Rising sharply to 13,085 feet, Mt. Goode stands as a striking anchor above Bishop Creek’s South Fork in California’s High Sierra. The peak draws climbers with its rugged granite features and accessible yet rewarding approach routes. The most iconic sight here is the North Buttress—its bold granite face immediately draws the eye and invites climbers seeking a classic alpine experience. Meanwhile, the South-East slope offers a gentler 2nd-class route that welcomes non-technical ascents and serves as a convenient descent path, making Mt. Goode a great choice for mixed-ability parties eager to sample alpine climbing without rope work.

Approaching Mt. Goode begins at South Lake trailhead, a trailhead well-known among High Sierra travelers. The hike to Bishop Lake spans roughly 3.5 miles with steady elevation gain, winding through forested sections and open granite stretches that frame sweeping views of the basin. For those targeting the North Buttress routes, the path extends another 2.5 miles to the inlet of Long Lake. From there, climbers must cross the creek and enter a quieter, less traveled drainage ascending to Margaret Lake. It’s critical to avoid the steep glacial moraine above Margaret Lake — a terrain trap that demands extra caution. Instead follow faint climber use trails contouring west on more walkable grassy slopes and granite slabs that deliver easier access to the base of Mt. Goode. Overall, the approach entails about 4.5 miles and 2,500 feet of elevation gain.

Among the range of classic routes, the South East Slope is a standout for those looking for accessible alpine terrain rated around 3.5 stars. For technical climbers, the West Ridge (5.4) provides moderate challenges and delightful exposure, while the North Buttress route (5.9) tests your granite skills with steeper pitches. Harder climbs like Goode Earth (5.10) and Sky Pilot (5.11b) push the difficulty envelope, all offering solid granite holds typical of the High Sierra’s alpine character. Each route rewards focused climbers with exhilarating movement and commanding views over the Bishop Creek drainage.

The granite here is typical of the High Sierra—solid, with occasional loose rock in talus areas near the approach. Climbers should be prepared for mixed terrain including talus, grassy slopes, and granite slabs, especially when navigating the drainage west of Margaret Lake. Carrying a rack suitable for alpine multipitch climbs including cams and nuts sized for cracks up to 3 inches will serve well. The area is best climbed from late spring through early fall when conditions are most favorable; high summer offers warm days and dependable weather, but afternoon thunderstorms are not uncommon and should be planned around.

Descent from Mt. Goode’s summit is straightforward if you take the South-East slope route—a pleasant downclimb with 2nd-class terrain, ideal for a burn after the climb. Always scout the safest line down and move carefully on loose scree sections. Being able to complete routes car-to-car in a day makes Mt. Goode an appealing adventure for climbers looking to maximize time on the rock without committing to multi-day gear hauls.

Mt. Goode lies within a stunning stretch of the High Sierra that blends wilderness solitude with accessible alpine climbing. Its varied terrain fits a wide range of climbers eager to enjoy classic routes amid expansive views. Whether you're hiking in with a light rack for the South East Slope or gearing up for the technical pitches of Sky Pilot, this peak delivers a balanced day of climbing adventure. Practical in approach, rewarding in execution, Mt. Goode invites climbers to embrace High Sierra climbing with confidence and respect for its alpine demands.