Rice Lake
Lake · Yosemite corridor
Rice Lake sits at 8,471 feet in the Yosemite corridor's high Sierra, a glacially-fed alpine basin exposed to afternoon wind and snow well into spring.
Wind accelerates off the lake by mid-afternoon, funneling through the basin. Morning air is calmer and clearer. Snow remains deep into late spring; check Highway 120 access before driving. Exposure is significant; wind commonly reaches 26 mph on open water.
Over the last 30 days, Rice Lake has averaged 11 mph wind and 29 degrees Fahrenheit, with peak gusts to 26 mph and a NoGo Score averaging 15. The week ahead follows the same pattern: expect morning calm and afternoon wind, with lingering snowpack controlling access and route viability.
30 days back / 7 days forward
Today's score by factor
About Rice Lake
Rice Lake lies in the high Sierra east of Yosemite Valley, accessed via Highway 120 toward Tioga Pass. The lake sits in a glacially-carved basin above 8,400 feet, surrounded by sparse whitebark pine and granite. Vehicle access depends on Highway 120 closure dates; the route opens progressively through late spring. The lake itself is small and exposed; it is the destination for backpackers or day hikers crossing the high passes, not a casual drive-to destination. Nearest trailheads sit several miles away; plan for high-country access standards.
Temperature at Rice Lake averages 29 degrees Fahrenheit over the past month, ranging from a 365-day low of 13 degrees to a high of 43. Wind is consistent and strong. The 30-day average of 11 mph is typical for an exposed alpine lake; max gusts regularly exceed 26 mph. Crowding averages 6 on a 10-scale, reflecting low base popularity and limited trailhead infrastructure. Spring and early summer bring rapid snowmelt; access is dictated by Highway 120 opening, which varies year to year. Late summer and early fall offer the calmest weather and best conditions.
Rice Lake suits backpackers crossing the Sierra passes and experienced day hikers comfortable with high-altitude exposure and afternoon wind. The lake is not ideal for paddling or fishing in afternoon hours; wind makes the water choppy and navigation risky. Most visitors arrive on foot, carrying gear over snow patches well into summer. Parking at the access trailhead is minimal; arrive early on weekends. The site is popular with through-hikers but rarely crowded because the approach is steep and the destination does not anchor a major loop. Expect solitude on weekdays.
Nearby alternatives include Cathedral Lakes and Echo Lake, both lower and more sheltered. The Mono Basin and eastern Sierra (accessed via Highway 395) offer similar high-country lake experiences with different drainage patterns and slightly warmer conditions. Visitors planning a multi-day High Sierra traverse should treat Rice Lake as a waypoint, not a day-trip alone; its value lies in its position on longer routes rather than as a standalone destination.