Stanton Pass
Peak · 11,179 ft · Yosemite corridor
Stanton Pass is an 11,179-foot Sierra Nevada peak in the Yosemite corridor, sitting at the drainage divide between the Mono Basin and the Tuolumne watershed. A high-elevation crossing exposed to afternoon wind and early-season snow.
Wind accelerates through the pass by mid-afternoon, funneling off the high desert to the east. Mornings are calmer. Snowpack persists into early summer; avalanche terrain is active on approach slopes. Cold lingers at this elevation even after valley thaw.
The rolling 30-day average wind of 15 mph and temperature of 21 degrees Fahrenheit reflect spring conditions typical for this elevation. The next seven days will show whether wind and temperature hold or spike as the season shifts. Watch the chart for NoGo Score swings tied to afternoon gusts and lingering snow.
30 days back / 7 days forward
Today's score by factor
About Stanton Pass
Stanton Pass sits on the Sierra crest at 11,179 feet, marking the boundary between Mono County and Tuolumne County drainages in the eastern Yosemite corridor. Access is via Highway 120 from the west (Lee Vining or Mammoth Lakes approach) or from the Tioga Road corridor from Yosemite Valley; the pass itself is typically reached on foot or via high-alpine routes crossing from adjacent peaks. The location is remote enough that crowds remain light compared to front-country Yosemite destinations, but the approach demands fitness, route-finding skill, and avalanche awareness.
Spring and early summer conditions are dominated by lingering snowpack and wind exposure. The rolling 30-day average temperature of 21 degrees Fahrenheit and average wind of 15 mph understate the afternoon spikes; the 30-day maximum wind gust reached 42 mph, a pattern typical for this elevation and aspect. Mornings offer calmer conditions before thermal winds kick in by noon. Crowding averages 3 on a 1 to 10 scale, reflecting the pass's low profile and technical approach. By late summer, the snowpack clears, temperatures climb above freezing routinely, and wind remains the dominant variable. Winter access is avalanche-dependent and requires backcountry expertise.
Stanton Pass suits experienced backpackers, peak baggers, and ski mountaineers comfortable with exposure and self-rescue. The approach crosses avalanche terrain; check the Sierra Avalanche Center forecasts before committing. Afternoon wind makes early starts non-negotiable; plan to summit and descend before 2 PM to avoid the strongest gusts. Bring insulation even in summer; the rolling 365-day minimum temperature of 7 degrees Fahrenheit shows what a cold night can bring. Water sources are scarce on the pass itself; cache or carry sufficient reserves.
The pass pairs naturally with traverses of the Mono Divide or extensions into the Cathedral Range. Nearby peaks like Giardinelli Peak and Koip Crest offer alternative high routes with similar wind and avalanche considerations. For a less technical high-elevation experience, Highway 120 over Tioga Pass provides panoramic high-Sierra driving without the commitment of a climbing approach.