🌤 Trail Weather — Plan Your Hike
Updated every 6 hrs · Trailhead coords
✅
Good Conditions — Solid Day to Hike
63°F, Clear Sky. Wind 5 mph. Standard 10 Essentials apply.
💨 Wind
5 mph N
No significant gusts
💧 Humidity
18%
Dry — drink before thirsty
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi
Good visibility
☁️ Cloud Cover
0%
Clear — full sun exposure
🌅 Sunrise
6:37 am
Ideal start time
🌇 Sunset
7:06 pm
Off trail by this
Today — 3-Hour Intervals
2 pm
☀️
63°
Feels 60°
💨 4/11
5 pm
☀️
61°
Feels 57°
💨 5/7
8 pm
🌙
51°
Feels 47°
💨 2/3
11 pm
🌥️
37°
Feels 37°
💨 1/4
5-Day Forecast
💧 Humidity
18% Dry — drink before thirsty
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
0% Clear — full sun exposure
✅
Good Conditions — Go Hike
☁️
Tue, Sep 15
Overcast Clouds
💧 Humidity
35% Comfortable
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
🥾
Acceptable — Check Elevation
💧 Humidity
43% Comfortable
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
0% Clear — full sun exposure
🥾
Acceptable — Check Elevation
☁️
Thu, Sep 17
Scattered Clouds
💧 Humidity
61% Humid — heat feels stronger
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
32% Partly cloudy
🥾
Acceptable — Check Elevation
💧 Humidity
46% Comfortable
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
0% Clear — full sun exposure
🥾
Acceptable — Check Elevation
Trailhead elevation only. Conditions change at altitude. Check weather.gov before heading out.
Sep 14, 12:54 pm
A lung-busting climb from the Mammoth Lakes Basin that passes Arrowhead, Skelton, and Barney Lakes before cresting to a sweeping view of wind-swept Duck Lake on the Sierra crest.
Trail Overview
This trail earns its strenuous rating in the final two miles. The switchbacks above Barney Lake are relentless and fully exposed. In July and August, this section is brutal after 10am. Afternoon thunderstorms are a real risk in summer — be off the exposed upper section by noon.
This Hike Is For You If…
Experienced day hikers comfortable with sustained climbs and high altitude. The lower lakes section to Arrowhead Lake works for fit intermediates wanting a shorter objective.
Skip This Hike If…
Skip this in July and August unless you can start before 7am. Skip if you have had altitude sickness symptoms in the past 24 hours.
What to Expect on Trail
Terrain: Well-maintained singletrack with sustained switchbacks above Barney Lake. Rocky granite slabs near Duck Lake.
Shade: Partial
Water: Seasonal. Creek along lower section. Dry above Barney Lake. Carry extra.
Views: Outstanding
Crowds: Popular Mammoth trail. Lower lakes crowded on weekends.
Dogs: Yes, dogs are welcome on this trail.
Best Arrival: Before 7am on weekends.
This is a Tier 1 sourced review. Trail information is based on published sources and research. Andrew has not personally hiked this trail yet. Photos and firsthand sensory detail will be added when upgraded to Tier 2.
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10.1 miRound Trip
1600 ftElev. Gain
StrenuousDifficulty
5-7 hoursEst. Time
10797 ftHighest Point
Out-and-BackRoute Type
YesDogs
NonePermit
Trailhead & Logistics
Address: Duck Pass Trailhead, Coldwater Campground, Lake Mary Road, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
Parking: Paved lot at Coldwater Campground. Day use fee applies. Fills by 8am on summer weekends.
Bathroom: Flush Toilets
Cell Service: Partial
Best Arrival: Before 7am on weekends.
Trail Reality Check
This trail earns its strenuous rating in the final two miles. The switchbacks above Barney Lake are relentless and fully exposed. In July and August, this section is brutal after 10am. Afternoon thunderstorms are a real risk in summer — be off the exposed upper section by noon.
Terrain: Well-maintained singletrack with sustained switchbacks above Barney Lake. Rocky granite slabs near Duck Lake.
Shade: Partial
Water: Seasonal — Creek along lower section. Dry above Barney Lake. Carry extra.
Views: Outstanding
Crowds: Busy — Popular Mammoth trail. Lower lakes crowded on weekends.
Who should do this: Experienced day hikers comfortable with sustained climbs and high altitude. The lower lakes section to Arrowhead Lake works for fit intermediates wanting a shorter objective.
Who should skip this: Skip this in July and August unless you can start before 7am. Skip if you have had altitude sickness symptoms in the past 24 hours.
