This loop hike ascends directly from Lake Mary, past Lake George, to gain the top of the Crest. From there, the hike traverses the top of this stunning mountain formation all the way to Duck Pass, completing the loop by descending the Duck Pass Trail.

From the top of the Crest, hikers are rewarded “stunning, far reaching views of the Ritter Range, Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River Canyon, Duck Lake, and the Silver Divide,” according to Hiking & Walking. The trail also passes Deer Lakes on the backside of the Crest and provides the option to detour to Duck Lake.

As long as you stick to the defined trail, the route is relatively easy to follow… although a map is recommended. The trail tread isn’t too difficult or technical. However, this area does provide several options for off-trail scrambling and peak bagging. If you venture off the beaten path, be prepared for a challenge!

Sources: https://www.summitpost.org/mammoth-crest/695333 http://hikingwalking.com/index.php/destinations/ca/cases/mammothlakes/mammothcrest https://www.mammothtrails.org/trail/12/mammoth-crest-trail/ https://weekendsherpa.com/stories/hike-the-mammoth-crest-trail/