Lois Lake
Lake · Yosemite corridor
Lois Lake sits at 10,049 feet in the Yosemite Sierra Nevada corridor. This high-elevation alpine lake offers reliable calm mornings and moderate wind exposure typical of exposed high-country water.
Morning conditions are often glassy; wind rises steadily through midday and peaks in early afternoon. The 30-day average wind of 9 mph masks stronger afternoon gusts that funnel across the open water. Expect wind to be the dominant planning variable on most days.
Over the last 30 days, Lois Lake has averaged a NoGo Score of 15.0 with temperatures around 29 degrees Fahrenheit and wind averaging 9 mph. The week ahead will track typical high-elevation patterns. Wind gusts have reached 26 mph in the rolling year, so afternoon sessions demand caution. Crowding remains low at 6.0 on the 30-day rolling average.
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About Lois Lake
Lois Lake lies in the high Sierra Nevada at 10,049 feet, east of the main Yosemite crest. Access is primarily from the Tioga Road corridor (Highway 120); the lake drains into the Tuolumne River system. This is a destination lake for backcountry travel, not a roadside stop. The approach involves significant elevation gain and distance from the nearest trailhead parking. Base popularity sits low at 0.25, reflecting the commitment required to reach it.
At 10,049 feet elevation, Lois Lake experiences alpine conditions year-round. The 30-day average temperature of 29 degrees Fahrenheit reflects spring conditions; winter cold pushes minimums to 14 degrees, while mid-summer peaks approach 43 degrees. Wind averages 9 mph over the rolling 30 days but gusts have reached 26 mph on record. Crowding is sparse. Early mornings before 10 a.m. are your best window for stable conditions; afternoon wind builds reliably by noon. Snow lingers into late spring, constraining access.
Lois Lake suits experienced backcountry travelers comfortable with high-elevation exposure and committed distance. Fishers, backpackers, and mountaineers use the lake as a waypoint or base camp. Plan around afternoon wind: arrive early, conduct water activities in the morning, and shelter by midday. The sparse crowds mean you will not fight for campsites, but isolation also means self-sufficiency is non-negotiable. Bring reliable weather forecasting and wind-resistant shelter.
The Yosemite Sierra Nevada corridor hosts numerous high-elevation lakes within the same climate zone. Nearby alternatives include Cathedral Lakes and the Vogelsang High Country cluster, each with similar elevation-driven wind and temperature profiles. Lois Lake's relatively low base popularity (0.25) makes it quieter than these better-known neighbours. For alpine lake visitors seeking solitude over convenience, Lois Lake rewards the extra effort.