Mount Lyell peak
Mount Lyell rises to 13,114 ft in Pacific-Ranges within the Sierra Nevada range.
Standing at an elevation of 13,114 feet, it is the highest point in Yosemite National Park. This majestic mountain spans a sizeable area, with a prominence of approximately 2,200 feet. It is a popular destination for mountaineers due to its challenging terrain and breathtaking views.
During the winter season, Mount Lyell experiences significant snowfall, contributing to its allure for winter sports enthusiasts. The snowpack range can vary depending on the year, with depths ranging from several feet to over ten feet in some areas. This abundant snowfall creates ideal conditions for skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing.
The mountain also plays a crucial role in the hydrological system of the region. Several creeks and rivers, such as the Lyell Fork and the Dana Fork of the Tuolumne River, receive runoff from Mount Lyell's glaciers and snowfields. These water sources contribute to the overall water supply in the area, supporting both ecosystems and human activities.
The name "Mount Lyell" pays tribute to Charles Lyell, a renowned British geologist of the 19th century. Lyell was a pioneer in the field of geology and greatly influenced the modern understanding of Earth's geological processes. The mountain's name honors his contributions to the scientific community.
While there are no specific legends or lore associated with Mount Lyell, its rich geological history and challenging terrain make it a source of fascination for outdoor adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike.
For trail conditions and access, search Wikipedia or the local land manager's site. Browse other peaks in the Pacific-Ranges range.
Snowpack near Mount Lyell
Snow water equivalent and snowpack depth at SNOTEL stations near the peak. Best proxy for what's currently sitting on the summit.
| SNOTEL station | Snowpack | View |
|---|---|---|
| Nohrsc White Wolf Raws | 1 in | → |
| Nohrsc Leavitt Lake | 64 in | → |
| Nohrsc Rock Creek | 4 in | → |
| Huntington Lake | 2 in | → |
| Blackcap Basin Goes | 14 in | → |
| Nohrsc Lower Kibbie | 1 in | → |
| Nohrsc Graveyard Meadow | 1 in | → |
| Nohrsc Poison Flat | 2 in | → |
| Nohrsc Spratt Creek | 1 in | → |
| Nohrsc Tuolumne Meadows | 125 in | → |
| Nohrsc Horse Meadows | 6 in | → |
| Nohrsc Chilkoot Meadow | 0 in | → |
Streamflow near Mount Lyell
USGS streamgauges in the basin drained by this peak. Spring snowmelt from the summit feeds these flows.
| Gauge | Streamflow | View |
|---|---|---|
| Tuolumne R A Grand Cyn Of Tuolumne Ab Hetch Hetchy | 1,420 cfs | → |
| Desert C Nr Wellington | 3 cfs | → |
| Tuolumne R Bl Early Intake Nr Mather Ca | 1,820 cfs | → |
| Tuolumne R Ab Early Intake Nr Mather Ca | 1,370 cfs | → |
| E Walker R Blw Sweetwater C Nr Bridgeport | 22 cfs | → |
| Cherry C Nr Early Intake Ca | 205 cfs | → |
| Cherry C Bl Dion R Holm Ph | 1,310 cfs | → |
Plan around incoming weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column -- snow at this elevation typically lags the radar signature by a few hours.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day forecast
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
What's around Mount Lyell
Ski areas, river runs, fishing spots, campgrounds, parks, reservoirs, and boat launches within driving distance of Mount Lyell.
Ski areas
- Northstar
- China Peak (Sierra Summit)
- Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe
- Tahoe Donner
- Granlibakken Ski Resort
- Alpine Meadows Ski Area
River runs
- Headwaters In Sec 8, T3s, R25 E To Hemlock Crossing
- Hemlock Crossing To Confluence With Cora Creek
- Headwaters To Wilderness Boundary
- Headwaters At Thousand Island Lake To Agnew Meadows
- Headwaters To Walker Lake
- National Monument Boundary To Soda Springs Footbridge In Devils Postpile National Monument
Fishing
Get Mount Lyell on your phone.
Save this peak as a favorite and get push alerts when storms move in, fresh snow falls upstream, or NWS issues a weather warning. Free, account optional.
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Set up an alert
Custom alerts are configured in the Snoflo iOS app. Open the app, navigate to this peak, and tap the bell icon to set thresholds for snowfall, temperature, or wind.