On October 7-9, 1978 Jim White and I backpacked on a 20 mile round trip loop in the Mammoth Crest area of the John Muir Wilderness.
I picked Jim up in Independence about 7:30 a.m. and drove to Mammoth, picking up Wilderness Permit at Visitor Center and hitting the trail to Duck Lake about 9:30 a.m. Stopped at Arrowhead Lake for a snack, then climbed along creek to find old mine mill site with 3 stamp mill. Cabin, etc. dismantled by Forest Service.
We continued on to Skelton Lake and Barney Lake where we ate lunch. Good trail up to Duck Pass and fantastic view of Duck Lake (large). We made the outlet about 3 p.m. and made camp. Took a nap and then fixed supper about 5 p.m. and hit the sack early - about 7:15 p.m.
Frost but no frozen water in the morning. We hit the trail about 9:15 a.m. and quickly completed the remaining mile of the 6 mile Duck Pass trail to the Muir Trail. Saw some deer and met only one person on the Muir Trail. Stopped for snack about 11:30 and then on to Deer Creek for lunch about 1 p.m.
After hour lunch stop we headed up Deer Creek. Passed some sleeping hunters. Several nice meadows and campsites along the trail. After a mile or so we came to a large campsite between two meadows that appears to be the furthest stock usually goes.
From this point on the trail was hard to find in spots. A short ways below Deer Lakes is another large campsite in the trees, the highest with heavy timber. Stock from Mammoth apparently comes in this far. After five miles on the Muir Trail and 3 miles on the Deer Creek trail we arrived at Deer Lakes in a beautiful alpine setting about 4 p.m. Made supper, enjoyed nice sunset and campfire until about 8:30 before hitting the sack.
Frost but no frozen water in the morning. Hit the trail about 9:15 again, and climbed the good trail onto the Mammoth Crest. Outstanding views in various directions. The trail goes just below Peak 11,348 - we climbed the peak for snacks and great views of the Mammoth Lakes area. Jim's first peak.
We continued along the crest slowly descending on a good trail. Met some day hikers about 3 miles from road. Stopped for lunch above Crystal Lake about 1 p.m. and descended to the road by 2 p.m. I hiked 2 miles to get the car, returning for packs and Jim. Great trip.
Mammoth Crest Area Loop 1978
