Tue. Jul 28 (5a start)
RT Distance: 31 miles
Elev. Gain: 9,600 ft.
Mt Goddard is a behemoth of a peak lying deep within Kings Canyon National Park. Since everyone had so much fun on last year's Emblem Peak Challenge, I decided to select another Emblem Peak for this year's challenge to build upon that momentum. What else needs to be said about this peak. It speaks for itself. There are several was to climb this peak as a day hike, but none are easy. I will describe two separate route options, both from Lake Sabrina Trailhead.
Option 1 is probably the shortest and climbs over Haeckel Col. Take the trail system to Midnight Lake. Climb along the rib to the south of the lake to the bowl beneath Mt Dawkins and Mt Haeckel. Cross over Haeckel Col and descend down to the JMT. Leave the trail and hike over Davis Lake Pass aiming for the start of Starr's Route on the northern aspect of the peak. Climb this class 3 route to the top of the Goddard Divide and slog your way to the summit.
Option 2 climbs over Echo Col, which some people suggest has easier off-trail hiking terrain. Take the trail system to Echo Lake. Climb over Echo Col and descend down to the JMT. Climb up to Muir Pass, then leave the trail and head up to Nietzsche Col. Hike along the south side of the Goddard Divide then slog your way to the summit.
Other Challenge peaks in this area include Charybdis, Mt Spencer or Mt Ithaca. Bonus peaks might include Mt Solomons, Scylla, Mt Warlow among many others.
5am start from Lake Sabrina Trailhead.