FATMAP by Strava

Mammoth Crest

Traverse the top of a stunning mountain ridge.

Trail Running Difficult

Distance
21 km
Ascent
980 m
Descent
980 m
Duration
3-4 hrs
Low Point
2.7 km
High Point
3.4 km
Gradient
Mammoth Crest Map

"Mammoth Crest is the long sweeping ridge that forms the southwestern rim of the Mammoth Lakes Basin,” writes Greg Enright on SummitPost.org. "The eastern end of Mammoth Crest is composed of dark jagged peaklets that are rarely visited, but the northwestern end has a half mile granite cliffband with a sandy forested top.”

Description

This loop route ascends directly from Lake Mary, past Lake George, to gain the top of the Crest. From there, the trail 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, runners 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/

Difficulty

Difficult

Medium Exposure

2 out of 4

The trail contains some obstacles such as outcroppings and rock which could cause injury.

Remoteness

3 out of 4

Little chance of being seen or helped in case of an accident.

Best time to visit

between July and October

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area