Robinson Lakes
Lake · Yosemite corridor
Robinson Lakes sits at 9,255 feet in the Yosemite corridor's high Sierra, a glacially-sculpted pair of basins fed by snowmelt. Wind-exposed and cold, it runs calmer than lower-elevation lakes in the Tioga Pass zone.
Afternoon wind dominates. The 30-day average wind is 15 mph, with gusts exceeding 40 mph by mid-day as thermals rise off the open water and surrounding granite. Morning hours offer the flattest conditions. Cold persists even in peak season; the 365-day average low is 7 degrees Fahrenheit, and even summer highs rarely climb past 34 degrees.
Over the past 30 days, Robinson Lakes averaged a NoGo Score of 16.0, with wind swinging between 6 and 32. The 30-day average wind of 15 mph and temperature of 21 degrees underscore the thin margin for calm conditions at this elevation. The week ahead will follow the same pattern: head early or expect sustained afternoon chop.
30 days back / 7 days forward
Today's score by factor
About Robinson Lakes
Robinson Lakes occupies a remote cirque basin in the high Sierra, roughly 5 miles northwest of Tioga Pass on California Highway 120. Access is via the high country approach from Lee Vining or from the Tuolumne Meadows area; neither route is straightforward. The lakes sit at 9,255 feet, well above treeline, in an area that does not open reliably until late spring. Backcountry camping and fishing are the primary uses. Parking and trailhead infrastructure are minimal; this is not a drive-to destination. Most visitors approach from the Tioga Pass corridor or via multi-day backpack routes originating from higher Yosemite or Inyo National Forest trailheads.
Winter and early spring snowpack typically blocks access until late May or early June, depending on snow year. Even after the passes open, Robinson Lakes remains cold and windy. The 30-day average temperature of 21 degrees and the 365-day low of 7 degrees reflect the severe alpine environment. Wind is the dominant constraint: the 30-day average wind is 15 mph, with maximum gusts recorded at 42 mph. Crowding averages 6 out of 100, meaning solitude is nearly guaranteed. Late September through early October offers the most stable weather window before early storms push back in; by then, the 365-day maximum temperature of 34 degrees is typical for daytime highs.
Robinson Lakes suits experienced backpackers and climbers comfortable with sustained cold, wind, and self-sufficiency. Fishing pressure is light due to the remote access and short season. Paddlers planning to launch any craft should expect afternoon chop and should launch in the first light hours to secure any window of flat water. The site offers minimal shelter from wind and no developed amenities. Expect to pack in all water treatment, food, and camping gear. The high elevation and exposure mean weather can shift rapidly; afternoon thunderstorms are possible even in stable seasons. Parties should plan exits by early afternoon to avoid getting trapped by wind or deteriorating visibility.
The Tioga Pass corridor includes several other high-elevation basins and passes within a day's travel. Nearby Gull Lake and Lee Vining Lake sit at lower elevations east of the Sierra crest and offer more reliable road access and less dramatic wind patterns. For climbers and scramblers, the peaks surrounding Robinson Lakes offer routes to 11,000+ feet but require rock scrambling experience and awareness of afternoon lightning risk. Robinson Lakes itself is best paired with a multi-day itinerary that builds in flexibility for weather windows rather than as a standalone day-trip destination.