Duck Pass Trail 5.5 mi

  • From the parking area at the southeastern end of the Coldwater Campground, this trail climbs through the Coldwater Creek watershed to its origins at Duck Pass and follows a series of spectacular alpine lakes, meadows and geographic features within the John Muir Wilderness such as Barney Lake, Blue Crag and the Mammoth Crest. The trail climbs steeply past the wilderness boundary, leveling off beyond Arrowhead Lake and rising again to the top of the pass.

  • From the parking area at the southeastern end of the Coldwater Campground, this trail climbs through the Coldwater Creek watershed to its origins at Duck Pass and follows a series of spectacular alpine lakes, meadows and geographic features within the John Muir Wilderness such as Barney Lake, Blue Crag and the Mammoth Crest. The trail climbs steeply past the wilderness boundary, leveling off beyond Arrowhead Lake and rising again to the top of the pass.

Reviews

July 27, 2016

“We took Duck Pass trail to Duck Lake and camped out overnight. This trail does not disappoint. At every turn there was something amazing to view. The first part of the trail is straight up but don't let that stop you. Once you get past that it starts to even out and you get the beautiful sceneries that the Sierra Nevadas promises you. The lakes you pass and the streams you cross make you stop in wonder. If you take the trail up over the pass to Duck Lake you will be rewarded with a deep blue sea of water. Some tips: Bring water it gets hot up there, the mosquitoes are the size of birds spray before you go, wear lots of sunscreen and don't forget your camera! Happy Hiking :)”

Becky, Riverside, CA

July 27, 2016

“This is the most spectacular hike. As you pass gorgeous lakes on the way to duck lake, you think there is nothing more beautiful than this. Well, there is—Duck lake is incredible. Worth the hike. We spent 7 hrs. up and back and stopped at each lake on the way. We also met some awesome hikers from Sweden and another couple from Denmark. Both said they have hiked all over the world and this was the best.”

John, East Highlands, CA

July 27, 2016

“My son, when he was like 13 , and I took fly rods up up to duck lake to fish, hitting the other lakes as we went. There were folk "jogging" up the trail and then down. He said "Dad where are their fishing poles? He could not believe they would be going to all this work and not go fishing at the top. Very nice hike, very scenic. Not THAT demanding.”

Kirk, San Diego, CA

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Related Destinations

Coldwater Trailheads

  • Hours/Season: 24/7 - Certain amenities/facilities limited | Fall  Spring  Summer 

  • Birding  Camping  Equestrian  Fall Color Viewing  Fishing  Hiking  Interpretive  Photography  Running  Vista Viewing  Wildflower Viewing 

Related Destinations

Destination Activities and Services
Coldwater Campground Camping
Coldwater Trailheads Birding Camping Equestrian Fall Color Viewing Fishing Hiking Interpretive Photography Running Vista Viewing Wildflower Viewing

Related Experiences

Related Experiences

Experience Rating Length (mi) Surface Duration
Campground Camping at Coldwater Campground ▣ 1.3 Asphalt - Vehicle Accessible Overnight
How to get involved Local recreation resources Experiences and ratings Finding your way around the MLTS Trail System Projects