga Road) from the west or Highway 395 from the Mono Basin to the east. Gateway towns are Lee Vining and Groveland, each a 60 to 90 minute drive depending on the route. The lake's isolation and elevation mean it remains snow-locked well into spring; early-season visits require avalanche assessment and passage through unstable terrain.
Givens Lake operates on a pronounced seasonal cycle driven by snowpack and high-altitude weather. Winter temperatures bottom out around 14 degrees Fahrenheit; summer highs reach the low 40s. The 30-day average temperature of 27 degrees reflects spring transition; by mid-summer, afternoon conditions warm significantly but wind remains a constant. Average wind velocity stands at 10 mph over the rolling 30 days, with peaks to 30 mph in afternoon hours. Crowding remains light year-round; base popularity is 0.25, meaning most visits occur with minimal company. The lake clears of travelers quickly after mid-afternoon wind and cold shut down the window.
Givens Lake suits experienced alpine lake visitors and off-season mountaineers comfortable with snow navigation and avalanche exposure. Day users and overnight backcountry parties both find the lake accessible once the approach opens, typically in late spring. Plan for short operational windows; morning paddling before wind and afternoon hiking when temperatures are most stable give the best conditions. Parking is limited to trailhead pull-outs; early arrival is necessary on rare busy days. Winter and early-spring routes cross avalanche terrain; check SAC advisories before committing. The high elevation and exposure mean sudden weather swings; bring layers and be prepared to retreat.
Nearby alternatives include Cathedral Lakes to the north and the Mono Basin high lakes to the east, both offering similar alpine character with slightly more accessible trails and comparable wind patterns. Tenaya Lake sits lower and slightly warmer but is far busier. For paddlers, Givens Lake's remoteness and snow-fed clarity reward the effort; for hikers, the short approach and high-country views deliver a genuine alpine experience without the Yosemite Valley crowds. Late September through early October provide the most stable weather windows, when snowmelt is complete, temperatures are mild, and wind typically relaxes.