After some practical field study, I think it is safe to say that the quickest and easiest way to get to Goddard is via Lamarck Col. The route is nearly all on trail and shorter than any of the other routes listed. Just thought I'd mention this because I thought it should be more prominently displayed in your fine list of routes rather than as an afterthought at the end. Another cross-country route that may be better than Echo Col and is the shortest route going strictly by miles, is over Haeckel Col. That route was not field tested and is almost assuredly slower than Lamarck Col.
Pen and I found Lamarck Col preferable to the cc 24 miles of trail from South Lake over Bishop Pass and to Wanda Lake. Lamarck Col might have 3,600' of gain starting from North Lake but gets you to Wanda Lake in only 14 miles.
The Piute Pass approach is very long, I did it in the late 90's and would not recommend it.
I tried to reach Goddard from Florence Lake and from South Lake. Lamarck Col was much shorter and very scenic. The National Forest has also improved the trail between Lamarck Lakes and the Col in recent years making it easier. But the trails are thin and scattered in Darwin Canyon. Perhaps the National Park should put a trail in there since many people seem to be hiking through the canyon these days.
Bob Burd - Sep 20, 2005 11:25 pm - Voted 10/10
Untitled CommentAfter some practical field study, I think it is safe to say that the quickest and easiest way to get to Goddard is via Lamarck Col. The route is nearly all on trail and shorter than any of the other routes listed. Just thought I'd mention this because I thought it should be more prominently displayed in your fine list of routes rather than as an afterthought at the end. Another cross-country route that may be better than Echo Col and is the shortest route going strictly by miles, is over Haeckel Col. That route was not field tested and is almost assuredly slower than Lamarck Col.
asmrz - Jul 5, 2015 4:38 pm - Hasn't voted
Lamarck Col approach goes just finePen and I found Lamarck Col preferable to the cc 24 miles of trail from South Lake over Bishop Pass and to Wanda Lake. Lamarck Col might have 3,600' of gain starting from North Lake but gets you to Wanda Lake in only 14 miles.
The Piute Pass approach is very long, I did it in the late 90's and would not recommend it.
icescrew - Aug 20, 2016 8:56 am - Hasn't voted
Lamarck Col was the bestI tried to reach Goddard from Florence Lake and from South Lake. Lamarck Col was much shorter and very scenic. The National Forest has also improved the trail between Lamarck Lakes and the Col in recent years making it easier. But the trails are thin and scattered in Darwin Canyon. Perhaps the National Park should put a trail in there since many people seem to be hiking through the canyon these days.
T. White - Jan 13, 2020 11:35 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: Lamarck Col was the bestThis is great info. I never knew the trail was improved that far, but it sure looks clean on satellite view...