Duck Pass Trail

Area Status: Open
Green lakes surrounded by mountains and trees

Several trails in this area offer a variety of hikes beginning behind Coldwater Campground. Climbing over Duck Pass to join the John Muir trail, the Duck Pass trail climbs the forested hillside behind Coldwater Campground and goes past Arrowhead, Skelton, and Barney lakes before going over Duck Pass. A side trail to Emerald Lake offers an alternate route to Skelton Lake or the option of a loop past Barret Lake returning to the west side of Lake Mary. Common destinations beyond Duck Pass include Duck Lake, with an intense deep-blue color with Pika Lake behind it, and Purple Lake a few miles beyond.

Download  area map for trail names.
To purchase more detailed maps or guidebooks of the area, visit sierraforever.org

At a Glance

Reservations: Reserve wilderness permits up to 6 months in advance at the Inyo National Forest Wilderness Permit Recreation.gov Page
Rentals & Guides:  Mammoth Lakes Pack Outfit is located near Mammoth Lakes Basin offers day rides and mule pack trips (888) 475-8747
Permit Info:
  • Wilderness permit required year round for overnight trips.
  • Day use does not require permit.
  • May 1 through November 1 overnight visitors are limited to 30 people per day.
Restrictions:
  • No campfires in Coldwater Canyon, Duck Creek or Purple Lake; and no campfires at all locations above 10,000 ft.  Maps of Campfire Restrictions.
  • Food, trash and scented items must be stored in bear proof containers
  • No camping within 300 ft. of the outlet of Duck Lake or Purple Lake.
  • Emerald Lake trail and the trail to Ram Lake are not recommended for stock.
  • Groups cannot be larger than 15 people.
  • John Muir Wilderness regulations.
Closest Towns:
  •  Mammoth Lakes, CA (Full Service, Hospital)
Water: Water from creeks, lakes and springs should be treated before drinking.
Restroom: Flush toilet at trailhead. Please Leave No Trace. Bury human waste or pack it out.
Operated By: Forest Service
Information Center:

General Information

Directions:

Leave Hwy 395 at Mammoth Lakes, Hwy 203 and follow Lake Mary Road past Lake Mary. Follow the signs to Coldwater Campground. The trail leaves from behind Coldwater Campground.


Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Lake and Pond Fishing

Recreation areas with activity Lake and Pond Fishing:

River and Stream Fishing

Recreation areas with activity River and Stream Fishing:

Day Hiking

Recreation areas with activity Day Hiking:

Backpacking

Recreation areas with activity Backpacking:

Horse Camping

Recreation areas with activity Horse Camping:

Horse Riding

Recreation areas with activity Horse Riding:

Recreation Areas

Recreation Activities

Location

 
  Latitude : 
37.59126294

  Longitude : 
-118.9892716

  Elevation : 
9,128 ft. at trailhead - 10,814 ft. at Duck Pass