Richardson Peak
Peak · 9,849 ft · Yosemite corridor
Richardson Peak rises to 9,849 feet in the Yosemite corridor of California's Sierra Nevada. A high, exposed summit with significant avalanche terrain and steep approach slopes.
Wind accelerates over the ridgeline by mid-day; the peak catches afternoon gusts that spare lower drainages. Morning windows close fast. Snow presence and stability dominate route planning from fall through spring. Expect cold and sustained wind even on calmer days.
The rolling 30-day average wind stands at 10 mph with peaks to 28 mph, and temperatures average 27 degrees Fahrenheit. The score has stayed in the low 30s, indicating marginal to poor conditions are the norm here. Watch this week for any dips below the 30-day average; those windows shrink fast at elevation.
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About Richardson Peak
Richardson Peak sits in the high Sierra east of Yosemite Valley, accessible from the Tioga Pass corridor via Highway 120. The peak's true location places it within the SAC avalanche forecast zone. Approach routes are varied and technical; most parties access the peak from the eastern Sierra side rather than the valley floor. Drive time from the Yosemite entrance at Tioga Pass is roughly 1 hour to trailhead. The peak's low base popularity (0.2) reflects its technical terrain and avalanche exposure; few casual hikers attempt it.
Richardson Peak's 9,849-foot elevation sits above the wet-slab zone in spring and early summer but remains in seasonal snow through much of the year. Rolling 30-day temperatures average 27 degrees Fahrenheit; expect single digits on calm mornings and readings in the upper 30s on warm afternoons. Wind averages 10 mph over the month but peaks at 28 mph on ridge passages. The 30-day NoGo score averages 33, meaning marginal or poor conditions dominate. Crowding averages only 3 out of 10, reflecting the peak's remote access and technical demands.
Richardson Peak suits experienced mountaineers and ski mountaineers with avalanche awareness and winter travel skills. Casual day hikers find the approach steep and exposed. Winter and spring ascents require solid route finding, avalanche terrain judgment, and snow climbing competence. The peak's prominence and elevation mean afternoon wind is nearly guaranteed; head out before dawn and aim to summit by noon. Parking at trailheads fills slowly given low popularity, but snow conditions and avalanche risk dictate the window far more than crowding. Bring a satellite communicator or check in via cell before committing to the approach.
Nearby peaks in the Yosemite corridor offer less technical alternatives; Dana Peak to the north sits only 40 feet lower but has more established routes and less avalanche terrain. Mount Lewis to the south is slightly lower and less exposed but still requires winter skills in season. Richardson Peak's appeal lies in its isolation and steep northeast face; it rewards experienced climbers who plan for avalanche terrain and commit to early starts. The SAC forecast should drive your decision to climb; poor scores on Richardson Peak persist longer than on less-exposed summits.