Moat Lake
Lake · Yosemite corridor
Moat Lake sits at 10,646 feet in the Yosemite corridor of the Sierra Nevada. This high-elevation alpine lake is sheltered but exposed to afternoon wind funneling off nearby ridges.
Wind dominates Moat Lake's character. Mornings are typically calm; by mid-afternoon, gusts accelerate as thermal circulation pulls air off the surrounding slopes. The 30-day average wind of 14 mph masks stronger daily swings. Cold persists year-round; expect afternoon wind to accelerate evaporation and chill exposed skin rapidly.
Over the last 30 days, Moat Lake has averaged a NoGo Score of 15.0, with temperatures hovering near 25 degrees Fahrenheit and wind averaging 14 mph. The week ahead looks similar; plan around morning calm windows and afternoon wind intensification. Crowding remains low at an average of 6.0, so timing your arrival around weather rather than people is the priority.
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About Moat Lake
Moat Lake lies in the high-elevation Yosemite corridor, accessed via Highway 120 from the west or Highway 395 from the east. The lake sits above 10,600 feet on a bench near the Cathedral Range drainage. Primary access is via trailhead parking in the Tenaya Lake or Tuolumne Meadows area, with drive times of 45 to 90 minutes from Yosemite Valley depending on route and season. Snow closes many approach routes from November through May; confirm Highway 120 conditions before attempting a spring or early-season visit.
Moat Lake's 30-day average temperature of 25 degrees Fahrenheit reflects its elevation and late-season timing. Wind averaging 14 mph with gusts to 33 mph is typical for this exposure; the lake sits in a natural funnel where afternoon thermal heating drives consistent drainage-wind patterns. Crowding averages 6.0, making it relatively quiet even in peak season. Summer conditions warm the lake and reduce wind stress, but access remains weather-dependent. Early fall brings calmer afternoons and clearer air; late fall and winter see extended periods of snow and closure.
Moat Lake suits hikers and backpackers seeking high-elevation alpine immersion with manageable crowds. The location attracts off-season visitors targeting the gap between summer madness and winter closure. Experienced parties plan morning departures to avoid afternoon wind. Pack layering for rapid temperature swings; the 10-degree minimum on the 365-day record means exposed skin cooling is rapid. Parking at nearby trailheads fills on clear weekends following Highway 120 reopening; arrive early or plan a weekday visit to secure space.
Nearby alternatives include Cathedral Lakes and Glen Aulin, which sit at similar elevations and experience parallel wind and temperature regimes. Cathedral Lakes offer slightly more shelter from ridge exposure. Tenaya Lake, lower and closer to Highway 120, has warmer afternoons but higher foot traffic. For those seeking a lower-elevation, less-windy variant within the Yosemite corridor, Saddlebag Lake on Highway 120's east side offers comparable access and reduced afternoon wind intensity.