Roundtree Saddle
Peak · 5,531 ft · Yosemite corridor
Roundtree Saddle sits at 5531 feet in the high Sierra east of Yosemite Valley, a high-elevation pass with exposure to afternoon wind and variable snow. A technical approach for experienced winter travelers.
Wind averages 7 mph but funnels hard in afternoon, reaching 21 mph on exposed days. Temperature hovers near 49 degrees across the rolling month. Snow lingers into early summer; approach is steep and avalanche-exposed in winter and spring.
The 30-day average wind of 7 mph masks afternoon gusts common at this saddle; afternoon arrival typically means stronger headwind. The 30-day high of 21 mph shows how exposed this pass becomes. Current conditions show moderate crowding (3.0 average) but avalanche terrain demands stable snowpack and skill. Watch the forecast closely before committing to a winter approach.
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About Roundtree Saddle
Roundtree Saddle is a high-Sierra pass at 5531 feet in the Yosemite corridor, lying east of Yosemite Valley in the High Sierra backcountry. Access typically requires a multi-day backpack or snow travel from trailheads near Yosemite Valley or Highway 120. The saddle sits in steep, avalanche-prone terrain and is chiefly navigated by winter mountaineers and experienced summer backpackers linking drainages. No direct parking or developed approach exists; entry demands either a long approach hike or winter ski/snowshoe ascent through complex terrain.
Conditions at Roundtree Saddle are defined by high elevation and exposure. The 30-day average temperature of 49 degrees reflects persistent spring chill even as lower elevations warm. Wind averages 7 mph but afternoon flow accelerates, with 21 mph peaks on clear days when upper-elevation winds channel across the pass. Crowding remains light (3.0 average) because access demands serious mileage and technical skill. Winter snowpack typically persists through late spring; summer is brief and dry. Afternoon wind and unstable snow in early season dictate timing: early morning starts and careful avalanche assessment are non-negotiable.
Roundtree Saddle suits mountaineers and high-country backpackers with winter and spring travel experience. Summer day hikers rarely reach it; the approach is long and unmarked. Winter and spring travelers must carry avalanche rescue gear, understand slope stability, and plan for whiteout conditions. Park vehicles at trailheads near Yosemite Valley or Highway 120 gateway towns; no facilities exist at the saddle. Experienced parties use it as a linking pass between east-side and west-side drainages. Solo travel is not recommended given avalanche terrain and remoteness.
Nearby high passes like Mono Pass and Tioga Pass offer similar elevation and exposure but with more defined trail infrastructure and lower avalanche hazard. The Yosemite High Country sees similar wind patterns and spring crowding; Roundtree Saddle's low base popularity (0.2) reflects its technical nature and the SAC avalanche center's designation of the zone as avalanche terrain. Winter approach via this saddle requires constant snowpack monitoring and roped-team protocols on slopes steeper than 35 degrees.