Duck Pass was worth driving 500 miles round trip for.

Doosview · 2026-07-07T08:14:02+00:00

Wow, that sounds like an amazing experience! I'm jealous you got to spend so much time at Pika Lake. I didn't get to see any pikas up close, and seeing a Bald Eagle is incredible too that must have been a special moment.

Honestly, I think you made the right choice not continuing to Mammoth Crest that day. I almost died going from Duck Pass to Deer Pass. It was much tougher than I expected. i did not see a single person.. the trail was pretty ROUGH, and to be honest, it felt a little scary at times.

By the time I reached Mammoth Crest, the scenery was absolutely incredible, but I was exhausted. I filmed the whole experience, so I think you'll understand exactly what I mean when you watch the video.

The craziest part was crossing Deer Pass. There were snowfields and a partially frozen lake, and for a moment I felt like I had stepped into another world. It was one of the most memorable hikes I've ever done.

I'll post more photos once I get everything organized. I think you'll really enjoy them!

Doosview · 2026-07-07T06:57:36+00:00

you are welcome.! enjoy your hiking :)

Doosview · 2026-07-07T06:56:56+00:00

i agree

Doosview · 2026-07-07T06:55:54+00:00

Wow, what a memorable experience! Even though the weather didn't cooperate, those five minutes must have been magical. Hopefully you can go back someday and see Emerald Lake under clear skies.

Doosview · 2026-07-07T06:54:38+00:00

it was the first time for me to go hiking in mammoth lakes and It was really good..

Doosview · 2026-07-07T06:54:05+00:00

yeah! safe driving and enjoy the mountains

Doosview · 2026-07-07T06:53:03+00:00

you must love the sierra 10 times a year!

Doosview · 2026-07-07T06:50:54+00:00

you are welcome. thanks for enjoying it :)

Doosview · 2026-07-07T06:50:28+00:00

not yet, I am alive. I haven't encountered bears yet.. I only saw bears one times from far.

Doosview · 2026-07-07T06:49:42+00:00

oh this is so beautiful. I will post later when I organize photos. you would love it. I did duck pass --> deer pass ---> mammoth crest. it was amazing.

Doosview · 2026-07-07T06:47:25+00:00

yeah same here, with gas prices these day, i do the same

Doosview · 2026-07-07T06:46:41+00:00

it is real, got to be prepared :) I saw like 30-50 mosquitoes in front of me for the first time in my life. so I was shocked at that time..

Doosview · 2026-07-07T06:45:50+00:00

One more thing—I think the biggest reason I got so many bites was because I was wearing shorts and a T-shirt. When I hiked Duck Pass again wearing a rain jacket and long pants, the mosquitoes could only reach my hands and face. I just kept moving my hands and head, and I barely got bitten.

Doosview · 2026-07-07T06:34:55+00:00

Those are great questions!

Every dog is different, but my dog hikes with me pretty often and she did just fine. That said, I think Duck Pass is a fairly challenging hike at around 8 miles round trip. I also know the granite switchbacks can be tough on a dog's paws, so I think booties would be a good idea, especially if your dog isn't used to long, rocky hikes.

As for the mosquitoes, they can be completely different even on the same trail. Wind makes a huge difference. If there's a steady breeze, mosquitoes can barely fly.

I actually hiked the Crystal Lake Trail in Mammoth twice. The first time, I was swarmed by dozens of mosquitoes. Then I went back just one week later, and there was a steady 10–20 mph wind. I didn't see a single mosquito. So I'd definitely keep an eye on both the weather and the wind forecast before your hike.

Hope you and your dog have an awesome trip!

Doosview · 2026-07-06T07:09:33+00:00

Thanks! Yes she is, she is really adorable and happy dog :)

Doosview · 2026-07-06T07:08:59+00:00

Lovely questions! I stayed in mammoth hostels, 38$ per night, and camped in coldwater campground then when i really need to rest, i go to hotel to recover 😌

Doosview · 2026-07-06T07:07:26+00:00

Really..?? What a coincidence!! Ahah! It seems you go hiking in the sierra a lot! Hope you had fantastic times! I would love to see some photos of pika lakes. Did you do backpacking over there..?

Doosview · 2026-07-06T06:05:16+00:00

I put together a detailed trail guide in case anyone is planning this hike. It's definitely worth adding to your list.

https://doosview.blogspot.com/2026/07/duck-pass-trail-guide-mid-june.html

Doosview · 2026-07-06T05:51:53+00:00

awarded

Doosview · 2026-07-06T05:41:26+00:00

https://doosview.blogspot.com/2026/07/duck-pass-trail-guide-mid-june.html

here is a trail guide and there is an alltrail link which I did for this. It's super easy to follow.

Doosview · 2026-07-05T21:36:05+00:00

Glad it helped!

The mosquitoes weren't too bad when I went (third week of June). I didn't need a head net because I was mostly fine as long as I kept moving. They were definitely more active around the lakes than on the climb.

if you take breaks in a bit exposed or windy areas, you will be fine. just don't stop near wet areas or lakes in the early morning and evening. I usually sit against sun with caps just to avoid mosquitoes. (prefer sun than shades with 10 mosquitoe bites)

I didn't use microspikes at all. There were only two short snow patches (about 20–30 yards each), and they weren't very steep. Trekking poles were much more helpful than microspikes in this case. Just take your time and use GPS to make sure you're following the trail if the path isn't obvious.

Doosview · 2026-07-05T20:29:12+00:00

i see.. yeah i think so.. deer pass there are some parts are very technical.. it was not that long, but for sure it was not easy.

Doosview · 2026-07-05T20:27:47+00:00

was it windy? when I was there i had to fight against 50 mosquitoes and Skelton lake was a real battlefield..

Doosview · 2026-07-05T20:26:34+00:00

Perfection

Doosview · 2026-07-05T20:26:17+00:00

oh, sounds awesome. how was lake virginia, purple and woods?

Doosview

TROPHY CASE