Starting at 9,200 feet at Onion Valley Campground, take Kearsarge Pass Trail. The hike begins immediately with a substantial increase in elevation, switchbacking up the mountain. On the way up rest and enjoy the beautiful alpine lakes, which include Gilbert, Flower, Heart and Big Pothole Lake. Flower Lake is the last water source that is easily accessible to filter water. After about 4.2 miles and 2,500 feet of gain, you will reach the top of Kearsarge Pass at 11,700 feet.

From the top of Kearsarge Pass, the adventure isn't over yet. To reach the summit of Mt. Gould, start scrambling up the slope directly North of the pass. The first half of this part of the climb is mostly a will-testing slog up class 2 scree. About halfway up, the terrain turns to fun boulder hopping and route finding. Continuing North, a false summit blocks the way. Traversing low and West of the false summit will lead to the true summit. To reach the true summit, circle around to the the North end of the summit block and climb up a tricky, but short class 4 section and reach the 13,012 foot summit. A summit register sits on the South edge of the summit block right below the final granite block.