Negro Hill
Peak · 2,575 ft · Yosemite corridor
Negro Hill is a 2575-foot peak in the Yosemite corridor of California's Sierra Nevada. Moderate elevation and south-facing aspect make it warmer and drier than higher ridges nearby.
Wind builds steadily through midday and peaks in early afternoon as thermal currents climb the south face. Morning calm extends roughly until 10 a.m. Exposed ridgeline means gusts funnel across the summit; sheltered gullies on the north side offer brief refuge. Crowding remains light year-round.
Over the last 30 days, Negro Hill averaged a NoGo Score of 32 with winds around 7 mph and temperatures near 54 degrees Fahrenheit. The week ahead tracks close to that baseline; expect mild afternoon wind and consistent spring conditions. Watch for rapid temperature swings as snow retreats at higher elevations and thermal activity increases.
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About Negro Hill
Negro Hill sits at 2575 feet on the eastern edge of the Yosemite corridor, roughly 15 miles northeast of the Highway 140 junction near Mariposa. The peak rises south of the Highway 120 corridor that connects Yosemite Valley to Tioga Pass. Access is typically via foot from adjacent trailheads or approaches from the Highway 395 side. The location sits in terrain managed by the Sierra Avalanche Center; winter and spring ascents require assessment of snowpack stability and slab hazard. Base popularity is low, meaning solitude is common even on weekends.
Negro Hill's conditions character shifts markedly with season. Winter snowpack can reach 3 to 6 feet at elevation, creating avalanche terrain on slopes steeper than 30 degrees. Spring brings rapid melt and unstable slabs through April and May; avoid south-facing approaches during warm afternoons. Summer (late June onward) offers stable snow-free conditions with temperatures ranging from 60 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Fall cools rapidly; frost returns by mid-September. Wind averages 7 mph over the rolling 30-day window but gusts to 20 mph in afternoon thermals. Crowding stays light at an average of 3 on a 10-point scale; the peak sees sporadic use compared to Highway 120 gateway peaks.
Negro Hill suits experienced scramblers and peakbaggers comfortable with exposure and wind. The south-facing aspect dries quickly after snow, making it accessible weeks before north-facing neighbours. Afternoon wind and thermal instability make mornings ideal; head out by 8 a.m. if weather allows. Parking near access points is rarely constrained due to low visitation. Bring extra layers; temperature swings of 15 to 20 degrees between morning and afternoon are routine. The peak's position in avalanche terrain demands proper training and current snowpack awareness during snow season; consult the Sierra Avalanche Center forecast before spring trips.
Negro Hill pairs well with Highway 120 corridor peaks like Tioga Peak and Cathedral Range peaks to the west. The low base popularity makes it a quieter alternative to heavily trafficked summits visible from Yosemite Valley. Views extend east across Mono Basin and west toward the Sierra crest. Storm exposure increases dramatically in winter and early spring; the isolated ridgeline offers no shelter once wind picks up. Mileage and route-finding vary significantly by approach; plan extra time for snow navigation in spring.