McCauley Peak
Peak · 7,903 ft · Yosemite corridor
McCauley Peak sits at 7903 feet in the Yosemite corridor of California's Sierra Nevada, a high alpine summit with avalanche terrain requiring winter caution and technical judgment.
Wind accelerates through afternoon hours, with gusts frequently reaching 21 mph. Cold temperature averages 32 degrees Fahrenheit across the rolling 30-day window. Early-morning ascents find calmer air; skip midday if exposed ridges concern you.
The rolling 30-day average wind of 8 mph masks afternoon intensification and peak gusts to 21 mph typical for this elevation and exposure. Temperature hovers near 32 degrees, with the 365-day range spanning 12 to 46 degrees. Watch the 7-day forecast closely for wind direction and snowpack stability reports from SAC (Sierra Avalanche Center) before committing.
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About McCauley Peak
McCauley Peak rises to 7903 feet in the Yosemite corridor, positioned in the high Sierra Nevada where alpine meadows and exposed granite ridges converge. Access routes funneled through Highway 120 (Tioga Pass corridor) or Highway 395 from the south; drive times from the nearest valley floors exceed 2 hours. The peak's location at the margin between Yosemite's protected valleys and the open crest creates wind-funneling effects that deepen in afternoon hours. Low base popularity (0.2) signals this is not a roadside destination; summit aspirants must plan and commit.
Winter and early spring dominate the rolling 30-day average: 32 degrees Fahrenheit temperature, 8 mph average wind rising to 21 mph peak gusts, and avalanche terrain that demands awareness. The 365-day temperature swings from a minimum of 12 degrees to a maximum of 46 degrees, anchoring this as a high-altitude zone where seasonal transition is abrupt. Crowding averages 3 out of 10 (low), so solitude is the default. Snowpack stability varies monthly; check SAC advisories before ascending, particularly after new precipitation or rapid warming cycles.
McCauley Peak suits mountaineers and experienced alpinists comfortable with avalanche terrain and exposed scrambling above timberline. The typical user carries a map and compass, monitors weather obsessively, and avoids the peak entirely if wind exceeds 20 mph or snowpack shows instability signs. Parking is limited; arrive before dawn to secure a spot. Plan for descent before afternoon wind builds. The low crowding metric means you will not jockey for trail space, but you will encounter true exposure and self-rescue scenarios if things go sideways.
Nearby summits in the Yosemite corridor (Dana, Gibbs, Parker Peak) offer similar elevation and comparable wind and avalanche dynamics. If McCauley Peak shows a NoGo Score above 40 due to wind or instability, those neighbours typically face identical conditions. The 30-day rolling NoGo average of 34 reflects the challenge inherent to high-altitude spring climbing in the Sierra; treat anything above 40 as a signal to descend or defer. Late September and early October bring the lowest crowding and the most stable snowpack; book those windows if you have flexibility.