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- Goat Mountain
12,206 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Goat Mountain
Goat Mountain is a 12,206 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the North Side via Copper Creek Trail: 20 mi, 7,650 ft of gain, Class 2.
Goat Mountain at a glance
- Elevation12,206 ft3,720 m
- RouteNorth Side via Copper Creek TrailClass 2
- Distance20 mi7,650 ft gain
- Time2 – 3 daysHard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the North Side via Copper Creek Trail
Drive Highway 180 from Fresno to Roads End in Kings Canyon; the road past Grant Grove is closed in winter. Climb the hot, steep Copper Creek Trail toward Granite Basin, then leave it and head north cross-country past Grouse Lake to the peak's north side. Class 2 sand and scree gullies, or the ridge toward Munger Peak kept on its west side, lead to the summit and its wide views. Strong hikers do it in one long day, but most camp. A Sequoia and Kings Canyon wilderness permit is required for overnight trips; reserve on Recreation.gov.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (55–75 L)
Hiking Boots
Water
Offline Maps
Headlamp
Satellite Communicator
Whistle
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Sun Hat
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Warm Hat
Buff
Midweight Gloves
Trekking Poles
GPS Device
Power Bank
Water Filter
First-Aid Kit
Emergency Bivy
What to watch for
- Dry conditions
- Route-finding difficulty
- Loose rock
- High altitude
Quests with Goat Mountain
Sierra Peaks SectionPeaks near Goat Mountain
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Goat Mountain?
Goat Mountain is 12,206 feet (3,720 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to hike Goat Mountain?
The North Side via Copper Creek Trail is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 20 miles with 7,650 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Goat Mountain?
Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the North Side via Copper Creek Trail, with at least one night on the mountain.
Can a beginner hike Goat Mountain?
The North Side via Copper Creek Trail needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard trip: 20 miles with 7,650 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.
Do you need to acclimatize to climb Goat Mountain?
Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Goat Mountain reaches 12,206 feet. Spend a night or two at elevation first, drink plenty of water and turn back if a headache, nausea or dizziness gets worse.
When is the best time to hike Goat Mountain?
The usual hiking window is July to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Climb Goat Mountain with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list