Saint Marys Pass
Peak · 10,124 ft · Yosemite corridor
Saint Marys Pass sits at 10,124 feet in the Yosemite corridor's high Sierra, a windswept alpine crossing between glacially-carved valleys. Exposed and remote, it demands respect for weather and avalanche terrain.
Wind dominates here. Afternoons funnel sustained gusts down from higher peaks; mornings offer a brief calm window before mid-day thermals build. Cold persists year-round, even during the brief summer window. Snowpack stability is critical in winter and spring; cornices form on the leeward side.
Over the past 30 days, the 30-day average wind has held at 11 mph with peaks to 31 mph, and average temperature has stayed near 29 degrees Fahrenheit. The NoGo Score averaged 32, indicating marginal conditions more often than not. The week ahead will likely mirror this pattern: expect afternoon wind intensification, stable mornings, and no significant warm trend in sight.
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About Saint Marys Pass
Saint Marys Pass lies on the high Sierra crest in the Yosemite corridor, accessible via Highway 120 (Tioga Pass road) from the east or via backcountry approach from Yosemite Valley to the west. The pass sits between Mammoth Lakes and Yosemite National Park; the nearest gateway town with services is Lee Vining, roughly 40 miles south via Highway 395. This is not a casual walk-up destination. The peak is a true alpine crossing used primarily by mountaineers, backcountry skiers, and hard-core hikers; casual traffic is minimal, reflected in its low base popularity of 0.2.
Conditions at Saint Marys Pass are governed by elevation and exposure. Average temperature over the past 30 days has been 29 degrees Fahrenheit; the annual range spans 16 to 43 degrees. Wind is relentless, averaging 11 mph with gusts documented to 31 mph. Mornings are calmest; by mid-afternoon, wind funnels across the pass and intensifies. Snow closes the approaches from late October through June in typical years. Avalanche terrain is significant; the pass sits in avalanche-prone country. Check the Sierra Avalanche Center forecast before any winter or spring visit. Spring cornices form regularly on the leeward side and present falling hazards.
Saint Marys Pass is for experienced mountaineers, backcountry skiers with avalanche training, and peak baggers with solid alpine skills. Plan for early morning starts to avoid afternoon wind. Expect to move fast; lingering on the summit is uncomfortable. The pass is not suitable for families, casual hikers, or anyone unfamiliar with alpine hazards. Cell service is nonexistent. The rolling 30-day average crowding of 3 (on a scale typical of remote high-Sierra locations) reflects very few visitors; solitude is nearly guaranteed, but that also means no help if conditions deteriorate. Weather can shift rapidly; a clear morning can become dangerous by noon.
Nearby alternatives include Mono Pass to the south (slightly lower, often more accessible in shoulder seasons) and Cathedral Pass to the west (shorter, more heavily trafficked). For skiers and climbers, the Mono Basin and the Cathedral Range offer more sheltered options. However, Saint Marys Pass offers direct, high-altitude access to the Yosemite and Mono country for those with the skills and fitness to climb it. The isolation and the raw alpine character are the draw for the small, dedicated user base.