Leavitt Meadow Trailhead
Trailhead · Yosemite corridor
Leavitt Meadow Trailhead sits at 7156 feet in the Sierra Nevada's Yosemite corridor, a high-elevation staging point where afternoon winds arrive early and crowds remain sparse.
Wind peaks in the afternoon and commonly hits 11 mph on average; gusts can reach 31 mph by mid-day. Mornings are calmer and warmer relative to the exposed ridge country immediately east. Cold persists here longer than lower elevations; expect 31 degrees Fahrenheit on average.
Over the past 30 days, the average NoGo Score has held at 17, with temperatures averaging 31 degrees Fahrenheit and wind averaging 11 mph. The week ahead follows typical spring patterns: calm dawns, rising afternoon wind, and brief windows between sunrise and mid-morning when conditions favor trailhead access.
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About Leavitt Meadow Trailhead
Leavitt Meadow Trailhead occupies a subalpine bench in California's high Sierra, northeast of Yosemite National Park proper. The trailhead anchors the Leavitt Meadow area along California Highway 395, roughly 50 miles south of the Tioga Pass corridor and due east of the Mono Basin rim. Access is direct from Highway 395; no park entrance required. The location sits at 7156 feet, making it one of the Yosemite corridor's highest and most exposed entry points. Nearby towns and supply stops are sparse; Bridgeport to the south and Lee Vining to the west are the closest resupply options, each 30 to 45 minutes away.
Spring and early summer bring the fastest conditions transitions at Leavitt Meadow. The 30-day average temperature of 31 degrees Fahrenheit reflects late-winter and early-spring patterns; by late spring, highs climb rapidly toward 50 degrees. Wind averages 11 mph but peaks in afternoon hours, particularly on clear days when ridge effects channel flow down the eastern Sierra slope. Over a 365-day cycle, temperatures swing from a minimum of 16 degrees Fahrenheit in winter to 44 degrees in midsummer. Crowding averages just 13 people, indicating sparse foot traffic compared to Yosemite Valley trailheads. Snowpack persists longer here than at lower elevations; expect lingering snow well into late spring.
Leavitt Meadow Trailhead suits hikers and backpackers comfortable with high elevation, exposed terrain, and self-sufficiency. The sparse crowds make it ideal for visitors seeking solitude in the Sierra. Experienced alpinists use it as a staging point for peaks and high passes. Snow and ice require winter-specific gear and route-finding skill; summer access is typically straightforward but afternoon wind demands early starts and efficient planning. Parking is limited; arrive before mid-morning on weekends during accessible months. The trailhead's position on the eastern Sierra slope means afternoon thermal wind is the dominant hazard; skip afternoon and evening hours if you prioritize calm conditions.
Leavitt Meadow Trailhead sits on the boundary between Yosemite corridor access and the broader Sierra high country. West leads toward Tioga Pass and Yosemite; south and north follow Highway 395 toward Bridgeport and Mammoth Lakes. The trailhead's low base popularity of 0.4 reflects its remote position and lack of mainstream guidebook prominence. Visitors familiar with Yosemite's high passes will recognize the climate and wind patterns; Leavitt Meadow is warmer in winter and equally wind-prone as higher passes like Kearsarge or Shepherd, but more sheltered than the exposed ridge systems immediately to the east.