Did this trail a few weeks ago, I stood at Pika lake. Spent time at all the lakes on the way. The trail is great, no overgrowth. The parking lots has plenty of parking with an overflow parking not far away. The trail head has a restroom. Enjoy the pictures I took. read more

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This review is for Barney Lake Trail which was a ~5.2 miles round trip that took ~3.5 hour to complete. This was a stunning hike that rewards you with two additional lakes along the way (Arrowhead & Skelton Lake)! Trail was a mix of dirt and rocks with plenty of elevation changes. Arrowhead Lake was a short ~0.1 mile detour but worth the stop! Heavy mosquito presence; 20+ mosquito bites! Short video of the hike for those interested! https://youtu.be/M9JhcfSKx3c read more

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This trail left me in awe. I was so breathtakin by the beautiful lakes you encounter as well as the steep incline! Make sure you bring plenty of water and some snacks and your energy. This trail is indeed hard as it is listed on All Trails. The trail head parking is free and there are restrooms located at the trailhead as well. Mostly clean in the mornings but we didn't need to use them after we finished so not sure on the afternoon cleanliness. We also did not encounter any wildlife besides squirrels. Each lake is so beautiful and serene. Give yourself some time to enjoy each one. Duck Lake is the largest and the trail is amazing as you walk along side the lake. I definitely recommend this hike to all the adventurers out there! read more

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The view from the top of Duck Pass is magnificent. It's about 5 miles in Donegal it on horseback and on foot.

Absolutely BEAUTIFUL! I'd suggest starting here as opposed to the trailhead that goes to the Emerald Lake. If you can make it to Pika Lake you won't be disappointed! What I loved about this hike was that each lake is spread out pretty evenly so the feels to each isn't quite as long. read more

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Had a great long weekend backpacking the duck pass trail. We started here at the duck pass trailhead, where on a Friday morning there was plenty of parking. There was also a bear box for us to leave our stuff we weren't bringing with us, and a bathroom (pit toilet) before we headed out. Had some friendly conversations with other campers and hikers along the way and then headed out. We hiked in ~2.8 miles (passing Arrowhead Lake and Skeleton Lake) and then stopped at Barney Lake. The hike was not easy with packs on, but I would rate moderate, and also was shady most of the way. We got lucky at there was a huge area cleared (looked like other campers had stopped there previously) and wasn't taken. So we plopped down our packs to claim the area and changed into our bathingsuits for a well deserved dip in the lake and to eat lunch. This area for camping was perfect, we had a stream close by for pumping water and lots of big rocks for laying out packs etc. Dirt land was relatively flat for sleeping and dry which was nice. Don't forget your bear boxes if you're staying overnight, although know bears encountered, thank goodness! Next morning we left our tents and packs, just took our day packs and hiked the rest of the trail over to Duck lake. This would have been a really tough hike with packs, there's less shade and a lot of steep switchbacks. With daypacks though this was a lovely hike. Such beautiful views of the lakes behind you as well as Duck lake ahead. We chose to follow the Duck Lake trail to the southeast edge of the lake (~2.25 miles from Barney Lake) where there was a nice beach we could sit for lunch and dip in. The lake was freezing, but well worth it. Clear and just so beautiful. Hike back went pretty quickly, a bit of a hike up from the lake but then all downhill from there back to Barney Lake. We stayed another night, enjoyed our nook between Barney lake and the stream. And then hiked out the next day, which even with our packs was relatively easy, mostly downhill and shady. Would have loved to make it to pike lake and purple lake, but just didn't have the time. read more

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Gateway to epoxy c, wild trout fly fishing adventures! First mile or so is pretty brutal if you're not acclimated to higher altitudes but then trail levels out and is easier to navigate. Insane views of mountains and lakes, would highly recommend this hike. read more

Numerous alpine lakes and a moderate climb make for a fun day. This is definitely a classic hike in the Mammoth Lakes area. Highlights for us were Skeleton Lake, Barney Lake, and Duck Pass. Once above Barney Lake the views really open up and one can see Barney Lake, Skeleton Lake, Mammoth Mountain, and parts of the Mammoth Crest. I give this trail a 5 for scenery and a 3 for trail quality, hence 4 for the overall rating. Trail suffers from overuse by pack animals with soil worn down to sand and rocks making for difficult steps along a path of unnecessary switchbacks. I can say that it's not fun to encounter a string of pack animals while on a dusty section of the trail. Nice as the riders are, you may be covered in dust and left choking. read more

Duck Pass Trailhead - Barney Lake as seen from trail along final ascent to Duck Pass. Mammoth Mountain in the background. - Hiking Near Me - Mammoth Lakes, California

This is a classic Sierra dayhike that passes several gorgeous lakes on its way to dramatic views at the top of Duck Pass. A trip all the way to Duck Lake is a little over 4 miles. The trailhead is at the back of Coldwater Campground (this campground is quite large, and walking through it to get to the trailhead will add nearly a mile to your hike), and it consists of a large paved parking area, bathrooms, and bear lockers. The day we were there the parking lot was nearing full, and I imagine at times it can fill up quite early. The first 1.5 miles of the hike is a steady climb through shady forest. The switchbacks are well-graded and, under normal conditions, would be fairly easy, but at over 9000' elevation, nothing is easy, and you are likely to become winded quite early. After you pass Arrowhead Lake, things smooth out a bit and become very scenic. The next stop is Skelton Lake, and it is impossible not to stop here for a short break...maybe even a swim. Up and up to Barney Lake, past which the trail turns into rocky switchbacks in the sun to get to the top of the pass. The switchbacks aren't really so terrible as you might expect, and there are plenty of good places to stop for a rest if you need to. When we were here, late season snow was still blocking up much of the trail, so we climbed to within .5 miles of the pass before we decided to turn around. (The view is plenty good from that point.) Be sure to check trail conditions before hitting this trail, as snow lingers long into the summer. read more

Duck Pass Trailhead - Husband descending the switchbacks near the top of Duck Pass. - Hiking Near Me - Mammoth Lakes, California

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We didn't do the full hike, but we did get about halfway through with three children 10 and under and a dog. It was a really easy, very beautiful hike. This is probably some of the most beautiful summer hiking I've ever done, and each lake we passed had its own beauty. I can't believe I spent all these winters up here and never came up for the summer. Highly recommended! read more

Duck Pass Trailhead - Gorgeous views all around! - Hiking Near Me - Mammoth Lakes, California

Wow. This was my goal for the summer and it didn't disappoint! The trailhead area has flush toilets and a lot of parking (among Duck Pass Trailhead, Emerald Lake Trailhead and the Mine). You can create your own adventure on this trail. Some people only go to Arrowhead Lake which is a pretty short hike, or to Skelton Lake which is just a bit further. Both lakes are beautiful. Or you can go as far as you can without going up the pass, which would be Barney Lake. Not as much to see at that lake, but the Mammoth Crest is breathtaking. Or you can cut across to Emerald Lake, Sky Meadows and then to TJ/Barrett. Or, you can do the holy grail and ascend to Duck Pass and see Duck Lake and Pika Lake. The views from the pass are some of the best one can find in the area as you can see some of the lakes you passed along the way, and also Mammoth Mountain. Duck Lake is massive and truly something to see. You can continue down the trail to the end of Duck Lake, where it intersects with PCT, or take a left and visit Pika Lake (that was not the highlight of the hike... the trail was very rocky and steep and not well maintained... I kept losing the trail and the climb back to the top was not fun). At Duck Lake, have some lunch and enjoy your hard work. I saw so many people get there, take a few pictures, and then immediately descend the mountain. WTF. Most of the trail (minus the climb to Duck Pass) is "moderate", so if you're in shape it isn't bad at all and quite enjoyable, but if you're out of shape (or not acclimated to the altitude) it will be quite a workout. The pass looks intimidating. Right past Barney Lake, the trail takes you into a bowl where you are surrounded by high mountains of nothing but rock. Looking straight ahead, it looked like the trail ended at the mass of rock, but I quickly found the switchbacks. The trail here is very rocky (and poles made it more difficult only in this section) and you quickly gain elevation. The part that I dread about this trail is the part closest to the parking lot. It's switchback hell. I checked my GPS at Arrowhead Lake (if I remember correctly) and it showed the trailhead as being 0.75 miles away *as the crow flies*. I swear it was about 2 miles with all the switchbacks and constant boulder steps (poles really help me here) but I digress. I almost took the Emerald Lake trail back because that is straight downhill (though pretty steep). It is good to be prepared. It is amazing to me how many people I saw that looked like they were going for a stroll along the beach, but they made it. As a previous reviewer mentioned, 4 hours is a good estimate for the entire hike, though it depends on your shape etc. My endeavor to Pika Lake added another 2 hours. With kids (younger than teens), I would not take them past Skelton Lake. Bring a lot of water, and a snack (or lunch). Unless you're backpacking (or got a really early start), I wouldn't continue a whole lot further on the trail past Duck Lake as you might not make it back before sunset. Finally, even if you're acclimated to Mammoth elevation, the altitude may get to you as you approach the top of the pass. I was breathing much harder up there, and also on the hike to Pika Lake. read more

So - let me premise this review by saying we had no idea what we were getting ourselves into with this hike. My hubbie and I are from San Diego and LOVE coming up to Mammoth in the summer time to get away and do some hiking. We had done a 5 1/2 long mile hike the day before and wanted something more challenging. We looked up some interesting hikes and settled on Duck Pass Trail. Hikingwalking.com has a great turn-by-turn detail of how to get to, and stay on the trail. Start at Coldwater Creek campground and expect at least a 7.2 mile hike round-trip. The first two miles are a progressive ascent with views of waterfalls and Arrowhead lake. Gorgeous. The climb continues until you get to Skelton lake surrounded by gorgeous meadows. After skeleton lake expect a trail dominated by mounds of shale. This is really the ugliest part of the climb, until you get to the top. Killer views of Duck Lake and the mountains surrounding you. Couple of tips: 1. Make sure you know this hike will take at least 4 hours if you are taking your time 2. If you have ankle or knee problems - wear your brace 3. The elevation may get you. Rest along the way and know it's normal to have difficulty catching your breath. 4. I wouldn't recommend this trail for children under the age of 12. 5. Sunscreen, snacks and water! Best to start early so you can reward yourself with a few beers from Mammoth Brewing Company or Martinis from Smokehouse BBQ...really the best part of the hike. :) read more

Duck Pass Trailhead - Hiking Near Me - Mammoth Lakes, California

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Great little Hike. Not super crowded with droves of people like some the hiking areas in Mammoth.

Great hike. Very scenic and beautiful lakes. Barney Lake had some mosquito swarms. The hike up the pass was still cover in snow in areas but still passable. Once up on top you see your reward, Beautiful Duck Lake! Myself and my two Boxer pups did this, Maggie is 1 & 1/2, max is 3 & 1/2. We all did fine. The trail was blocked in several areas by downed trees. A couple of times I wondered if I was still on the right path, but the pups knew where to go. But on the way down the US forestry dept or whom ever is responsible for clearing these hikes, we're clearing it. I got to hand it to these guys and gals. It's not an easy task especially in the sun and on top on a mountain, you got to pack your chainsaws. I thank you folks for what you do for us to enjoy!!! read more