Mount Gould

Mount Gould is a 13,011-foot summit in the Sierra Nevada located within Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park, featuring steep slopes throughout its upper section. The peak ends with a rocky scramble classified as class 3 climbing terrain.

Joseph LeConte originally named this peak University Peak in 1890, but changed the name in 1896 to honor his climbing companion Wilson S Gould. The renaming marked a shift in how the mountain was recognized within mountaineering circles.

The peak draws mountain climbers who aim to complete a list of summits in the Sierra Nevada, making it a personal goal for dedicated hikers. These challenges bring visitors together around a shared passion for reaching high elevations.

Hikers reach this summit using the Kearsarge Pass Trail starting from Onion Valley, covering approximately 5.5 miles to reach the pass elevation. Beyond the pass, visitors navigate a final short cross-country section to arrive at the peak.

The climb passes by four named lakes including Gilbert Lake, Flower Lake, Heart Lake, and Big Pothole Lake, each marking a useful reference point during the approach. These water features add visual interest to what is otherwise a rocky alpine landscape.