Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Elevation Gain
7,678.00 ft (2,340.25 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
38.50 mi (61.96 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Duck Pass to McGee Pass is a 38.5-mile route through the John Muir Wilderness located near Mammoth Lakes, California. Beginning at the Duck Pass Trailhead at Lake Mary, this route winds south through fragrant pine forests, flower-filled meadows, and scenic alpine lakes. The trail rolls up and down along this moderately rated route that can be used for running, hiking, backpacking, camping, and horseback riding. 

From the Lake Mary Campground, ascend the Mammoth Crest via the Duck Pass Trail. You will descend the south side of Duck Pass and follow the trail along the west side of Duck Lake. Next, follow the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT)/John Muir Trail (JMT) south, passing Purple Lake and Lake Virginia. At the intersection with McGee Pass Trail, turn left and head east, following Fish Creek and passing through Tully Hole and Horse Haven on your way to McGee Pass. The turnaround point for this route is Mcgee Pass, but peak baggers might want to add a couple more miles and continue up the steep slope to Red Slate Mountain, which rises 13,140 feet above sea level

PERMIT INFORMATION

  • No permits are required for day use.

  • Permits are required for overnight camping and backpacking trips and can be obtained at www.recreation.gov.

  • Permit quota season is from May 1 - November 1.

WATER

Water along the route can be found from creeks, lakes, and springs and should be treated before consumption. 

BEAR AWARE

The trail is located in an active bear area, so food, trash, and scented items must be stored in bear-proof containers. You can find more information about hiking through bear country at https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/inyo/recreation/?cid=fsbdev3_003846.  

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

White Mountain Visitor Center: 1-(760) 873-2500

Wilderness Permit Information: 1-(760) 873-2483

Inyo National Forest

Lake Mary Campground

 

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Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Summer

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

None

Open Year-round

Yes

Days

3

Pros

Alpine lakes. Scenic vistas. Peak bagging.

Cons

Uses popular trails that can get crowded.

Trailhead Elevation

9,002.00 ft (2,743.81 m)

Highest point

12,126.00 ft (3,696.00 m)

Typically multi-day

Yes

Suitable for

Horseback

Permit required

Yes

Permit self-issue on site

No

Location

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