Duck Lake has been on our radar for quite a while. After cancelling the trip a couple times over the past few years, we finally were able to explore this beautiful part of Mammoth Lakes.
Not a difficult trail, and very easy to navigate.
Most of the hike is in forest until you reach Duck Pass which climbs up and into more rocky terrain.
We passed several smaller lakes on the way to Duck Lake. Lots of opportunity for swimming, but it was a little too cold.
Small river crossings.
Beautiful views back down the valley.
The sign leading us to Pika Lake, which is a smaller lake above Duck Lake.
After crossing the pass we had our first view of Duck Lake, which was a lot larger than expected.
We spotted a campsite on a rock outcropping high above Duck Lake and decided this would be where we stay the night.
Not a bad view from the tent.
Hard to capture with just a phone, but the stars and Milky Way shone bright in the clear night sky.
Our campsite had nice rock benches and plenty of protection from the howling winds.