Hanna Mountain
Peak · 11,453 ft · Yosemite corridor
Hanna Mountain is an 11,453-foot peak in Yosemite's high Sierra corridor, sitting above the transition zone between lodgepole forest and alpine tundra. Winter and spring approaches demand avalanche awareness.
Wind dominates the ridgeline; the 30-day average is 14 mph, with gusts to 41 mph common in afternoon hours. Temperature swings from 9 degrees in deep winter to 35 degrees in summer. Early morning calm is the reliable window before ridge exposure kicks in.
Over the past 30 days, Hanna Mountain has averaged a NoGo Score of 32.0 with wind holding steady at 14 mph and crowding light at 3.0. The week ahead follows typical spring patterns: morning stability collapsing into afternoon wind and variable snow conditions. Watch the avalanche forecast from SAC before any winter or early-season approach.
30 days back / 7 days forward
Today's score by factor
About Hanna Mountain
Hanna Mountain rises in the Yosemite corridor east of the Sierra crest, accessible via Highway 120 from the west or Highway 395 from the east. The peak sits at 11,453 feet, well above treeline, making it a navigation and weather-exposure objective. Most parties approach from Tioga Pass or Lee Vining on the east side, or from Tuolumne Meadows via Highway 120. Drive times from the Bay Area run 4 to 5 hours; from Los Angeles, 5 to 6 hours. The location sits in avalanche terrain classified by the Sierra Avalanche Center; winter and spring ascents require solid snowpack reading and route knowledge.
The peak's conditions are driven by its elevation and exposure. Temperature averages 22 degrees over the past 30 days, with a recorded range from 9 to 35 degrees across the full year. Wind is the dominant constraint: the 30-day average wind speed is 14 mph, but gusts reach 41 mph regularly. Afternoon wind is nearly guaranteed from spring through fall. Crowding remains very light at 3.0 average, as the peak lacks a marked trail and sees mainly mountaineers and experienced backcountry skiers. Late summer and early fall offer the warmest, most stable windows; winter requires full avalanche gear and planning; spring brings unstable snowpack and variable conditions.
Hanna Mountain suits experienced alpinists and ski mountaineers comfortable with unmarked terrain and self-rescue. The climb is technical scrambling above 11,000 feet with exposure; winter ascents demand ice axe and crampons. Parties plan around morning departures to catch calm conditions before afternoon wind and afternoon snow cycles in spring. Navigation relies on map, compass, and GPS; the peak has no cairns or bolts. Parking is limited and subject to seasonal road closures on Highway 120. Permits are required for overnight camping; day trips from Tuolumne Meadows or Lee Vining are the norm.
Nearby peaks include Mount Dana (13,053 feet, more popular, slightly farther west) and Mono Basin summits visible from the ridge. Visitors often pair Hanna Mountain with exploration of the high lakes and passes between Highway 120 and 395. The Yosemite corridor elevation corridor means weather can shift fast; a calm morning high-altitude crossing can become dangerous by noon if wind gusts exceed 30 mph or thunderstorms develop. Check the SAC avalanche forecast and NOAA ridge-top wind forecasts before committing to any winter or spring approach.