Duck Pass Trail

Overview

Climbing over Duck Pass to join the John Muir Trail, the Duck Pass Trail starts on a 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. Common destinations beyond Duck Pass include Duck Lake, with an intense, deep-blue color, and nearby Purple Lake.<br><br>A true gem of the John Muir Wilderness, Duck Pass Trail is a must-do and won't be forgotten for a long time.

Trail Stats

Photos

Arrow Head Lake trail sign.

Arrow Head Lake trail sign.

Skelton Lake.

Skelton Lake.

Mammoth Mountain

Mammoth Mountain

The Duck Lake Trail joins the John Muir Trail.

The Duck Lake Trail joins the John Muir Trail.

Snowy mountains through the trees on Emerald Lake Trail.

Snowy mountains through the trees on Emerald Lake Trail.

The crystal clear blue Duck Lake.

The crystal clear blue Duck Lake.

Mammoth Mountain, Barney Lake, and Skelton Lake from Duck Pass Trail

Mammoth Mountain, Barney Lake, and Skelton Lake from Duck Pass Trail

Duck Lake on a fall afternoon.

Duck Lake on a fall afternoon.

Duck Lake in the afternoon light.

Duck Lake in the afternoon light.

Duck Lake and Pika Lake viewed from the top of Duck Pass.

Duck Lake and Pika Lake viewed from the top of Duck Pass.

The Duck Pass Trail climbs up the valley from the trailhead at Coldwater Campground.

The Duck Pass Trail climbs up the valley from the trailhead at Coldwater Campground.

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