Ritter Lakes
Lake · 10,862 ft · Yosemite corridor
Ritter Lakes sits at 10,862 feet in the Yosemite corridor's high Sierra, a glacially-sculpted pair fed by snowmelt. Wind exposure and avalanche terrain demand skill and timing.
Afternoon wind is the dominant pattern, funneling off the lake by mid-day and building through afternoon hours. Morning calm windows narrow to early light. At this elevation, snowpack stability and avalanche exposure define safety more than weather alone.
Over the last 30 days, Ritter Lakes averaged a NoGo score of 34.0 with wind at 12.0 mph, though gusts have topped 33.0 mph. Temperatures have averaged 22.0 degrees Fahrenheit. The week ahead will test whether spring wind patterns persist or ease; watch the 30-day trend for days when both score and wind dip below recent norms.
30 days back / 7 days forward
Today's score by factor
About Ritter Lakes
Ritter Lakes occupy a granite cirque in the high Sierra between Mounts Ritter and Banner, roughly 30 miles east of Yosemite Valley via Highway 120 and the Tioga Pass corridor. Access routes converge on the upper Lyell Fork drainage and the Pacific Crest Trail system. Base popularity is low relative to valley lakes, reflecting the high elevation, snowpack barriers, and technical approach. Gateway towns include Lee Vining (east side) and Tuolumne Meadows (west side). Spring and early summer require avalanche awareness; the approach traverses steep terrain above the main basin.
Ritter Lakes sit in the highest tier of the Yosemite corridor, where the 365-day temperature swing spans 8.0 to 33.0 degrees Fahrenheit. The 30-day average wind of 12.0 mph masks afternoon acceleration; maximum wind in the recent window reached 33.0 mph, typical for exposed high-elevation cirques. Snow typically persists into late June or early July. Average crowding over 30 days was 6.0, meaning solitude is the norm except during the brief post-snow-melt window. Afternoon wind makes morning hours the only reliable window for boating or photography.
Ritter Lakes suits experienced backcountry visitors comfortable with snow travel, avalanche terrain assessment, and self-rescue. The terrain is not beginner-friendly; rockfall, snowfield navigation, and sudden wind exposure demand proficiency. Most visits cluster in the brief window of accessible snow-free conditions once Highway 120 opens and passes remain clear. Parking near the trailhead fills quickly on weekends. Expect high-altitude exposure and plan for sudden weather shifts; the basin offers limited shelter. Skip afternoons if you are paddling or exposed on open rock.
Nearby alternatives include Cathedral Lakes to the southwest (lower elevation, more protected) and the Sierra Nevada high lakes along the Lyell Fork system. Mount Ritter itself dominates the skyline and attracts climbers; the lakes serve as base camps or day objectives for mountaineers. The comparison to Cathedral Lakes is instructive: Ritter sits higher, windier, and snow-bound longer, but rewards solitude and technical skill. The Yosemite corridor as a whole shows consistent afternoon wind; Ritter Lakes are at the extreme end of elevation and exposure, making morning visits non-negotiable.