The Goat Rocks Clover route combines quite possibly everything you will want to see in the Goat Rocks wilderness into one big (mini or maxi) adventure.
NEW: The Goat Rocks Clover is now also listed on the FKT website at https://fastestknowntime.com/route/goat-rocks-clover
Goat Rocks 4-Clover Routes: there’s a MINI (~96mi) and a MAXI (~124mi) version. Something for everybody.
The Routes
There are two routes variants, a MINI (~96mi) and a MAXI (~124mi) version. The MAXI version simply extends three of the loops, but otherwise follows the same basic 4-clover figure. The MAXI version allows you to see and suffer more. The red loop is inspired by this Goat Rocks traverse. You will be climbing Old Snowy and follow some fantastic ridge lines and valleys. You will probably be cursing and regretting your life choices too.
WARNING: More than half of the red loop involves alpine off-trail travel. That means there is NO trail and NO signage. Even with a GPS, route finding may not be obvious. This section is for highly skilled and experienced mountain runners/hikers/mountaineers only. You need to be able to move comfortably in high alpine territory and carry appropriate gear. There is lots of scrambling and even in the summer you will have to cross one or more permanent snow fields, some of which may be steep and dangerous. A significant portion of the terrain is steep and exposed. Read the comments on Alltrails (E.g., “This route was extremely off-trail and very dangerous.”) for the red loop and come prepared. You have been warned.
Distances:
| MINI | MAXI | |
| Total distance | 96mi | 124mi |
| Total elevation gain | 22,436ft | 30,624ft |
| Loop | Distance | Elevation gain |
| Red | 27mi | 7,051ft |
| Blue MINI | 25mi | 6,549ft |
| Blue MAXI | 30mi | 8,255ft |
| Green MINI | 15mi | 3,127ft |
| Green MAXI | 32mi | 8,684ft |
| Yellow MINI | 29mi | 5,709ft |
| Yellow MAXI | 35mi | 6,634ft |
Trailheads:
The following trailheads allow for a direct access to the route:
MINI and MAXI route:
-
Scatter Creek TH: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/okawen/recarea/?recid=58531
-
Section 3 Lake TH: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/okawen/recarea/?recid=58533
- Berry Patch TH: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/giffordpinchot/recarea/?recid=31198
- Snowgrass Hikers TH: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/giffordpinchot/recreation/recarea/?recid=32134
MAXI route only:
- Angry Mountain TH: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/giffordpinchot/recarea/?recid=31982
- Jordan Creek TH: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/giffordpinchot/recreation/recarea/?recid=32046
- Coleman Weedpatch TH: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/giffordpinchot/recarea/?recid=32012
GPS Data
| Data | Format |
| GPS file | gpx |
| kml | |
| GaiaGPS | Interactive |
| GoogleMaps | Interactive |
Use this GPS data at your own risk. The GPS data does not mean that the route is safe.
Impressions from the Route
Guidelines
- This is not a race. You do not need to register or qualify or anything. There are no fees. Anyone can do it anytime of the year.
- You must follow the prescribed MINI or MAXI route and cover each route segment at least once.
- You can complete the route and the loops in whatever direction you prefer. What matters is that you cover all route segments at least once.
- You cannot mix the MINI and MAXI route. You have to pick one or the other.
- You can start anywhere on the route, but you must finish at the same location, i.e., the start and finish location must be identical. Ideally, you should start/finish at a trailhead so that the start/finish is unambiguous.
- The clock starts when you leave the start location and stops when you have completed all trail segments on either the MINI or the MAXI route and reach the same location again.
- The clock does not stop if the individual or team sleeps, rests, etc.
- The challenge can be done individually or in teams. If completed in a team, all team members must do all parts of the route. Relays do not count.
- The challenge must be completed in a single push. Sleep, rest, etc. along the route are allowed. No leaving the route and returning.
- Each and every part of the route must be covered with human muscle power only. No motorized form of transport is allowed on any part of your chosen route.
- Crews and stashing of gear, food, and water are allowed as long as wilderness regulations allow them. All stashes must be retrieved.
- The challenge can be completed in an unsupported, self-supported, or supported way.
- Announcing your intentions is encouraged, but not mandatory.
- The challenge must be tracked and documented in order to be listed in the results.
- All wilderness regulations as well as Federal, State, and Local laws must be strictly followed.
- You must respect private land and property.
- Strict leave-no-trace backcountry ethics must be followed.
FAQs
- What’s in for me if I complete this route? Fame. Pure fame.
- How can I announce an attempt? Use your personal Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or post in some running-related group/forum/page.
- How can I submit my data to be listed on this page? Use this form.
- Do I need to write up a trip report? No, it’s not mandatory. Yet, reports allow to share knowledge and to inspire others, so they are encouraged.
- Do I need to carry a satellite tracker? No, but you need to submit solid evidence that you completed the challenge. A GPS track (e.g., recorded with GaiaGPS) provides reasonable evidence. So do links to Strava or other activity websites. And of course photos and movies will provide additional evidence.
Attempts and Records
| Athlete(s) | Date | Elapsed time | Style | Category | Report |
| Your name could be here! |
Submit your Attempts and Records
Click here to get to the form.
Stay Informed and Connected
Disclaimers
- Records are not verified. The burden of proof is solely on the individual or team. Thus, the more documentation you can provide, the better. See http://fastestknowntime.com/verification for more info.
- The information provided on this website does not identify possible dangers. When you are attempting this challenge, you assume responsibility for your own actions and safety.