6.7 hr
Overview
This rugged off-trail hike connects Blue Canyon Trail and Goddard Canyon Trail. It traverses one of the most remote areas in the Sierras with many beautiful lakes and great views. It is difficult and requires good route-finding ability, but no rock climbing skills. The most difficult part is crossing Blue Canyon Pass. Although it is rated as Class 2, you need to descend a steep 30-40 yard chute on the north side. It often has snow fairly late in the season, which may require an ice-axe and crampons. <br><br>The lakes above the official end of the Blue Canyon Trail make the long hike worthwhile. Just continue up on the right side of the creek until you see easy slopes headed up through the trees. Pass the first and second of the Blue Canyon lakes and then head back near the creek where it is easiest to climb to the 3rd and 4th lakes. I went around the south end of the 4th lake and then made the easy climb up to the plateau near 10,400 feet. Lake 10401, the most beautiful of the Blue Canyon Lakes, is well-worth a short detour. <br><br>From there, cut back northwest across the plateau, around the next two large lakes, and find the easiest way up the canyon to the northeast. From near the northernmost lake, work your way up to Blue Canyon Pass, just to the right of Finger Peak. I found this difficult but doable without much exposure. <br><br>As described above, the short chute on the north side of the pass is the most difficult part of the route. If the snow is not too deep, you may be OK in the afternoon when the snow is soft. If the snow is deep or not very soft, you'll need an ice-axe and crampons. As soon as you can, turn left and make an unpleasant traverse of the talus, staying fairly high to avoid the steep slopes lower down. <br><br>Finger Col on the ridge to the west is rated Class 2, but I did not find a safe way to climb the last part. About 0.2 miles before it, you come to a safe way down to the easy slopes headed northeast. At this point, the hard part is done. The indicated route to Martha Lake is a
Trail Stats
19.2 km
1163 m
3597 m
2831 m
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Photos
A rain-filled stretch of clouds looms over Martha Lake and the Goddard Canyon Trail.
A rain-filled stretch of clouds looms over Martha Lake and the Goddard Canyon Trail.
The group traverses along the southwest shore of Martha Lake.
The group traverses along the southwest shore of Martha Lake.
Shades of blue are all you'll see looking out over Martha Lake.
Shades of blue are all you'll see looking out over Martha Lake.
This is the lowest of the Blue Canyon Lakes.
This is the lowest of the Blue Canyon Lakes.
This view is looking down Goddard Creek toward the Ragged Spur with the Black Divide in the distance.
This view is looking down Goddard Creek toward the Ragged Spur with the Black Divide in the distance.
A picture does not do justice to this narrow shelf running parallel to, and 500 ft. above, Goddard Creek. Two little waterfalls are barely visible. Flowers, green grass, little streams...I loved it.
A picture does not do justice to this narrow shelf running parallel to, and 500 ft. above, Goddard Creek. Two little waterfalls are barely visible. Flowers, green grass, little streams...I loved it.
This view is from Reinstein Pass looking north toward Martha Lake, with Mt. Goddard on the right, Mt. McGee in the center and Goddard Canyon running straight ahead on the left side.
This view is from Reinstein Pass looking north toward Martha Lake, with Mt. Goddard on the right, Mt. McGee in the center and Goddard Canyon running straight ahead on the left side.
Enjoy the view looking northwest toward Finger Peak from Lake 10401.This is the best of the Blue Canyon lakes in my opinion.
Enjoy the view looking northwest toward Finger Peak from Lake 10401.This is the best of the Blue Canyon lakes in my opinion.
This view looks over the upper Blue Canyon Basin from near Blue Canyon Pass.
This view looks over the upper Blue Canyon Basin from near Blue Canyon Pass.
Blue Canyon Pass is the dip on the left. From there, make a high traverse toward Finger Peak and Finger Col on the right side. After reaching the basin below Finger Peak, the route becomes much easier.
Blue Canyon Pass is the dip on the left. From there, make a high traverse toward Finger Peak and Finger Col on the right side. After reaching the basin below Finger Peak, the route becomes much easier.
These are the lakes northwest of Peak 11493. You can make a fairly steep descent among the talus to the smaller lake in the foreground from the trail.
These are the lakes northwest of Peak 11493. You can make a fairly steep descent among the talus to the smaller lake in the foreground from the trail.
This lake sits at 10,400 ft. about 1/4 mile below the trail. It is well worth a visit!
This lake sits at 10,400 ft. about 1/4 mile below the trail. It is well worth a visit!
4th Lake at elevation 10,100. Blue Canyon is exciting only if you venture beyond the official end of the trail. This is not difficult.
4th Lake at elevation 10,100. Blue Canyon is exciting only if you venture beyond the official end of the trail. This is not difficult.