Duck Lake

Dogs Leashed

Features Lake · River/Creek · Swimming · Views

Duck Pass Trail starts in the back of Coldwater Creek campground near Lake Mary. The trail climbs through pine forests, passing many lakes and streams, culminating in a view from Duck Pass. The trail takes visitors through the lakes basin that gives the town of Mammoth Lakes half of its name. It's gorgeous in all four seasons, but snow will eventually prevent you from hiking in winter. The best seasons to hike here are late spring, summer and fall.

The hike starts at the day-use parking behind Coldwater Creek Campground above Lake Mary above Mammoth Lakes, CA. Arrive early in summer or on holidays - it will fill up!

A hike up to Duck Pass is straightforward, beautiful, dog friendly, moderately challenging, and offers nice variation. For these reasons, it is quite popular. It's a bit of a climb, so bring enough water and snacks. To the top of the pass and back is about 8 miles, with around 1,600 feet of elevation gain and loss.

The trail starts right from the parking lot and climbs towards Duck Pass. It passes a half dozen small lakes and a few side trails on the way, allowing for various side adventures. If you reach the top of the pass you'll find a view of Duck and Pika lakes to the south. To the north are more than a dozen subalpine lakes.

The name Mammoth Lakes supposedly comes from the Mammoth Mining Company that operated here in the 19th century. The "Lakes" part of the name, however, comes from the many natural waters surrounding the town, such as in this very basin.