Matterhorn Peak
Mountain High Sierra Nevada granite peak near Yosemite's eastern boundary
In California’s Sierra Nevada, Matterhorn Peak is a granite summit sought by mountaineers; hikers approach via alpine trails and encounter high‑country lakes and exposed ridge scrambling.
Matterhorn Peak is a mountain summit in the Sierra Nevada range of eastern California. It is one of several North American peaks named for a visual resemblance to the Swiss Matterhorn.
The peak acquired its name in the 19th or early 20th century by comparison with the iconic Swiss Matterhorn; it has been part of local mountaineering and topographic exploration since Sierra exploration surveys expanded in that era. No major built structures are associated with the summit.
The summit lies within the Sierra Nevada of California; the nearest established communities and trailheads are in the eastern Sierra high-country. The mountain sits among high alpine terrain commonly accessed from passes and forest roads in the region.
How to Get to Matterhorn Peak #
Access is from the Sierra Nevada east side; the nearest gateway towns vary by approach (e.g., Bridgeport or Sonora). Roads into trailheads that approach the higher ridges typically open in mid-summer; consult local Forest Service ranger stations for current road and trail conditions.
Tips for Visiting Matterhorn Peak #
- If attempting a climb, use a current USFS topo map and check local ranger stations for route conditions.
- Start very early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms common in summer at high elevations.
- The standard scramble route requires route-finding skills; do not rely solely on cairns.
Best Time to Visit Matterhorn Peak #
Best visited in mid-summer (July-September) when high-country access roads and trails are open and rock routes are most reliable.
Weather & Climate near Matterhorn Peak #
Matterhorn Peak's climate is classified as Subarctic (Dry Summer) - Subarctic (Dry Summer) climate with cold summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -14°C to 17°C. Moderate rainfall (875 mm/year).
January
January is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -13°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (143 mm).
Comfort
Weather
February
February is the coldest month with highs of -1°C and lows of -14°C. Significant rainfall (115 mm).
Comfort
Weather
March
March is the coldest month with highs of -1°C and lows of -13°C. Significant rainfall (109 mm).
Comfort
Weather
April
April is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -11°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm).
Comfort
Weather
May
May is freezing with highs of 4°C and lows of -8°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm).
Comfort
Weather
June
June is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -4°C. The driest month with just 24 mm.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is cold with highs of 16°C and lows of 0°C. Light rainfall.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is cold with highs of 17°C and lows of 2°C. Light rainfall.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (33 mm).
Comfort
Weather
October
October is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm).
Comfort
Weather
November
November is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -9°C. Significant rainfall (120 mm).
Comfort
Weather
December
December is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -12°C. Significant rainfall (129 mm).
.jpg?width=600)
