- …
- Yak
- Quests
- Sierra Peaks Section
- Mount Goethe
13,287 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Mount Goethe
Mount Goethe is a 13,287 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the Southeast Slopes via Lamarck Col: 19 mi, 8,045 ft of gain, Class 1.
Photo: Jesse Wagstaff, CC BY 2.0
Mount Goethe at a glance
- Elevation13,287 ft4,049 m
- RouteSoutheast Slopes via Lamarck ColClass 1
- Distance19 mi8,045 ft gain
- Time2 – 3 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the Southeast Slopes via Lamarck Col
From Bishop, take Highway 168 west to North Lake Road and park in the hiker lot below the campground. Hike the Lamarck Lakes Trail and the use trail over Lamarck Col, descend into Darwin Canyon, and near Darwin Bench turn north up a side canyon to the lakes south of Goethe. From the lower lake, climb broad sandy slopes that turn to talus higher up; the SPS rates the route Class 1. The Piute Pass and Alpine Col approach is an option but crosses huge talus fields. Plan an overnight in the lake basin with an Inyo National Forest wilderness permit, reserved 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
- High altitude
- Rapid weather shifts
- Remote location
Quests with Mount Goethe
Sierra Peaks SectionPeaks near Mount Goethe
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Mount Goethe?
Mount Goethe is 13,287 feet (4,049 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to hike Mount Goethe?
The Southeast Slopes via Lamarck Col is Class 1, which means hiking on a trail. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 19 miles with 8,045 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Mount Goethe?
Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the Southeast Slopes via Lamarck Col, with at least one night on the mountain.
Can a beginner hike Mount Goethe?
The Southeast Slopes via Lamarck Col needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard trip: 19 miles with 8,045 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 Goethe?
Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Goethe reaches 13,287 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 Goethe?
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 Goethe 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