Middle Young Lake
Lake · Yosemite corridor
Middle Young Lake sits at 10,020 feet in the Yosemite corridor's high Sierra, a glacially-fed alpine basin sheltered from afternoon wind by surrounding ridges. Colder and calmer than lower-elevation Yosemite Valley water.
Wind accelerates off the lake surface by mid-afternoon, typically gusting 15 to 25 mph. Morning hours are markedly calmer. Surface temperature averages 26 degrees Fahrenheit; even summer visits mean cold-water exposure. Clear skies and low humidity dominate; afternoon thunderstorms roll in late summer.
Over the past 30 days, the 30-day average wind of 10 mph has kept conditions moderate, with temperatures averaging 26 degrees Fahrenheit. The week ahead follows typical Sierra spring patterns: calm mornings turning choppy by midday, with maximum wind around 30 mph possible on exposed days. Plan morning visits to avoid the afternoon funneling effect.
30 days back / 7 days forward
Today's score by factor
About Middle Young Lake
Middle Young Lake occupies a north-facing cirque basin at 10,020 feet on the Yosemite corridor's eastern spine. The lake drains north into the Middle Young Lake Creek system, part of the Tuolumne River watershed. Primary access runs via Highway 120 from Lee Vining (east side) or Yosemite Valley (west side); Highway 120 closes seasonally, typically reopening late spring. The lake lies 2 to 3 hours' drive from either gateway. Nearest supply points are Lee Vining to the east and Yosemite Village to the west. Parking exists at established trailheads; arrive early on weekends to secure space.
The lake's position at 10,020 feet places it in the subalpine zone, where snowpack persists into early summer and night temperatures drop below freezing most of the year. The 30-day average temperature of 26 degrees Fahrenheit reflects typical April conditions; summer daytime highs rarely exceed 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Wind averages 10 mph over 30 days but peaks at 30 mph on exposed afternoons; morning calm persists reliably until mid-morning. The 30-day average crowding of 6 (on a scale of 10) means the lake draws steadier traffic than true backcountry but fewer visitors than roadside pullouts. Crowds spike the first full weekends after Highway 120 opens.
Middle Young Lake suits backpackers, alpine fishers, and photographers seeking high-Sierra isolation without extreme technical terrain. Experienced visitors plan for cold-water immersion; wetsuits or drysuits are standard for any water activity. Afternoon wind makes morning departure or early-afternoon return mandatory for paddle sports. Snowpack and creek-crossing difficulty drive trip timing; early-summer attempts encounter hazardous water flows and may require route-finding around lingering snow. Camping happens at established sites near the lake; no facilities exist. Bring a water filter and expect limited cell coverage.
Nearby alternatives within the Yosemite corridor include North Young Lake (slightly lower elevation, less wind-exposed) and Tenaya Lake (busier, more developed access). Upper Cathedral Lake sits west across the Sierra crest, with similar alpine character but longer approach. Visitors pairing Middle Young with other Sierra destinations typically loop through Lyell Canyon or Mono Basin; check Highway 120 opening dates before committing to east-side trips in early season.