Duck Pass Named Best Mammoth Hike
A new YouTube review calls Duck Pass Trail the best hike in Mammoth Lakes, praising its dramatic alpine scenery with crystal-clear lakes and panoramic mountain vistas. The trail offers sustained elevation gain accessible to most fit hikers, though early season visitors should prepare for lingering snowfields. Starting early is recommended to avoid crowds and maximize solitude on this increasingly popular route.
The Duck Pass trail is a classic John Muir Wilderness hike that begins at the Coldwater Campground, just past Lake Mary in Mammoth Lakes. The trailhead sits at an elevation of about 9,120 feet, and the pass itself tops out at 10,800 feet. This high-elevation trail is best hiked from July through September to avoid significant snow. Hikers will pass a series of scenic alpine lakes on their way to the pass. The first is Arrowhead Lake, followed by Skelton Lake at approximately the 1.5-mile mark. Further up the trail, hikers will reach the turquoise waters of Barney Lake before tackling the final series of switchbacks to Duck Pass itself. From the top of Duck Pass, hikers are rewarded with panoramic views of the massive Duck Lake cradled in a granite cirque, with the Silver Divide filling the skyline to the southwest. The trail continues down to the shores of Duck Lake and provides access to the nearby Pika Lake. For those seeking longer adventures, the Duck Pass trail connects with both the John Muir Trail (JMT) and the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) just beyond Duck Lake. This junction opens up extensive backcountry possibilities, including trips to Purple Lake and Virginia Lake. While day hikers do not need a permit, a wilderness permit is required for all overnight trips.
