Maltby Lake
Lake · Yosemite corridor
Maltby Lake sits at 9,751 feet in the Yosemite corridor of California's Sierra Nevada. This alpine lake is windier than lower Sierran neighbors and best visited on calm mornings.
Wind dominates Maltby Lake's character. The 30-day average wind of 15 mph masks afternoon gusts that funnel across the open water by early afternoon. Mornings are calmer and clearer; by midday, expect sustained wind and chop. Temperature averages 21 degrees Fahrenheit over the last month, so dress in layers.
Over the last 30 days, Maltby Lake has averaged a NoGo Score of 17.0, with wind averaging 15 mph and temperatures holding at 21 degrees Fahrenheit. The week ahead will show whether calm mornings persist or afternoon wind strengthens. Check the trend grid below to spot the best launch windows before conditions degrade each afternoon.
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Today's score by factor
About Maltby Lake
Maltby Lake lies in the high-Sierra backcountry east of Highway 120, within the Yosemite corridor. The lake sits at 9,751 feet elevation, fed by snowmelt drainage systems typical of the high country. Access requires driving Highway 120 to the Tioga Pass entrance or via Yosemite Valley, then hiking or riding into the backcountry. The lake is a destination for backpackers and day-hikers seeking alpine terrain. Nearby Tenaya Lake and the Cathedral Lakes drainage provide context for understanding the local water network.
Conditions at Maltby Lake follow predictable alpine patterns. Wind averages 15 mph over the last 30 days, with maximum gusts reaching 42 mph. Temperature averages 21 degrees Fahrenheit; daily extremes range from 7 degrees in winter to 34 degrees in summer over the past year. Snow typically blocks access until late spring; by late September, early storms can return. Crowds remain light year-round due to the remote backcountry location, with the heaviest use occurring in midsummer after Highway 120 fully opens. Afternoon wind is the dominant constraint for any water-based activity.
Maltby Lake suits backpackers, alpine hikers, and experienced paddlers who tolerate sustained wind. Experienced visitors plan morning-only trips to avoid the afternoon wind funnel. The lake's small size and cold temperature mean short paddling or fishing sessions. Parking near the trailhead fills on weekends, though the hike-in distance keeps crowds lower than roadside lakes. Water temperature remains cold throughout the year, necessitating a wetsuit or dry suit for any immersion. Carry extra layers; temperature swings from morning calm to afternoon wind can be dramatic.
Nearby Cathedral Lakes and Tenaya Lake offer comparable alpine terrain with similar wind exposure. Cathedral Lakes drainage sits slightly lower and is more heavily trafficked. Tenaya Lake, directly on Highway 120, is warmer and more accessible but far more crowded on weekends. For those seeking a true backcountry alpine lake with minimal crowds and willing to work around afternoon wind, Maltby Lake is a logical choice within the Yosemite corridor.