Rodgers Pass
Peak · 12,287 ft · Yosemite corridor
Rodgers Pass is a 12,287-foot peak in the Yosemite corridor of the Sierra Nevada. High-elevation exposed terrain with variable wind and seasonal snow access via Highway 120.
Wind accelerates over this high pass in afternoon hours, particularly when Sierra ridgeline flow aligns with valley drainage patterns. Morning calm gives way to sustained gusts by late day. Snowpack dominates winter and spring approach; exposed granite and corniced ridges require avalanche awareness year-round.
Over the last 30 days, Rodgers Pass averaged a NoGo Score of 33, with wind averaging 12 mph and temperature at 22 degrees Fahrenheit. The week ahead follows the same seasonal pattern: expect afternoon wind intensification and continue monitoring avalanche bulletins from the Sierra Avalanche Center. Conditions are most stable in early morning windows and after weather systems move through.
30 days back / 7 days forward
Today's score by factor
About Rodgers Pass
Rodgers Pass sits on the crest of the Sierra Nevada in the Yosemite corridor, accessed via Highway 120 (Tioga Pass Road). The pass connects the high desert east of the range to Yosemite Valley to the west. Elevation of 12,287 feet places it above treeline in steep, exposed terrain with glacially-carved drainages and granite ridges. The nearest gateway town is Lee Vining to the east; Yosemite Valley lies roughly 1 to 2 hours west by car depending on snow conditions.
Winter and spring bring heavy snowpack; Highway 120 closes seasonally when accumulation and avalanche risk exceed safe thresholds. The 30-day average temperature of 22 degrees Fahrenheit and sustained wind of 12 mph with gusts to 40 mph define the current shoulder season. Afternoon wind is routine as the pass funnels Sierra ridgeline flow. Crowding remains low (3.0 average on the rolling index) outside of holiday weekends and the first few days after highway re-opening. Late September through October sees stable weather and minimal snow, drawing the most reliable visitor windows.
Rodgers Pass suits backcountry skiers, mountaineers, and ridge runners familiar with high-elevation exposure and avalanche terrain. Summer hikers use the area for peak-baggers and pass traverses. Plan for morning departure to avoid afternoon wind; afternoon conditions here are consistently stronger than lower-elevation alternatives in the Yosemite corridor. Parking is minimal; the pass itself is the destination, not a launch point for long treks. Carry avalanche safety gear (beacon, probe, shovel) in winter and spring; consult the Sierra Avalanche Center before any ascent or descent in snow.
Nearby Mount Dana (13,053 feet) lies just north and offers similar exposure with slightly different drainage patterns. Tenaya Lake and Cathedral Lakes corridor to the west provides lower-elevation alternatives with less wind and snow persistence. Mono Basin east of the pass offers desert-floor contrast and is accessible via US 395 when Highway 120 is closed.