"was named University Peak, in honor of the University of California, by J. N. LeConte and a party at the first ascent in 1890. On July 12, 1896, LeConte transferred that name to the present University Peak -- when, with Helen Gompertz and Belle and Estelle Miller, he made the first ascent. The following day he climbed the old University Peak and named it for his companion, Wilson S. Gould of Oakland."
Actually this will take half day for an average hiker. My GPS said 11.5 miles roundtrip. That does not mean it is correct. Like any responsible hiker you are, check every source you come across for distances and times when it comes to hiking.
From Independence, CA (Rt-395) take the road to Onion Valley. The entire road is asphalt, so no events there. Drive all the way to the end. The parking area is big but during the summer almost always full. If no parking in the parking area, park along the road. Remember this is bear country: store absolutely everything you have scented in the food metal containers provided at the trailhead. The bear will trash your car for a taste of that toothpaste of soap you have in the trunk.
The trailhead is easy to find. The trail to Kearsage Pass that is. Follow this trail to the pass. Once you hit the pass which is at 11,700 ft, stop. Mount Gould is 90 degrees to ones right. Go uphill that brutal scramble. One will hit a false summit but Mount Gould will be easy to spot, if no clouds. Go to the summit, take pictures, enjoy the scenery and go down the way you went up. Ta-da! You just grabbed a 13,011 ft summit. Congratulations!
Bob Burd - Oct 29, 2002 9:40 pm - Hasn't voted
Untitled Comment"was named University Peak, in honor of the University of California, by J. N. LeConte and a party at the first ascent in 1890. On July 12, 1896, LeConte transferred that name to the present University Peak -- when, with Helen Gompertz and Belle and Estelle Miller, he made the first ascent. The following day he climbed the old University Peak and named it for his companion, Wilson S. Gould of Oakland."
- Erwin Gudde, California Place Names
Diesel - Aug 11, 2013 9:57 pm - Hasn't voted
Mount Gould day hikeActually this will take half day for an average hiker. My GPS said 11.5 miles roundtrip. That does not mean it is correct. Like any responsible hiker you are, check every source you come across for distances and times when it comes to hiking.
From Independence, CA (Rt-395) take the road to Onion Valley. The entire road is asphalt, so no events there. Drive all the way to the end. The parking area is big but during the summer almost always full. If no parking in the parking area, park along the road. Remember this is bear country: store absolutely everything you have scented in the food metal containers provided at the trailhead. The bear will trash your car for a taste of that toothpaste of soap you have in the trunk.
The trailhead is easy to find. The trail to Kearsage Pass that is. Follow this trail to the pass. Once you hit the pass which is at 11,700 ft, stop. Mount Gould is 90 degrees to ones right. Go uphill that brutal scramble. One will hit a false summit but Mount Gould will be easy to spot, if no clouds. Go to the summit, take pictures, enjoy the scenery and go down the way you went up. Ta-da! You just grabbed a 13,011 ft summit. Congratulations!