Mount Davis
Peak · 12,270 ft · Yosemite corridor
Mount Davis rises 12,270 feet in the Yosemite corridor of California's Sierra Nevada. This high alpine peak sits exposed to afternoon wind and serves hikers seeking high-country solitude.
Wind dominates the summit environment, averaging 12 mph over the last month and gusting past 30 mph by afternoon. Temperature swings sharply with elevation; expect subfreezing conditions and rapid weather changes. Morning calm windows close by midday.
Over the past 30 days, Mount Davis has averaged a NoGo Score of 34, with temperatures holding around 22 degrees Fahrenheit and winds steady at 12 mph. The next week shows typical spring volatility: watch for gusting afternoon wind and lingering snowpack on north-facing slopes. Crowding remains minimal, though Highway 120 access determines weekend traffic.
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About Mount Davis
Mount Davis crowns the high ridge east of Tenaya Lake in Yosemite's upper reaches. The approach follows the Tenaya Lake drainage into open alpine terrain where the peak stands exposed. Primary access is via Highway 120 from the west (Yosemite Valley gateway) or Highway 395 from the east (Lee Vining, Mammoth Lakes). The peak sits in avalanche terrain; winter and spring ascents require snowpack assessment from the Sacramento Avalanche Center. Base popularity is low; most traffic concentrates on Highway 120 corridor weekends when the pass is open.
Conditions at 12,270 feet shift dramatically with season. Winter and spring bring sustained snowpack and unstable slab potential on north and east aspects. Summer temperatures climb to the low 30s Fahrenheit; afternoon wind accelerates predictably by 2 pm. Fall turns volatile; early snow can trap hikers. The 30-day average temperature of 22 degrees and average wind of 12 mph reflect late-spring baseline; storms can drive temperatures below 8 degrees and wind above 33 mph within hours. Crowding averages 3 out of 10, but Highway 120 closures during winter eliminate access entirely.
Mount Davis suits experienced mountaineers comfortable with high-altitude navigation and self-rescue in exposure. The peak demands map and compass work; GPS alone fails in whiteout. Afternoon wind makes summit objectives untenable past early morning. Winter ascents require avalanche awareness and crevasse rescue proficiency. Parking at Tenaya Lake trailhead fills during clear Saturday mornings; plan an early start or weekday entry. Bring a helmet for rockfall hazard in loose gully terrain. The low crowding reflects the peak's technical demands and short reliable weather windows.
Nearby Cathedral Range peaks (Cathedral Peak, Tresidder Peak) offer similar alpine exposure with slightly more defined routes. Tenaya Lake itself provides a weather anchor; if afternoon wind whips the open water, conditions are untenable on Mount Davis. Yosemite Valley bases are 1 to 2 hours west; Lee Vining and Mammoth Lakes provide eastern approach points. The NoGo Score of 34 on average reflects genuine hazard; wait for single-digit scores before committing to ascent.