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- Mount Gould
12,997 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Mount Gould
Mount Gould is a 12,997 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the South Slopes from Kearsarge Pass: 12 mi, 4,485 ft of gain, Class 3.
Photo: Justin, CC BY-SA 2.0
Mount Gould at a glance
- Elevation12,997 ft3,961 m
- RouteSouth Slopes from Kearsarge PassClass 3
- Distance12 mi4,485 ft gain
- Time10 – 12 hrsVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the South Slopes from Kearsarge Pass
From Independence, drive Onion Valley Road about 13 miles to the Onion Valley trailhead. Follow the Kearsarge Pass Trail past Gilbert, Flower and Heart Lakes to Kearsarge Pass. From the pass, walk north about half a mile up Class 2 sand and talus on a use path to the summit area, then scramble the short Class 3 summit block, easiest on its west side and airy on the east. A quick scree descent leads back to the trail east of the pass. Expect wind on the crest and afternoon thunderstorms in summer. Mount Rixford or Dragon Peak can be added by ridge for a longer day.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (35–55 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
- High altitude
- High winds
- Storms
- Loose rock
Quests with Mount Gould
Sierra Peaks SectionPeaks near Mount Gould
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Mount Gould?
Mount Gould is 12,997 feet (3,961 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to climb Mount Gould?
The South Slopes from Kearsarge Pass 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: 12 miles with 4,485 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to climb Mount Gould?
Most people take 10 – 12 hours round trip on the South Slopes from Kearsarge Pass, covering 12 miles with 4,485 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Is Mount Gould dangerous to climb?
It has real risks: rockfall from loose rock and fast-changing weather. 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 Mount Gould?
It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the South Slopes from Kearsarge Pass, so a helmet is on the gear list.
Will you get altitude sickness on Mount Gould?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Gould reaches 12,997 feet. Spend a night or two at elevation first, drink plenty of water and turn back if a headache, nausea or dizziness gets worse.
What time should you start climbing Mount Gould?
Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 10 – 12 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.
When is the best time to climb Mount Gould?
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 Mount Gould 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