Overview
Mt. Gould is located in the Eastern Sierra, high above the town of Independence CA. This peak is easily accessible from Onion Valley.Mt. Gould makes for a nice dayhike or overnighter. The easiest way to do this peak is by following the Kearsarge pass trail (5.5 miles from onion valley to the pass) walking by pot hole lake, gilbert lake, flower lake,big pothole lake, and heart lake, gilbert and flower make the best lakes to camp on. Once you get to the pass (11760ft.) go off trail and scramle to the north up lose rocks till you see a large rock outcrop. Climb up the class 3 rocks and enjoy the view. Noteable peaks to see are Mount Clarence king, Mount Cotter, University Peak, Dragon Peak, and Kearsarge Peak. Mt. Gould was first climbed July 2 1890 by Joseph N. LeConte, Hubert P. Dyer, Fred S. Pheby,and C.B. Lakeman. Mt. Gould is on the Sierra Peaks List. Mt. Gould can also be climbed from the Golden Trout Lakes Basin.
Getting There
Turn west off scenic 395 in Independence onto the paved Onion Valley Road, take it to the hikers and backpackers parking lot ( about 14 miles from independence)
Red Tape
For day hiking in the region you don't need a permit but for overnight camping contact the Inyo National Forest Mt. Whitney Ranger District, in Lone Pine.
When To Climb
From The end of May till October is prime time. Winter and spring are good for ski mountainerring. Mt.Gould has some good ski runs.
Camping
There is a campground at the end of the road in Onion Valley at 9200 ft. Or you can get a wilderness permit and camp up in the backcountry.
Mountain Conditions
Call Caltrans for road or weather conditions. 800-427-road (7623) or check ww
alt="Click for Mammoth Lakes, California Forecast" height=60 width=468>
w.395.com or Mt Whitney Ranger District. I put Mammoth Lakes weather here because it is higher in elevation than Independence and you could get a better idea of the weather at this elevation.
External LinksImages
|
Sierra Nevada
