Ragged Peak
Peak · 10,913 ft · Yosemite corridor
Ragged Peak, a 10,913-foot summit in Yosemite's high Sierra, rises along the eastern approach to the corridor. Exposed and avalanche-prone, it rewards early-season ascents and clear-weather planning.
Wind dominates the upper peak. Morning calm gives way to afternoon gusts funneling off the high country by midday. At this elevation, cold persists even in late spring; afternoon winds and exposure are the defining hazards. Head early, expect to descend by early afternoon.
Over the past 30 days, Ragged Peak averaged a NoGo Score of 34 with typical temperatures at 30 degrees Fahrenheit and average wind of 8 mph; gusts have reached 30 mph. The week ahead mirrors this pattern: cold, variable wind, and brief weather windows. Plan for narrow morning slots before conditions deteriorate.
30 days back / 7 days forward
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About Ragged Peak
Ragged Peak sits at 10,913 feet in the Yosemite corridor of the Sierra Nevada, northeast of Tenaya Lake and accessible via Highway 120 (Tioga Pass Road). The peak's position on the high crest exposes it to incoming weather systems and afternoon wind acceleration. Drive time from the Highway 120 corridor is 1 to 2 hours; from the Yosemite Valley gateway, add another hour. The approach is typically snowbound until late spring and requires avalanche awareness; avalanche terrain exposure is significant on the north and east-facing slopes.
Winter and spring conditions dominate at this elevation. The 30-day rolling average temperature of 30 degrees Fahrenheit reflects lingering snow and cold; maximum wind gusts reach 30 mph in the dataset window. Afternoon wind is the strongest tell: calm mornings shift to dangerous gusts by 10 a.m. or 11 a.m., making early starts non-negotiable. Summer brings longer daylight and warmer afternoon temperatures, but wind patterns persist and crowds increase sharply after mid-June. Fall offers the most reliable weather window, with cooler temps and lighter wind. Winter attempts demand full avalanche gear and training; the snowpack is unstable and cross-loaded by wind.
This peak suits experienced mountaineers and backcountry skiers comfortable with avalanche terrain and self-rescue. Crowds are light; the base popularity of 0.2 reflects low foot traffic compared to Yosemite Valley classics. Most visitors are snow-travel specialists planning multiday traverses or ski tours. Day hikers targeting the summit are rare and typically arrive in late summer or early fall. Parking near the Highway 120 approach fills quickly on weekends, but the low base popularity means midweek access is usually open. Winter approach requires snow climbing or ski mountaineering skills; summer scrambles are class 3 to 4 rock.
Nearby alternatives include Cathedral Peak and Tenaya Peak, both accessible from similar Highway 120 approaches but with less avalanche exposure and slightly lower crowds. Mount Lyell, the highest peak in the Yosemite corridor at 13,114 feet, draws more traffic but sits further south. For skiers, the Cockscomb and Unicorn Peak offer comparable snow terrain with marginally better shelter. Ragged Peak is best paired with a multiday Sierra traverse or a standalone alpine objective for late September through early October, when snow bridges are gone, afternoon wind is moderate, and the corridor sees the fewest visitors.