Goode Pass
Peak · 12,704 ft · Eastern Sierra corridor
Goode Pass sits at 12704 feet in the Eastern Sierra, a high alpine saddle between the Inyo and Sierra ranges. Winter and spring access depends on snowpack and route conditions.
Wind accelerates through the pass as air funnels between peaks; afternoon gusts are typical. Temperature drops sharply with elevation; expect 27 degrees Fahrenheit average across the rolling month. Exposure increases rapidly above treeline.
Over the past 30 days, Goode Pass averaged a NoGo Score of 37.0 with wind averaging 9 mph and temperatures holding at 27 degrees Fahrenheit. The low score minimum of 4.0 signals occasional stable windows. The week ahead will reveal whether spring snowmelt and wind patterns sustain or clear the pass.
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About Goode Pass
Goode Pass lies at 12704 feet in the high Eastern Sierra, straddling the Inyo and main range divide. Access typically runs from the Inyo National Forest via Highway 395 corridors; approach routes vary by season and snow. The pass sits remote with no marked trailhead parking and requires backcountry navigation. Winter and spring crossings demand careful route-finding and avalanche terrain awareness; steep gullies and slides flank the saddle. Summer approach is mostly snow-free but exposed to afternoon wind.
Conditions at Goode Pass are defined by its elevation and saddle topography. The 30-day average wind of 9 mph masks afternoon acceleration; gusts peak when pressure systems move offshore. Temperatures average 27 degrees Fahrenheit over the rolling month, with lows to 12 degrees Fahrenheit recorded in the 365-day window and highs to 44 degrees Fahrenheit in summer. Snowpack persists from November through June, thickest in April and May. Crowding remains minimal at 2.0 average; few parties attempt the approach or crossing.
Goode Pass suits experienced mountaineers and backcountry skiers with avalanche training. Winter and spring require assessment of snowpack stability; ESAC issues forecasts for the region. Route-finding demands map and compass skill; GPS helps but navigation in whiteout is challenging. Most visitors plan one to two day pushes from the Inyo side. Afternoon wind and exposure mean early morning starts are critical. Parties should carry repair kit, extra layer, and descent plan in case conditions deteriorate.
Nearby alternatives include passes and peaks further south or north along the Sierra crest. The Inyo drainage to the east offers lower-elevation access to similar terrain. Visitors pairing Goode Pass with longer crest traverses should account for the 9 mph average wind and variable snowpack across a multi-day push. Spring and early summer see the most stable approach windows.