Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Elevation Gain
4,718.00 ft (1,438.05 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
16.20 mi (26.07 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.

Mammoth Pass to Duck Pass is a 16.2-mile out and back trek located outside of Mammoth, California. This challenging trek makes a beautiful ridgeline traverse along the Mammoth Crest Trail before taking you over Duck Pass and down to Duck Lake. Visitors should be comfortable with backcountry travel and/or familiar with the area in general as the Mammoth Crest Trail is less maintained than some nearby trails. Electronic and paper maps are recommended. This adventure is suitable for trail runners, hikers, and backpackers. 

The journey to Mammoth Pass begins with a steep climb from the Horseshoe Lake Parking Area. You continue the climb along the Mammoth Crest/Rim Trail, an exposed ridgeline trail that provides panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. 

Following Duck Pass, you will descend to Duck Lake and walk briefly along its western shore. After enjoying the lake, return to the Mammoth Crest Trail and continue on the same route back to the trailhead. 

TRAILHEAD AMENITIES

The Horseshoe Lakes parking area features bathrooms, trash and picnic tables. 

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. 

TRANSPORTATION

Mammoth Lakes Free Mountain Shuttle: https://www.mammothmountain.com/transportation/free-mountain-shuttle 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center 1-(760) 924-5500

Wilderness Permit Information 1-(760) 873-2483

Mammoth Lakes Trail Systems: https://www.mammothtrails.org/ 

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Summer

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

None

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Alpine Lakes. Scenic Ridgeline Trail.

Cons

Trail is difficult to find in some short sections.

Trailhead Elevation

8,993.00 ft (2,741.07 m)

Highest point

11,214.00 ft (3,418.03 m)

Features

Backcountry camping
Near lake or river
Wildlife
Big vistas
Vault toilet

Typically multi-day

No

Permit required

No

Location

Nearby Adventures

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