Hike to several alpine lakes in the Eastern Sierra via the Duck Pass

High altitude hike to several alpine lakes at Mammoth via Duck Pass in the Eastern Sierra.
Iadore a hike that supplies me with a little bit of everything. I’m talking pristine meadows, vibrant vegetation, insane panoramic landscape views, crystal-clear alpine lakes and jagged mountain peaks all on one single trail. Hiking the Duck Pass and Pika Lake Trail in Mammoth Lakes accumulates all of those things and proves to be one of the best in the area to experience true mountain majesty.
The Duck Pass and Pika Lake trail in Mammoth Lakes, California is in the John Muir Wilderness area. In a round trip distance around 10 miles, you can experience multiple alpine lakes among a nature wonderland but not without an elevation gain.
Popular with backpackers, Duck Pass and Pika Lake trail begins at over 9,000 feet in elevation. I clocked in 10 miles with a 2100+ foot elevation gain in just over 6 hours of hiking.
In less than a mile and with a subtle rise in elevation, i arrive to the calm teal waters of Barney Lake. With soft-sided mountains surrounding it and an island-style plot of land in the middle, i was swept away by the magnificent views.
Upon reaching the top of the boulder field, the terrain switches to a soft sand resembling that of a beach. A few more steps and we reach the next trail junction that accompanies outstanding views of Duck Lake.
#easternsierra #california #sierranevada #mammothlakes #easternsierras #monocounty #nature #optoutside #mountains #hiking #mammothmountain #inyonationalforest #visitmammoth #hwy #mammothstories #junelake #landscapephotography #monocountytourism #mammoth #outdoors #inyocounty #naturephotography #wanderlust #adventure #mtwhitney #landscape #alabamahills #visitcalifornia #photography #bishopca

[@ervinslens]

Absolutely stunning work friend, spectacular and such a unique scenery!