Warren Fork Trailhead
Trailhead · Yosemite corridor
Warren Fork Trailhead sits at 9,055 feet in the Yosemite corridor's high Sierra, accessed via Highway 120. A high-elevation staging point for backcountry travel, it runs cooler and windier than valley alternatives.
Wind dominates here. The 30-day average wind of 15 mph climbs into the 30s by afternoon, especially on clear days. Mornings are calmer; head out early. Cold persists even in summer; the rolling 365-day minimum hovers at 8 degrees Fahrenheit.
Over the last 30 days, conditions averaged a NoGo Score of 18.0, with wind peaking at 39 mph and temperatures averaging 25 degrees Fahrenheit. The week ahead will track typical spring patterns for this elevation: expect afternoon wind to build, temperatures to climb only modestly, and crowding to remain light relative to lower trailheads. Use the chart below to time your visit around wind gusts and temperature swings.
30 days back / 7 days forward
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About Warren Fork Trailhead
Warren Fork Trailhead is a high-Sierra staging point in California's Yosemite corridor, situated at 9,055 feet on the eastern approach via Highway 120. Access runs through Lee Vining or Mammoth Lakes to the south, or Tuolumne Meadows to the north. The trailhead serves backcountry travel into the high country; parking is limited and often fills on weekends in summer. The drive from Highway 120 is short but the elevation gain to reach the trailhead is significant, placing it firmly in winter closure and late-spring thaw territory.
Conditions at Warren Fork are shaped by elevation and exposure. The 30-day average temperature sits at 25 degrees Fahrenheit; even late spring mornings are freezing. Wind averages 15 mph over rolling 30 days, but afternoon gusts frequently exceed 30 mph as thermal circulation cranks up. The rolling 90-day average wind of 15 mph holds steady through transition seasons. Winter snowpack lingers into early summer; Highway 120 closure affects access through late April and into early May. Crowding averages 13 people-units over the rolling 30 days, well below popular valley trailheads. Late September and early October offer the most stable weather and warmest temperatures while retaining low crowds.
Warren Fork Trailhead suits experienced backcountry travelers and high-country campers comfortable with cold, wind, and self-sufficiency. Day hikers bound for high peaks or alpine lakes use this as a jump-off. Paddlers and anglers heading to remote water access it from here. Plan for water in canteens; creeks run high in early season but dry by late summer. Bring wind protection regardless of season. The short summer window and unpredictable shoulder-season weather mean flexibility matters more than rigid scheduling. Most visitors are self-reliant; services are absent at the trailhead.
Nearby alternatives in the Yosemite corridor include Tenaya Lake Trailhead to the west and Gull Lake Trailhead to the south, both lower and warmer but busier. Tuolumne Meadows, just north, offers similar elevation but superior facilities and more established trails. Warren Fork's low profile and limited parking make it a refuge for off-season and early-spring travel when higher crowds concentrate on better-known access points. The trailhead's exposure to wind and cold also deters casual users, preserving quieter conditions for those equipped to handle the Sierra's high-country climate.