Red Cones Trailhead
Trailhead · Yosemite corridor
Red Cones Trailhead sits at 9,039 feet in Yosemite's high Sierra corridor. A jumping-off point for alpine ridges and volcanic terrain north of Tioga Pass.
Wind accelerates off exposed ridgelines by midday; mornings are markedly calmer. At this elevation, afternoon gusts routinely exceed 15 mph. Snow lingers into early summer and refreezes overnight through spring. Head out early or plan for sustained wind.
The 30-day average wind is 12 mph, but afternoon peaks frequently reach into the upper 20s. Temperature averages 31 degrees Fahrenheit over the last month; overnight lows dip well below freezing even as days warm. Crowding remains light, with an average of 13 visitors tracked. The week ahead shows typical spring volatility: watch for wind gusts above 20 mph on exposed slopes.
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About Red Cones Trailhead
Red Cones Trailhead lies on the east side of the Sierra crest near Tioga Pass, roughly 2 hours from Yosemite Valley and 90 minutes from Lee Vining via Highway 395. The trailhead sits in the volcanic high country north of Mono Basin, surrounded by cinder cones and basalt flows that define the landscape. Access is via Highway 120 from the west or Highway 395 from the east; Highway 120 typically opens in late April or early May and closes by November. The area sits at the threshold between the Yosemite corridor and the Eastern Sierra, making it a transit point for backpackers and day-hikers heading into the Red Cones area and Tioga Lake basin.
Conditions at 9,039 feet are governed by spring snowmelt and high-altitude wind exposure. The 30-day average temperature of 31 degrees Fahrenheit reflects persistent overnight freezes; daily highs may reach the low 40s on calm days but are suppressed by wind and cloud cover. The 30-day average wind of 12 mph masks the real hazard: afternoon thermals and pressure-driven gusts regularly exceed 20 mph, with the 30-day maximum recorded at 31 mph. Snow patches remain thick through early June; north-facing slopes hold snow well into July. Crowding averages only 13 visitors per rolling 30-day window, making this a low-pressure alternative to Tioga Lake or Cathedral Lakes. Summer brings warmer days but also afternoon thunderstorms; late September and early October offer the most stable conditions.
Red Cones Trailhead is best suited for fit day-hikers and backpackers comfortable with exposed, windswept ridges and lingering snowpack. This is not a beginner-friendly location. Expect rock scrambling, sparse shade, and few water sources until you drop into the Red Cones drainage. Parking is limited; arrive before 8 a.m. on weekends to secure a spot. Microspikes or light traction are mandatory through June; gaiters help with post-holing in wet snow. The trailhead receives less traffic than nearby Cathedral Lakes or Tenaya Lake, so resupply and shuttle services are minimal. Bring all water and snacks. Afternoon wind makes exposed campsites uncomfortable; plan to camp lower in forested drainages or drop early if conditions deteriorate.
Tioga Lake lies just south and offers a windier but more-accessible lake-side alternative with established camping. Cathedral Lakes and Glen Aulin sit west in the Yosemite backcountry and receive more foot traffic. Mono Lake's eastern shore (Highway 395) is warmer and lower in elevation, ideal for avoiding spring snow and wind. Red Cones Trailhead is the entry for visitors seeking solitude and high-alpine volcanic terrain; its low base popularity of 0.4 reflects both the exposure required and the sparse amenities. Time a visit for early morning departures and plan retreat routes in case afternoon wind or weather deteriorates.