Duck Pass from Coldwater

The walk starts at the Duck Pass Trailhead, at the far end of Coldwater Campground in the Mammoth Lakes Basin. The Duck Pass Trail climbs the forested hillside behind the campground and enters the John Muir Wilderness. It passes above Arrowhead Lake, which a short spur reaches, then runs beside Skelton Lake and on to Barney Lake, under the headwall. Steep, rocky switchbacks climb from Barney Lake to Duck Pass, at about 10,800 feet, where Duck Lake comes into view just below on the far side. Return the same way.

It is 7.5 miles (12.0 km) round trip with 1,650 feet (502 m) of climbing; allow about 4½ hours. The grade is Moderate: a steady climb on a good trail, steep and rocky for the last mile, and high all the way.

No permit is needed for a day hike. The trailhead is at about 9,100 feet, so take the climb slowly. This is an active bear area: use the bear-proof lockers and leave no food in the car. Campfires are not allowed in Coldwater Canyon.

Lake Mary Road is closed above Tamarack Lodge after the first big snowstorm of the season and reopens in late spring or early summer. Coldwater Campground closes earlier in the fall; if its gate is shut, check locally that the trailhead can still be reached.

Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.