Quarry Peak
Peak · 11,161 ft · Yosemite corridor
Quarry Peak sits at 11,161 feet in the Yosemite corridor's high Sierra, a glacially-sculpted summit with direct exposure to westerly flow. Typically calmer than the open ridges immediately east but windier than sheltered valleys below.
Wind funnels from the west and southwest most afternoons, peaking mid-day onward. Morning calm windows close by 10 a.m. Temperatures at elevation remain well below valley floors; expect frost through late spring. Crowding stays light year-round due to remoteness and avalanche exposure.
Over the last 30 days, Quarry Peak averaged a NoGo Score of 32.0 with mean wind of 10 mph and average temperature of 26 degrees Fahrenheit. The rolling 365-day max wind gust reached 30 mph; minimum temperature dropped to 13 degrees. Expect continued high-elevation cold and afternoon wind intensification as spring transitions to early summer.
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About Quarry Peak
Quarry Peak crowns the Yosemite corridor's eastern high Sierra at 11,161 feet. Access is primarily from the Highway 120 corridor; the nearest trailheads sit 8 to 12 miles north or south depending on the approach. The peak sits on the boundary of avalanche terrain mapped by the Sacramento Avalanche Center. Winter and early-spring ascents require careful snowpack assessment and avalanche awareness. The peak's low base popularity (0.2) reflects its remoteness and technical approach.
Spring through early summer defines the typical season. Rolling 30-day data shows mean temperature of 26 degrees Fahrenheit and average wind of 10 mph, with gusts to 30 mph not uncommon. The 365-day record shows a minimum of 13 degrees and maximum of 41 degrees, reflecting extreme diurnal swing at this elevation. Crowding averages 3.0 on a 10-point scale year-round. Afternoon wind is the dominant constraint; mornings before 10 a.m. offer the best stability window.
Quarry Peak suits experienced scramblers and climbers comfortable with exposure and avalanche terrain. Plan for early morning starts to avoid afternoon wind buildup. Water sources are snowmelt-dependent and unreliable in dry seasons. The summit commands views over the Yosemite backcountry but offers no shelter once weather turns. Parking at Highway 120 trailheads fills quickly during fair-weather weekends in late spring; weekday visits and early-morning arrivals improve logistics.
Nearby peaks along the Yosemite corridor (Cathedral Range, Unicorn Peak, Tresidder Peak) share similar avalanche exposure and afternoon wind patterns. Quarry Peak's isolation and technical access make it less crowded than valley-side destinations but require more route-finding and self-sufficiency. Visitors planning multi-day Sierra traverses use it as a waypoint rather than a destination.