Upper Davis Lake
Lake · 10,265 ft · Yosemite corridor
Upper Davis Lake sits at 10,265 feet in the Yosemite corridor's high Sierra, a glacially-fed alpine pool exposed to afternoon wind funneling off surrounding ridges.
Wind accelerates mid-afternoon as thermal circulation strengthens; mornings are calmer and clearer. The lake sits fully exposed at high elevation with no shelter. Temperature swings wide between sun and shade. Afternoon gusts arrive predictably; wind shadows exist only near the eastern shore.
The 30-day average wind of 12 mph masks afternoon peaks; gusts have reached 33 mph in the rolling year. Temperature hovers near 22 degrees Fahrenheit on average over the last month, though the annual range spans 8 to 33 degrees. Expect low crowding (6.0 on average). The week ahead follows typical spring patterns: cold mornings warming slowly, wind building by noon.
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About Upper Davis Lake
Upper Davis Lake occupies a glacially-carved basin in the high Sierra within the Yosemite corridor, reached via Highway 120 from the west or Highway 395 from the east. The lake drains north into the Lyell Fork of the Tuolumne River. Access is primarily from the Tioga Road corridor; trailheads serve climbers approaching Mono Basin peaks and backpackers crossing the high passes. At 10,265 feet, the lake sits above the zone of reliable summer recreation but remains accessible in shoulder seasons when snowpack permits. The nearest gateway towns are Lee Vining to the east and Tuolumne Meadows to the southwest.
Conditions at Upper Davis Lake are defined by exposure and elevation. The 30-day average temperature of 22 degrees Fahrenheit reflects persistent cold at this altitude; nighttime freezing occurs year-round except brief mid-summer weeks. Wind averages 12 mph but concentrates in afternoon hours as valley heating drives thermal circulation. Maximum wind in the rolling year reached 33 mph, typical of unobstructed alpine lakes where afternoon gusts can double morning calm. Crowding remains minimal (6.0 average) due to remoteness and short seasonality. Spring and early summer bring variable conditions: snow lingers into late spring, storms arrive rapidly, and avalanche terrain above the lake presents hazard when wet-slab conditions develop.
Upper Davis Lake suits experienced hikers and mountaineers accustomed to exposed alpine terrain and self-sufficiency at high elevation. Paddlers and swimmers face brutally cold water; immersion hypothermia is a real risk. Fishing occurs but the lake is not a primary destination for that activity. Parties planning to visit should arrive by mid-morning to avoid afternoon wind and ensure safe descent before light fades. Parking is limited and fills early in shoulder seasons when roads are passable. The snowpack status and recent weather determine trailhead accessibility; check Tioga Road opening announcements before committing to a trip. Avalanche terrain on the slopes above the lake demands awareness of recent instability and current snow conditions from the Sierra Avalanche Center.
Nearby alternatives include Lower Davis Lake to the south and the broader Lyell Fork drainage system, which offers less exposed water and lower altitude relief. Mono Basin lakes east of the Sierra crest provide warmer conditions and better afternoon protection. Tuolumne Meadows, 15 to 20 miles west via Highway 120, offers developed facilities and lower elevation. Upper Davis Lake is best paired with high-pass crossings or peak attempts rather than visited as a standalone destination; the remoteness and exposure make it a waypoint for traverses rather than a destination lake for casual recreation.