Nettle Pass
Peak · 10,593 ft · Yosemite corridor
Nettle Pass is a 10,593-foot Sierra Nevada peak in the Yosemite corridor. High-elevation exposure and wind-prone terrain make it best visited during calm morning windows.
Wind dominates the pass; afternoon funneling off adjacent terrain builds predictably by mid-day. Morning calm typically holds until mid-morning. Exposure is severe; weather can shift within an hour. Crowding is light year-round.
Over the last 30 days, Nettle Pass averaged a NoGo Score of 34 with a 30-day average wind of 12 mph and temperatures near 22 degrees Fahrenheit. The week ahead will test whether afternoon winds stay below the 30-day max of 33 mph or exceed typical patterns.
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About Nettle Pass
Nettle Pass sits at 10,593 feet on the crest of the high Sierra, north of Tioga Pass and within the Yosemite corridor. Access is typically via Highway 120 and trailhead approaches from the east side. The pass is a climber and backpacker objective, rarely visited casually. Base popularity is low, making crowding negligible even during peak season. The location has avalanche terrain and requires winter avalanche assessment in spring and early summer when snowpack is unstable.
Temperatures at Nettle Pass range from a 365-day low of 8 degrees to a high of 33 degrees Fahrenheit. The 30-day average temperature sits at 22 degrees, typical for late-spring conditions at this elevation. Wind is the dominant constraint: the 30-day average is 12 mph, but gusts reach 33 mph frequently. Morning conditions are calmer; afternoon wind builds reliably as convection and orographic forcing intensify. Expect minimal crowds regardless of season.
Nettle Pass suits experienced high-elevation hikers, climbers, and ski mountaineers with avalanche awareness. Summer ascents (late June through early September) avoid snow hazard but face afternoon wind without fail. Spring and early summer require avalanche knowledge; wet slabs and cornice failures are common after warm days. Winter ascents are rare and demand full alpine gear and route-finding skill. Most visitors plan for morning departure and early summit push to avoid afternoon deterioration.
Nearby alternatives include peaks accessible from Tioga Pass and Highway 395 corridors. Nettle Pass is more exposed and higher than many Yosemite-corridor approaches, making it a destination for peak-baggers and ski mountaineers rather than day hikers. The low base popularity and light crowding reflect its remoteness and technical commitment relative to iconic Yosemite Valley or Tuolumne Meadows routes.