Middle Lost Keys Lake
Lake · Yosemite corridor
Middle Lost Keys Lake sits at 9,423 feet in the Yosemite corridor's high Sierra, a glacially-fed alpine pool accessible via the eastern approach from Highway 120. Wind and cold dominate; crowding stays minimal.
Wind accelerates upslope through midday and peaks in afternoon; shelter on the north shore is marginal. The 30-day average wind of 11 mph masks gusts to 36 mph. Water temperature stays below freezing most of the year. Mornings are calmer and clearer than afternoons.
Over the past month, Middle Lost Keys Lake averaged a NoGo Score of 16, with temperatures holding near 24 degrees Fahrenheit and wind averaging 11 mph. The week ahead tracks seasonal transition typical of late April: expect warming and continued afternoon wind acceleration. Crowding remains low (averaging 6 out of 100), a consequence of high elevation and steep access.
30 days back / 7 days forward
Today's score by factor
About Middle Lost Keys Lake
Middle Lost Keys Lake occupies a cirque basin on the Sierra crest east of the Yosemite high country. The lake sits due north of Mono Basin and drains southeast toward the desert. Primary access is via Highway 120 from the west (Lee Vining gate) or a longer approach from Tioga Road if the pass is open. The lake is not a resort destination; it requires scrambling and cross-country navigation from established trailheads. Elevation of 9,423 feet places it above most summer recreation pressure and ensures late-spring snow and ice persist longer than lower alpine lakes.
Conditions at Middle Lost Keys Lake are shaped entirely by elevation and exposure. The 30-day average temperature of 24 degrees Fahrenheit reflects late-winter thermal character even into late spring. Wind averages 11 mph over 30 days but regularly exceeds 30 mph in afternoon wind events; maximum recorded gust in the rolling year is 36 mph. Afternoons are consistently windier and colder than mornings. The lake remains partially ice-covered into late May in most years. Crowding averages 6 out of 100 across the rolling 30 days, making solitude nearly guaranteed compared to Yosemite Valley or Tenaya Lake.
Middle Lost Keys Lake suits experienced backcountry travelers comfortable with scrambling, route-finding, and self-rescue in alpine terrain. Paddling, if attempted, is limited to brief calm windows in early morning; afternoon crossings are dangerous and unpredictable. Fishing is possible in ice-free months but requires carrying gear over trackless terrain. Most visitors are Sierra crest hikers linking multiple lakes or traversing the high route. Plan for nighttime temperatures below 10 degrees Fahrenheit even in midsummer. Afternoon wind makes mid-lake exposure hazardous; stay near shore or avoid the lake entirely if gusts exceed 25 mph. Parking is minimal and informal; arrive before dawn if you expect other parties.
Nearby alternatives include Lower Lost Keys Lake and other cirque basins in the Mono Divide. These sit at similar elevations and offer comparable isolation but may have slightly better shelter or water access depending on snow conditions. The open alpine character means Middle Lost Keys Lake is windier and colder than lakes in the Yosemite Valley or Tuolumne Meadows corridors. For paddlers seeking a high alpine lake with genuine solitude and minimal crowd pressure, the trade-off is accepting wind, cold, and committed access as permanent features, not occasional obstacles.