Magoon Hill
Peak · 3,451 ft · Yosemite corridor
Magoon Hill is a 3451-foot peak in the Yosemite corridor of the Sierra Nevada. It sits at the transition between lower foothill terrain and higher alpine zones, accessible via Highway 120.
Magoon Hill experiences moderate wind funnel effects typical of Sierra ridgelines at this elevation. Afternoon thermal winds pick up noticeably between late morning and dusk. Morning calm windows are narrow but reliable. Wind gusts reach 21 mph on exposed flanks.
Over the last 30 days, Magoon Hill averaged a NoGo Score of 33.0 with average temperatures of 49 degrees Fahrenheit and average wind of 7 mph. Wind has spiked to 21 mph multiple times in that period. The week ahead should track close to seasonal norms; plan for increasing afternoon instability as the temperature rises into late spring.
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About Magoon Hill
Magoon Hill sits at 3451 feet in the high Sierra transitional zone east of the Yosemite Valley corridor. Access is via Highway 120 from the west, typically 90 minutes from the town of Yosemite or 2 hours from Sonora. The peak is part of the broader ridgeline that separates the Tioga Pass drainage from the Tuolumne River system. Base popularity is low relative to more famous Sierra peaks, which means parking and trail congestion are minimal even on weekends. The approach crosses mixed chaparral and conifer forest, with notable avalanche terrain on the north and east aspects above 3200 feet during winter and early spring.
The rolling 30-day average temperature of 49 degrees Fahrenheit reflects late spring conditions at this elevation. Wind averages 7 mph over that same window but has peaked at 21 mph, signalling strong afternoon thermal upwelling. Crowding averages 3.0 on the NoGo scale, indicating light to moderate foot traffic. Winter snowpack lingers into late April at the summit and upper slopes; the avalanche center covers this area and rates instability as a serious concern through early May. Late May through September sees the most stable conditions and lowest NoGo Scores. October brings wind and rapid weather change. Early winter transitions (November) overlap with first snowfall and variable crowding as hikers test the first snowpack.
Magoon Hill suits peak baggers, ridge walkers, and Sierra solitude seekers who accept variable wind and some avalanche risk in exchange for low crowds. Experienced mountaineers use it as a training objective for higher peaks or as a snow-climbing drill site in spring. Casual hikers often skip it in favor of more established Yosemite corridor destinations. Plan for afternoon wind shutdowns between late morning and dusk; mornings offer the best window for any activity. Parking is roadside and informal; arrive early or very late to guarantee a spot. Cell service is unreliable. Water is seasonal (spring melt only); carry at least 2 liters.
Nearby Mount Dana (13,053 feet) and Cathedral Peak (10,911 feet) draw crowds that bypass Magoon Hill entirely. Tenaya Lake, directly west across Highway 120, offers milder conditions and stronger afternoon wind. The Tuolumne Meadows corridor to the south is busier and higher; Magoon Hill is warmer and more accessible in shoulder seasons. Visitors who find the Meadows too crowded or the passes too exposed often discover Magoon Hill's transitional character valuable for early or late-season Sierra travel.