Golden Trout Lake Out-and-Back

Sections of this trail are steep and rocky. As a primitive trail, Golden Trout Lake Trail is rarely used and poorly maintained. Go slow and be mindful of your steps when traversing steeply over loose rock and talus. It is recommended that visitors have a basic understanding of map reading and route finding. From the end of Onion Valley Road, the Golden Trout Lake trail heads northwest. At 2.6 miles, you'll come to a junction. Turn left and head southwest for 0.5 mile until you reach Golden Trout Lake underneath Mount Gould. From this junction you also have the option of a 0.9-mile spur (Golden Trout Lake North Spur) to see two more, unnamed lakes between Dragon Peak and Kearsarge Peak. To return to the start, simply retract your steps and descend as steeply as you climbed until reaching the road. - Written by Lani Advokat, Outdoor Project. Edited by Ethan Fichtner