Page Type:
|
Mountain/Rock |
|---|---|
Lat/Lon:
|
37.56273°N / 118.95946°W |
County:
|
Mono, Fresno |
Activities:
|
Hiking, Scrambling |
Season:
|
Summer, Fall |
|
Elevation:
|
11040 ft / 3365 m |
|
Overview
Point 11,040 from Skelton Lake
Point 11,040 is the highest point along Duck Pass, a half-mile long saddle between Mammoth Crest and the parallel ridge to the east. It is a consolation prize for those who cannot make it up any one of the many summits in the vicinity of Duck Pass.
Not a prominent mountain itself, it commands attention from the lakes below, in particular Skelton Lake, where it appears as a massive rock tower due to the relief from its north face.
It deserves its own page because it is a striking feature and because it is a worthy destination for intermediate hikers not wanting to venture to a major peak from Duck Pass. The views are tremendous, overlooking the lakes below and the mountains on the adjacent ridges.
View northwest looking down from Point 11040
Mammoth Crest from Point 11,040
As with this entire area, hiking without significant snow is typically only an option during summer months.
Getting There
From the junction of Highway 395 at Mammoth Lakes take 203 West into Mammoth Lakes. If coming from the north, you can take the scenic loop. Once in town, continue west on Lake Mary Road. Before you reach Lake Mary, take the road to the Coldwater Campground that runs along the east side of the lake. The road ends at the trailhead parking for Duck Pass. Make sure to follow signs for Duck Pass, and not Emerald Lake.Route
Take the Duck Pass Trail 3.5 miles to Duck Pass. From here there are many options for hiking and climbing nearby peaks. However, if just wanting an easy day, Point 11,040 is less than ½ mile off the trail. Just take a left (heading east) from the trail and you will run into the back side of Point 11,040. It is a walk-up.
Point 11,040' and Herlihy Peak 11,785' from near Duck Pass
If wanting more adventure, head up the peak from off the Duck Pass Trail once you cross the stream between Barney Lake and Red Lake. This will cut off more than ½ mile on the ascent. It is a Class 2/3 scramble to the summit, although there are Class 4 options. Rock may be loose via this route, so choose the route carefully.