Skelton Lakes
Lake · Yosemite corridor
Skelton Lakes sits at 10,518 feet in the Yosemite corridor of the Sierra Nevada. A high alpine lake exposed to afternoon wind, it offers solitude most weekdays.
Wind builds from calm mornings into consistent afternoon flows, averaging 10 mph with gusts to 30 mph by late day. The lake's open exposure means shelter is minimal. Head early, before the wind kicks up around midday.
Over the past 30 days, Skelton Lakes averaged a NoGo Score of 16 with temperatures around 26 degrees Fahrenheit and average wind of 10 mph. The week ahead will show whether those afternoon gusts persist or back off; plan morning visits if wind peaks return.
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About Skelton Lakes
Skelton Lakes lies in the high Sierra east of Yosemite Valley, accessed via Highway 120 and high country roads into the Yosemite corridor. The lake sits at 10,518 feet on the east slope, well above the valley floor. Primary access is from Lee Vining or Tioga Pass; expect a 1.5 to 2 hour drive from the valley. The route crosses high passes that can close with early or late season snow, making late spring and early fall the reliable windows. Winter access requires high-clearance vehicles or is blocked entirely. Summer road conditions are typically reliable from early July onward.
Temperatures at Skelton Lakes average 26 degrees Fahrenheit over the past month, reflecting the high elevation; expect swings between 12 and 38 degrees across the year. Wind is the dominant weather driver. The 30-day average wind is 10 mph, but gusts reach 30 mph in the afternoon as thermals develop off the bare slopes surrounding the lake. Morning conditions are typically flat calm. Crowding remains light at 6 on the rolling average, a reflection of the remote location and the high barrier of access. The lake clears of snow by mid-July most years; earlier springs push the opening to late June.
Skelton Lakes suits hikers, backcountry campers, and fishers comfortable with high elevation exposure and willing to plan around wind. Paddlers should avoid the afternoon unless conditions are unusually calm. The lake is too small for motorboats and rarely crowded, making it ideal for those fleeing the Yosemite Valley corridor. Experienced visitors target Tuesday to Thursday mornings before midday wind. Parking is limited; arrive early or be prepared to walk from a distant pullout. Afternoon wind makes swimming and paddling unpleasant; save water activities for dawn.
Nearby Tioga Lake and Tenaya Lake offer similar high-Sierra conditions but with somewhat more shelter and better developed access. Gull Lake to the east sits slightly lower and warmer. Visitors combining Skelton Lakes with a Yosemite Valley trip should plan them as separate outings, as the drive time and elevation change make a single day impractical. The Yosemite corridor contains a series of high-country lakes; Skelton is one of the quietest and most wind-exposed.