Sharktooth Peak
Peak · 11,650 ft · Yosemite corridor
Sharktooth Peak rises to 11,650 feet in the Yosemite corridor of California's Sierra Nevada. A high-elevation alpine summit exposed to afternoon wind and variable snowpack.
Winter and spring bring persistent wind funneling across the exposed ridge; the 30-day average wind sits at 12 mph, with gusts reaching 36 mph. Mornings are calmer and significantly colder than afternoons. Snowpack instability is the dominant hazard through spring. Expect stable footing only before mid-morning.
Over the last 30 days, Sharktooth Peak averaged a NoGo Score of 34, with temperatures hovering around 24 degrees Fahrenheit and wind averaging 12 mph. The week ahead shows typical spring volatility at this elevation: morning windows tend to close by mid-afternoon as thermal wind builds. Watch the 7-day forecast for wind spikes; gusts have topped 36 mph in the rolling year.
30 days back / 7 days forward
Today's score by factor
About Sharktooth Peak
Sharktooth Peak sits at 11,650 feet on the Yosemite corridor's high spine, accessible via Highway 120 from the west or Highway 395 from the east. The peak stands in avalanche terrain managed by the Sierra Avalanche Center. Primary trailheads lie within the Tioga Pass entrance zone. Access is seasonally gated; Highway 120 typically closes in November and reopens by late May. The approach crosses high-elevation passes and requires winter travel skills April through June.
Spring conditions dominate visitor planning for Sharktooth Peak. The 30-day average temperature of 24 degrees Fahrenheit reflects the persistent snowpack; daytime highs rarely exceed the seasonal range without significant melt-out. Wind is the defining constraint. The 30-day average of 12 mph masks afternoon gusts that regularly approach 36 mph. Crowding averages 3 on the rolling 30-day metric, meaning solo or small-party ascents are normal. Stability decreases as the sun climbs; the snowpack becomes isothermal and reactive by afternoon.
Sharktooth Peak suits experienced mountaineers with avalanche training and winter travel competence. Casual hikers should avoid the approach unless conditions are exceptionally stable and confirmed by the Sierra Avalanche Center. Plan for an early morning start to beat the wind window closing by mid-day. Bring layers for the 24-degree average and prepare for sudden temperature swings as storms move through the Yosemite corridor. Parking near the trailhead is typically available outside peak season but fills on weekends as Highway 120 access improves. Snow regression varies year to year; verify current conditions with the SAC before committing.
Sharktooth Peak's high elevation and avalanche exposure make it distinct from lower Yosemite destinations like Tenaya Lake or Cathedral Lakes. Nearby peaks in the corridor, such as those accessed from Tuolumne Meadows, share similar wind and snowpack dynamics but sit at slightly lower elevations and often retain wind-loading effects longer. The peak's proximity to Highway 120 makes it a technical alternative to busier summer destinations, though spring access remains seasonal and hazardous.