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- Mount Goddard
13,567 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Mount Goddard
Mount Goddard is a 13,567 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the Starr's Route: 47 mi, 12,430 ft of gain, Class 2.
Photo: Gilbert, G.K
Mount Goddard at a glance
- Elevation13,567 ft4,135 m
- RouteStarr's RouteClass 2
- Distance47 mi12,430 ft gain
- Time4 – 5 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the Starr's Route
From Bishop, drive Highway 168 and South Lake Road to the South Lake trailhead. Cross Bishop Pass, descend Dusy Basin to Le Conte Canyon, and follow the John Muir Trail north over Muir Pass, past the stone Muir Hut, to the outlet of Wanda Lake. Starr's Route crosses a low saddle west of the lake and climbs the north ridge of the peak east of Goddard, using talus on its right and a broad ledge to the Goddard Divide, then loose talus west to the top. It stays class 2 with careful route-finding. Plan four days or more. An Inyo National Forest wilderness permit is required; reserve on Recreation.gov up to six months ahead.
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
- Loose rock
- Rockfall
- Remote location
- Route-finding difficulty
- High altitude
Quests with Mount Goddard
Sierra Peaks SectionPeaks near Mount Goddard
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Mount Goddard?
Mount Goddard is 13,567 feet (4,135 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to hike Mount Goddard?
The Starr's Route is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 47 miles with 12,430 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Mount Goddard?
Most climbers plan 4 – 5 days for the Starr's Route, with at least one night on the mountain.
Can a beginner hike Mount Goddard?
The Starr's Route needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard trip: 47 miles with 12,430 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 Mount Goddard?
Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Goddard reaches 13,567 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 Mount Goddard?
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 Mount Goddard 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