Lion Point
Peak · 8,871 ft · Yosemite corridor
Lion Point is an 8,871-foot peak in the Yosemite corridor of California's Sierra Nevada, perched above high-country terrain near Tenaya Lake. Exposed alpine setting with variable wind and seasonal snowpack.
Wind accelerates over the exposed ridge; afternoon gusts are common, especially mid-spring through early fall. Morning hours are notably calmer. Temperature swings sharply with elevation and time of day. Snow persists through late spring; avalanche terrain requires awareness of snowpack stability.
Over the last 30 days, Lion Point has averaged a NoGo Score of 33.0, with average wind of 8.0 mph and temperatures around 34.0 degrees Fahrenheit. The week ahead shows typical spring volatility; wind can spike to 27 mph, and snowpack remains a factor. Early-week mornings tend to offer the best window before afternoon wind builds.
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About Lion Point
Lion Point sits at 8,871 feet in the Yosemite corridor, above the Tenaya Lake drainage in California's high Sierra. Access is primarily from Highway 120 (Tioga Road); the peak lies east of Yosemite Valley proper, in the open granite-and-meadow country between Tenaya and Cathedral Lakes. The region sees seasonal closure of Highway 120; confirm road status before planning. Approach routes vary from established day-hike corridors to unmarked scrambles, depending on your destination and snowpack conditions.
Lion Point experiences three distinct seasonal windows. Late May through mid-September offers the longest stable-access period; snowpack clears progressively upslope, and daytime temperatures climb into the 40s Fahrenheit. Wind averages 8.0 mph over 30-day rolling windows but frequently gusts higher in afternoon thermals; the 30-day maximum wind speed reaches 27.0 mph. Winter and early spring bring significant snow and avalanche hazard; the 365-day minimum temperature is 22.0 degrees Fahrenheit. Crowding remains low year-round, averaging 3.0 on the rolling 30-day scale, but parking at trailheads fills quickly on weekends once Highway 120 reopens.
Lion Point suits experienced hikers and mountaineers comfortable with scrambling, routefinding, and avalanche-terrain awareness. The peak draws far fewer visitors than Cathedral or Tenaya Lakes, making it a stronger choice for solitude. Plan for exposed conditions: bring wind-resistant layers, secure loose gear, and check the SAC avalanche forecast if approaching before late June. Early morning ascents sidestep the afternoon wind that can exceed 20 mph; start before dawn if heading above 8,500 feet. Water sources are sparse at the peak; carry what you need from lower elevations.
The Yosemite corridor around Lion Point is best paired with visits to nearby Tenaya Lake or Cathedral Lakes, both more popular and lower in elevation. Tenaya offers a sheltered beach and car-accessible parking, making it ideal for a lower-risk alternative if Lion Point conditions degrade. The contrast in exposure and crowds between Lion Point and the valley floor is stark; the high-country exposure here is a feature, not a bug, for those seeking weather-dependent travel decisions and minimal human impact.