On our last trip to Mammoth, our new friend Lannie from the Cinnamon Bear Inn (an awesome place to stay!) gave us a list of her favorite hikes. One of the hikes she recommended is Duck Lake Pass Trail. It is one of the most beautiful trails in all of the Inyo National Forest. This trail is not for beginners. The 10-mile trail with an elevation gain of 2,132 feet is normally quite doable. However, Duck Lake is located at around 10,800 feet, which means that the air will be quite thin, especially for flatlanders like us. If you’re sensitive to high altitude, you might get altitude sickness. That being said, we would do this trail again in a heartbeat. Duck Lake Pass trail is beautiful from start to finish, with each lake you pass is more stunning than the last.
STATS:
Where:
Duck Lake Pass Trail Parking:
Duck Lake Trailhead Parking Loop, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
Trailhead Coords: 37°35’28.4″N 118°59’21.2″W
Emerald Lake Trailhead: 37°35’29.7″N 118°59’25.8″W
Parking:
This trail has a large, paved parking lot. This trail is popular for overnight backpackers so the parking lot might fill up fast.
Fee:
This trail is free for day-hike. However, you need a backcountry permit if you plan on staying overnight.
Restrooms:
There are restrooms at the parking lot but not on the trail.
Distance:
10-mile R.T.
Elevation Gain:
2,132 feet
Level:
The trail is rated as moderate. However, the elevation can make it difficult.
Estimated Completion Time:
6-7 hours
Ideal Weather:
Dry and cool days are best. It can get very warm on the trail. You also don’t want to be on the pass during thunderstorms or rain.
Ideal Time:
Early mornings will give you cooler temperatures and more daylight for this long hike.
Dog-friendly:
Pets are allowed on the trail. We saw tons of cute pups. Just be sure to clean up after them.
Weather:
VIDEO:
GETTING THERE:
You can get to Duck Lake either via Duck Lake Pass trail or Emerald Lake trail. They both join up at around 1.3 miles into the hike. Both of these trailheads are located in the back of Coldwater Creek Campground Road, about a few hundred feet from each other.
We recommend taking Duck Lake Pass trail first and use the Emerald Lake trail on the way back. This way, you can see all the lakes. Emerald Lake trail is a lot steeper than the Duck Lake Pass trail, so it is easier going down than going up.
There are two main sections to this hike. The first, “easy” half will take you to Barney Lake. It is a steady incline but not too crazy steep. The second half is right after Barney Lake. This is where you’ll climb over a HUGE mountain of granite to get over to Duck Lake and Pika Lake on the other side.
THE ADVENTURE:
I will be the first to admit, we were a bit intimidated by the elevation. This is the tallest peak that we have ever climbed. With our home elevation of 1,200 feet above sea level, this peak is up there. We even talked about maybe picking a different trail, and I’m so glad we didn’t. This hike is equally as beautiful as it is tough.
We arrived bright and early to the parking lot at right around 7:30 am to find a ton of parking spots. We decided to take Duck Lake Pass trailhead instead of Emerald Lake trailhead. The good thing about the Mammoth’s trails is that they are very well-marked.
The climb starts the second that you set foot on the trail. The first mile has you ascending about 700 feet up winding trails that weave through lush green forests. The thin air had us breathing heavily and questioning our fitness levels. We took plenty of breaks to catch our breath and pressed on towards our goal. Watch your step on this trail. There are tons of rocky steps, rocks on the trail, and other things that can have you tripping or rolling your ankle.
One thing that we loved about this trail is all of the awesome spots that it takes you to. While most hikes have some sort of a final destination, this hike will take you past several small waterfalls and at least 7 lakes. In our opinion, the lakes get prettier and prettier as you go along.
The first official split in the trail bout 0.9 miles, branching left to head to Arrowhead Lake. This lake is named for its very distinct arrowhead shape. We went down a little way to check out the lake but quickly headed back to the main trail since we still have a long way to go.
At 1.3 miles, you’ll pass the junction where Emerald Lake trail meets up with Duck Lake Pass trail. You can take Emerald Lake trail on the way back to the parking lot. As for now, keep going straight forward.
Shortly after, you’ll pass a tiny unnamed lake that we called “Brown Lake.” For some reason, the lake has a dark brown color to it. According to Lakescientist.com, it probably got its brown hue from tea like substances, known as dissolved organic matter. Dense forests provide dark organic material that dissolves in the water like a teabag. The dissolved organic material stains the brown. It is interesting because it was the only lake on the trail with this coloring.
Almost directly across from “Brown Lake” is a beautiful meadow surrounded by a pine forest. There is a small stream with little waterfalls and fish swimming in it. This stream links Arrowhead Lake to Skelton Lake. All of these spots are great for anyone that has a love for photographing landscapes.
From the meadow, it is a short 0.2 miles (or 1.6 from the beginning) until you reach the fork to go to Skelton Lake. It is also a short detour from the main trail. We highly recommend spending some time here. Skelton Lake is gorgeous! It is the combination of scenic shoreline, clear crystal water, nested in the middle of towering mountains. The water was cold but refreshing. It was a perfect place to take a little break before continuing on our journey. We were both surprised that there weren’t that many people there. Most of the time, we had the whole place to ourselves.
A little further down the main trail, there is a small fork to the left. It is easy to miss if you aren’t paying attention. This little side trail will take you to the top of a large boulder. From here, you have a postcard-worthy view of Skelton Lake.
At 2.4 miles, the trail peaks over the rim of the upper lake’s basin. This is where you’ll get your first glimpse of Barney Lake’s turquoise water through the trees. As you get closer, the view opens up to this breathtaking, stark contrast view of the teal water against the dark, towering granite crags, sprinkled with patches of snow. You can follow the trail to go down to the edge of the lake or keep going to prepare for your steep climb.
Up to now, the trail is quite manageable. From here, you’ll start on the second, more difficult part of the trail. From the viewpoint, the trail drops down and crosses over a small stream. Once you cross over the stream, the trail follows along Barney Lake. It leads to the bottom of what reminds me of the mountain that leads to Mordor from Lord of the Ring. The trail winds through piles of broken boulders and giant granite outcrops. This part is about 1 mile long, however, it has an elevation change of over 500ft.
As you climb, don’t forget to look back. The view of Barney Lake from up here is to die for. Photos don’t do it justice. The view gets better as you climb higher. The gorgeous turquoise lakes nestled in between the tree groves, the rugged cliffs lining the valley and distant colorful mountains. It’s hard not to take millions of photos of this view.
After multiple breaks, we finally reached the top of Duck Pass at 3.6 miles from the trailhead. It is located on a broad saddle along the Pacific Crest. The trail levels out here, with a small drop-down to the other side, where it will take you to either Pika or Duck Lake. Just below the saddle, there is a small side trail that will take you to Pika Lake. If you continue straight for another mile or so, you’ll get to a small beach at the end of Duck Lake. Pika Lake is a smaller lake tucked to the side of Duck Lake.
As you cross over the saddle, you get to take in this gorgeous scenery. The view opens up to this giant, pristine, crystal blue lake. The water is so blue that it seems unreal. The lake is surrounded by tall, rugged mountains that still have patches of snow, even in July. I can’t imagine how stunning this place would look in the winter, with the beautiful blue water against the white snow. We didn’t go all the way down to the beach. We found a beautiful viewpoint about 0.2 miles down. Here, you’ll have panoramic views of Duck Lake, one of the largest natural lakes in the Eastern Sierras and the surrounding 11,000ft jagged peaks.
We took some time here to enjoy the views and our delicious lunch. Cold sandwiches never tasted so good. After that, we headed back the way we came from. Once you meet up at that junction of Duck Lake Pass trail and Emerald Lake trail (after the Brown Lake), you can either follow the original trail that passes through Arrowhead Lake or via left and follow the Emerald Lake trail.
We were feeling adventurous, so we decided to go through Emerald Lake. This way is a lot steeper than the other way. Be careful when you’re going down. The trail will take you through beautiful pine forests and eventually to Emerald Lake. This lake lives up to its name. The water is so clear and yes, it has this emerald green color. There are a lot of bugs there though so make sure you bring some bug spray. The trail is very well-marked. There are a couple of side trails along the way, however, as long as you stay straight and follow the signs for the Coldwater Campground, you’ll make it to the parking lot. From there, you can just walk a short distance to Duck Lake Pass trail parking.
If you’re staying in Mammoth for a few days, check out Cinnamon Bear Inn. We stayed there for our recent trip. We fell in love with the place AND its owners. Lannie was so sweet and amazing. She helped us with our reservations and gave us tons of local tips and recommendations. Every morning, they packed us little breakfast bags with a yummy egg sandwich, fruits, and granola bars. Once they realized that we had to leave super early in the morning for our hikes, they packed us little hiking breakfast bags the night before! Lannie is also an avid hiker and adventurer. We can’t wait to go back there.
If you’re still up for some more hiking, check out Devils Postpile and Rainbow Falls. Some other cool things to do around or near Mammoth would be the unique Mono Lake, where you can kayak among the unique tufas, take a quick stop at the Hot Creek Geological Site. Along the 395, you can stop at Fossil Falls, the unique roadside sculptures of Olancha. If you head up to Tahoe, don’t forget to go kayak at Sand Harbor, check out the sunset at Chimney Beach, or be super adventurous and climb up Via Ferrata Tahoe.
Happy Adventuring. Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, subscribe to our Youtube channel, and sign up for our newsletter!
RECOMMEND GEAR:
These are the gear that we personally use and find them helpful for this particular adventure. Don’t forget to check out our Recommended Gear section as well.
The majority of these links are through our affiliate links so if you buy something, it is at no extra cost for you but it helps us support the site. That being said, don’t buy something just to support us, buy something if you think it will enhance your travels and adventures.
• Hiking shoes
You need GOOD hiking shoes for this! The trail is rocky and can be slippery. Vy’s shoes are Merrell Women’s Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot. Dustin’s shoes are TARGHEE III WATERPROOF.
• Snacks/Lunch
It is a LONG hike! Bring plenty of snacks and lunch, especially carbs. Carbs help with altitude sickness.
• Sunscreen
The trail has a lot of exposed sections. It can get warm too. Make sure to use sunscreen. We use eco-friendly, reef-safe sunscreen, All Good Organic Sunscreen Butter – Zinc Oxide – Coral Reef Safe, and All Good Sport Sunscreen Lotion – Coral Reef Safe (3 oz)(2-Pack) or Stream2Sea SPF 30 Reef Safe Sport Tinted Sunscreen.
• Water
Bring A LOT of water! More than you think you need, at least 10 liters. Water helps with altitude sickness. Vy uses the Camelback L.U.X.E. Dustin uses the Clik Small pack (sadly Clik is no longer around)
• Jacket
Depends on the season, it might get a bit chilly. We love our packable Patagonia Puff Jackets! It can keep you warm, yet pack up super light. You can get Vy’s version here, and Dustin’s version here. If you want some lighter, we love the packable Patagonia Women’s Houdini® Jacket and Patagonia Men’s Houdini® Jacket.
• Swimsuit
If you don’t mind the cold water, there are so many lakes along the way for you to swim in.
CAMERA GEAR:
• Camera:
Sony a7 III
Gopro Hero 7 Black
• Lenses:
Sony 24 -70mm f/2.8 Carl Zeiss Vario Sonnar T Zoom Lens
• Accessories:
GoPro The Handler Floating Hand Grip – Official GoPro Mount
Aluminum GoPro protection frame
SandMarc Extended GoPro Pole
Hybrid Pro Filters – DSLR / Mirrorless
Cinema CPL Filter – HERO 9
