Mono Meadow Trailhead
Trailhead · Yosemite corridor
Mono Meadow Trailhead sits at 7323 feet in the Yosemite corridor of California's Sierra Nevada, offering access to high-elevation meadow and lake terrain east of the Sierra crest.
Wind averages 7 mph but can spike to 17 mph by afternoon, funneling off adjacent water features and exposed ridges. Morning calm typically holds until late morning. Expect afternoon gusts and rapid temperature swings; the 30-day average of 41°F masks daily swings from near freezing to above 50°F.
Over the last 30 days, Mono Meadow Trailhead averaged a NoGo Score of 17.0 with temperatures near 41°F and average wind of 7 mph. The week ahead will track similarly, with afternoon wind remaining the dominant variable. Plan morning visits to avoid the typical mid-day acceleration.
30 days back / 7 days forward
Today's score by factor
About Mono Meadow Trailhead
Mono Meadow Trailhead sits on Highway 120 east of Yosemite Valley, in the rain-shadow corridor that straddles the Sierra crest. The trailhead accesses subalpine meadows, cirque lakes, and sparse conifer forest typical of the Mono Basin transition zone. Highway 120 is the primary approach from the west (via Yosemite Valley and Tioga Pass) or from the east (via Lee Vining and Mono Basin). The drive from Yosemite Village takes roughly 90 minutes; from Lee Vining, 45 to 60 minutes. Elevation at the trailhead is 7323 feet, putting it above the valley but well below the highest surrounding ridges.
Conditions here track the classic high-Sierra spring and early-summer pattern. Average wind of 7 mph masks a reliable afternoon acceleration; gusts to 17 mph are common by mid-afternoon. Temperature swings are sharp: 365-day data shows a floor of 7°F in winter and a ceiling of 62°F in summer, with the current 30-day average at 41°F. Crowding averages 14 out of 100, staying light relative to valley trailheads even on weekends. Late September through early October typically sees the calmest, warmest, and least crowded conditions. Late spring (mid-May onward) brings reliable snowmelt patterns and trail access but also afternoon winds and afternoon crowd pulses on weekends.
Mono Meadow Trailhead suits hikers and backpackers targeting alpine lakes, snow-fed streams, and subalpine ecology without the extreme elevation or crowds of the high passes. The light crowding (14 average) makes it a practical choice for visitors seeking solitude or easier parking compared to popular Yosemite Valley trailheads. Plan early starts to avoid afternoon wind; the 30-day max wind of 17 mph can make exposed terrain uncomfortable and accelerate dehydration at altitude. Water is reliable from meadow runoff and lake inlets in snow-fed seasons but can be sparse by late summer. Snowpack persists well into late May on north-facing slopes; check CalTopo or local ranger reports before committing to high routes.
Nearby alternatives include Cathedral Lakes Trailhead (west, higher traffic, stronger afternoon wind exposure) and Glen Aulin Trailhead (northwest, similar elevation and patterns but busier). Tioga Lake sits immediately adjacent east; its exposed character amplifies wind relative to the sheltered meadow basins. For visitors approaching from the Mono Basin, Mono Meadow Trailhead offers quicker high-country access than the longer approaches from Mammoth Lakes to the south.