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- Goodale Mountain
12,797 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Goodale Mountain
Goodale Mountain is a 12,797 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the West Slope from Taboose Pass Trail: 22 mi, 7,435 ft of gain, Class 3.
Photo: Jonathan Fox, CC BY-SA 2.0
Goodale Mountain at a glance
- Elevation12,797 ft3,900 m
- RouteWest Slope from Taboose Pass TrailClass 3
- Distance22 mi7,435 ft gain
- Time2 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the West Slope from Taboose Pass Trail
From US 395 about 12 miles south of Big Pine, take Aberdeen Station Road west and follow the rough Taboose Creek Road to the Taboose Pass trailhead at its end. Climb the hot Taboose Pass Trail, crossing the creek with care in early summer, to where the canyon splits below the pass. Take the left branch up Class 3 ledges beside a waterfall to a small lake, then head toward the Goodale-Striped saddle and climb the loose west face. The summit pinnacle is a short, easy Class 3 scramble. An Inyo National Forest wilderness permit is required overnight. The 2026 Rock Fire closed this trailhead, so check Inyo National Forest alerts first.
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
Helmet
What to watch for
- Dry conditions
- Stream crossing
- Loose rock
- Steep exposure
Quests with Goodale Mountain
Sierra Peaks SectionPeaks near Goodale Mountain
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Goodale Mountain?
Goodale Mountain is 12,797 feet (3,900 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to climb Goodale Mountain?
The West Slope from Taboose Pass Trail is Class 3, which means scrambling, where you use your hands to climb and a fall could be serious. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 22 miles with 7,435 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Goodale Mountain?
Most climbers plan 2 days for the West Slope from Taboose Pass Trail, with at least one night on the mountain.
Is Goodale Mountain dangerous to climb?
It has real risks: exposed sections where a fall would be serious and rockfall from loose rock. Go with an experienced partner, wear a helmet, test holds before you trust them and turn back if the rock is wet or icy.
Do you need a helmet for Goodale Mountain?
It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the West Slope from Taboose Pass Trail, so a helmet is on the gear list.
Do you need to acclimatize to climb Goodale Mountain?
Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Goodale Mountain reaches 12,797 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 climb Goodale Mountain?
The usual climbing window is July to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Climb Goodale 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