Goddard Canyon Trail

Goddard Canyon Trail is an 8.9-mile point-to-point wilderness route from the Hell For Sure Pass junction to the JMT corridor on the Evolution Valley side. This record covers the named canyon segment only; reaching either end means including a much longer backcountry approach and exit. Allow about seven to nine hours for the segment, with more time if you are carrying a full pack or stopping to navigate. This is a connector for an experienced Sierra itinerary, not a road-accessible day hike.

Routefinding begins near Hell For Sure Pass, where the tread crosses rock and grassy ground and can be hard to pick out. Cairns mark the continuation, and the most obvious path may head toward the lake instead. Keep the route line handy rather than assuming the first visible trail is the right one. The descent into Goddard Canyon is steep in places; the track can fade through grass, and choosing the right line matters near low ground and cliffs.

The route drops into a rocky canyon, follows creeks, and eventually reaches the South Fork San Joaquin River corridor. Expect uneven ground, small water crossings, and narrow traverses above the river. Granite walls, river bends, and waterfalls give the walk its character; frame some of the water and nearby bank in a photo to show the scale of the canyon. Stream levels vary, so a crossing that looks small on a map may take judgment on the ground.

There is no road access or parking at either endpoint. Reach the Hell For Sure Pass junction by a longer wilderness route, then plan a separate exit from the JMT/Evolution Valley side. Florence Lake is one possible approach for a larger trip, not the start of this 8.9-mile segment. Overnight travel requires a wilderness permit; the issuing office depends on the chosen approach. Pets are not allowed on park trails.