Poore Lake
Lake · 7,221 ft · Yosemite corridor
Poore Lake sits at 7,221 feet in the Yosemite corridor of California's Sierra Nevada. This high-elevation lake faces consistent afternoon wind and attracts fewer visitors than lower Yosemite destinations.
Wind builds predictably through the afternoon, driven by thermal circulation off the surrounding ridges. Morning conditions are significantly calmer. The lake's exposure means even light gusts accelerate by midday. Expect reliable 12 mph average wind with occasional gusts over 30 mph. Cold persists year-round; the 30-day average sits at 30°F.
Over the past month, Poore Lake averaged a NoGo Score of 14.0 with temperatures around 30°F and wind averaging 12 mph. The week ahead will likely follow the same pattern of morning calm and afternoon wind buildup. Plan paddles and shore activities for early hours, and watch for the typical midday acceleration that peaks most afternoons.
30 days back / 7 days forward
Today's score by factor
About Poore Lake
Poore Lake lies in the high-Sierra Yosemite corridor at 7,221 feet, accessed via Highway 120 from the west or Highway 395 from the east. The lake sits in alpine terrain east of the crest, away from the main Yosemite Valley crowds. Primary trailhead access comes from the Mammoth Lakes area or from roadside pullouts along Highway 120 near the Tioga Pass approach. Elevation and isolation keep visitor numbers low compared to lower Yosemite lakes; base popularity sits at 0.25, meaning few hikers list it as a primary destination.
Conditions at Poore Lake are shaped by its high elevation and exposure to sierra thermal wind. The 30-day average wind is 12 mph with gusts reaching 35 mph on rougher days. Temperature averages 30°F and ranges from 15°F in winter to 46°F in midsummer, making it a cold-water lake year-round. Snowpack blocks access from late fall through early spring; the lake is most accessible late September through early November and late May through early September. Afternoon wind dominates every season; morning paddling windows close by mid-to-late morning most days. Crowding averages 6 out of 100, making solitude the baseline condition.
Poore Lake suits paddlers seeking isolation and conditions-conscious travelers who plan around wind and temperature. Kayakers and canoeists work the calm morning hours; afternoon visitors often find conditions marginal unless they are wind-sport athletes. Shore fishing and camping are possible but require cold-weather gear year-round. The low base popularity means parking and trailhead congestion are non-issues. Experienced Sierra users treat the afternoon wind window as hard: launch before 9 a.m., return by noon. Smoke from wildfires in late summer can degrade visibility and air quality, requiring month-ahead planning.
The Yosemite corridor offers many alternatives nearby. Tenaya Lake and Mirror Lake sit lower and warmer but see heavy crowds in peak season. Mono Lake, just south and east near Highway 395, is larger and windier, suiting windsurfers and offering a different character. The Mammoth Lakes basin provides a cluster of smaller alpine lakes at similar elevation; many are snowbound longer than Poore Lake due to aspect and drainage. Visitors choosing Poore Lake over busier Yosemite destinations trade convenience for quiet and cold.