Duck Pass Trailhead — Attraction in Mammoth Lakes

Beautiful hike. 😍 One of my favorite we've done so far!

It took us about 6 and a half hours in total (including stopping to snack and take photos and all of that good stuff).

It's not an easy hike because you keep going up most of the time and some parts are quite steep. Most people stop around Arrow Lake which is the first lake you encounter. There are multiple others on the way up, one more beautiful than the other. ❤️

We went last weekend so there was still quite a bit of snow left especially on the last part towards the peak. It's quite desolate up there because not many people go that far. I really enjoyed the peace and quiet. ❤️ Duck Lake was still half frozen with a couple tents nestled between the rocks around it. Beautiful sight and worth the effort.

Also since most people I've seen were in running/trekking shoes, please do wear snow boots if you plan to go because we sure were happy that we did. There are parts where we sunk all the way past our knees into the snow haha. Just a tip. 😁

Anyway gorgeous views all around, I definitely recommend it if you have the...

This is an amazing and very scenic hike, although quite steep at the very beginning once you reach the initial peak, there is a larger rock out crop from which you can have a beautiful, overlook and resting spot. And you can tackle the rest of the pass to arrowhead Lake and beyond. This is a semi-crowded hike so don’t worry about isolation. There there is a healthy bear population during July and August and August. There’s seem to be extra hungry famished from the heavy snowfall of 2023 consider taking a bear can however, locals referred to the Bears as big raccoons. Take water and a hat. If you’re planning to run this Trail, it’s rather rocky with sharp outcroppings and a little too steep to run full bore- on the way down. This is one of my new favorite trails! Exremely scenic totally worth it with high altitude training opportunities. This will definitely leave you breathless’s if you have any lung issues. I saw quite a few hikers doing a multi day hike with large heavy packs looks like a great beginner trail for multi day...

Duck Pass (about 10 miles round trip) This hike above the town of Mammoth Lakes isn’t as difficult as the mileage leads you to believe. There are only two (somewhat long) switchback-filled ascents. The first starts right from the trailhead. Once you’ve made it up the first large, boring hill, you’ll make your way by Skelton and Barney Lakes on the relatively easy trail winding your way through forests and meadows. If you’re still feeling up for it, continue the trail to the pass. It will look harder than it really is. Just follow the switchbacks and be sure to turn around for the most spectacular view. Once the trail has topped out, enjoy your well-deserved lunch looking over Duck Lake. After refueling, put your backpack on and head down those switchbacks you were just cursing and enjoy every bit...