Leavitt Peak
Peak · 11,535 ft · Yosemite corridor
Leavitt Peak rises 11,535 feet in the Yosemite Sierra corridor. A high alpine summit above Leavitt Lake, it demands serious winter skills and clear weather to approach safely.
Leavitt Peak sits exposed on the high Sierra crest. Wind averages 11 mph but gusts to 31 mph in afternoon thermals and pressure systems. Cold dominates year-round; the 30-day average is 29°F. Morning stillness gives way to afternoon turbulence.
Over the past 30 days, Leavitt Peak averaged a NoGo Score of 32 with temperatures holding at 29°F and average wind of 11 mph. The coming week trends warmer but windier as spring advection develops. Watch for rapid afternoon wind increases typical of high-elevation Sierra peaks.
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About Leavitt Peak
Leavitt Peak sits on the Sierra crest at 11,535 feet, directly above Leavitt Lake and Leavitt Meadow in the Yosemite corridor. Primary access is via Highway 395 south of Bridgeport; turn west on Highway 108 (Sonora Pass Road) toward the high country. The peak lies on the boundary between Inyo and Tuolumne counties. Winter access requires a high-clearance vehicle or foot approach once snow closes Highway 108; Sonora Pass typically opens mid-May. Summer and early fall routes from the south access the peak from the Leavitt Lake area. The location is managed under SAC avalanche oversight and has active avalanche terrain on its northeast slopes.
Leavitt Peak experiences a compressed seasonal window. Winter dominates from November through April, with the 30-day average temperature at 29°F and the annual minimum reaching 16°F. Maximum wind gusts hit 31 mph during this period, and stable approaches are rare. Spring (late April through May) brings variable conditions: the 30-day average wind remains 11 mph, but thermals and pressure systems drive afternoon gusts. Summer (late June through August) offers the warmest window, with the 365-day maximum of 43°F, though afternoon wind remains consistent. Crowding is low year-round, averaging 3 across rolling counts; the peak is not a destination for casual hikers. Fall (September and early October) sees the most stable windows before snow returns.
Leavitt Peak suits mountaineers, ski tourers, and winter climbers with avalanche training and route-finding skills. Winter ascents require solid snowpack assessment and understanding of slab hazard on northeast aspects. Summer and early fall ascents demand scrambling ability and comfort with exposure. Parking at Leavitt Lake or along Highway 108 is limited; plan to arrive early and be prepared to walk further if lots fill. The approach is non-technical in good snow conditions but becomes a serious snow-and-rock climb in mixed or bare conditions. Wind and cold make afternoon attempts unlikely to succeed; start early and plan to descend before wind peaks.
Nearby peaks in the Sonora Pass complex offer lower-elevation alternatives when Leavitt Peak conditions are marginal. Peak 11,513 to the south sits slightly lower and can be less windy in afternoon thermals. Sonora Peak (11,462 feet) to the northwest is a more sheltered, frequented option with better established routes. The Leavitt Peak corridor benefits from proximate access to the Mono Basin and the Highway 395 corridor; many visitors pairing this peak with Bridgeport or Lee Vining base their trip on broader Sierra crest conditions rather than a single summit.