Deer Lakes Loop

Dogs Off-leash

Features Fishing · Lake · River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Wildflowers

This route leads up the Mammoth Crest mountain ridge, offers superb views of the Sierra Nevada, and passes by many beautiful lakes in the John Muir Wilderness and Inyo National Forest.

This route has portions of cross country travel--AKA no defined trail! Go with someone who knows the way or make sure you download the GPX route ahead of time.

The trail starts at the Crystal Lake Trail, north of the parking area and steadily ascends through fir and pine forest. Once you get past the summer cabins on the left, the trail zigzags up the northwest hillside of Lake George with occasional views of the lake. After a mile, you'll reach the junction to Crystal Lake Trail. Make a sharp right turn to stay on this trail.

The further up you go, the better the views will be. At a sandy switchback towards the south, you have a stunning view of the entire Mammoth Lakes basin, including Mammoth Mountain, Horseshoe Lake, Lake Mamie, and Twin Lakes. Trees are more sparse beyond this point.

At two miles, you finally reach Mammoth Crest. The trail turns left, but continuing straight onto Mammoth Crest Alternate Spur is highly recommended to get spectacular views of Mount Ritter, Banner Peak, and the Minarets. Continue south over what looks like volcanic slag until the trail becomes sandy. Pass the sign for John Muir Wilderness and cross the desolate plateau while soaking in the views to the west and south.

You'll reach the highest point of the crest at roughly 4.5 miles. From here the trail steeply descends to Deer Lakes. This is a good place for a longer break. Continue along the middle lake and steadily ascend again. At this point, the trail becomes less defined, but is still recognizable most of the time. Once you reach the southeasternmost of the three Deer Lakes, do not continue further south, but stay on an easterly direction up a fairly rocky slope. Several maps show Mammoth Crest Trail heading further south and then up an extremely steep slope. That is not the trail.

At the top of the slope is another plateau that's often covered in snow until late in the summer. Once you have crossed the plateau, another bowl opens up with Duck Lake and Pika Lake and their surrounding mountains. Descend towards the lake. The trail will quickly become hard to find. Head east and just cross the meadow. You may find small cairns that people have put up, but if you don't, then just continue until you reach the maintained Duck Pass Trail, then follow it north.

Duck Pass Trail leads you back to the Mammoth Lakes basin. The views from the top are absolutely stunning and worth taking a break before you head down further. The trail zigzags down quite steeply, passing Barney Lake on the right and Skelton Lake on the left before heading into somewhat thicker forest. At 10 miles, take Emerald Lake Trail to the left and continue descending to Emerald Lake. It is surrounded by lush green meadows that led to its name. The lake is typically very calm and glassy, beautifully reflecting the mountains and trees. Past the lake, the trail follows Coldwater Creek.

At 10.8 miles, make a left turn onto Coldwater - Lake George Trail to cross Coldwater Creek. Carefully walk over the fallen tree trunk to get to the other side. The trail makes a wide right turn and leads through shadowy forest with the occasional green meadow and small pond, some of which offer marvelous reflections. At 12.4 miles, you'll reach Lake Barrett—a great place for taking in the scenery with Mammoth Mountain in the background. Also a great place to swim on a hot summer day! The trail briefly veers away from the lake to join TJ Lake Loop. Stay right to return to Lake Barrett.

Once you leave Lake Barrett behind you, the trail will steeply descend to Lake George and return you to Lake George Campground.