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Hiking trails & Routes

Skelton Lake – Barney Lake loop from Lake Mary

Routes

Hiking trails & Routes

Skelton Lake – Barney Lake loop from Lake Mary

Moderate

5.0

(4771)

19,196

hikers

Skelton Lake – Barney Lake loop from Lake Mary

04:34

14.7km

560m

Hiking

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: April 3, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

John Muir Wilderness

Inyo National Forest

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

1 m

Lake Mary

Highlight • Lake

Lake Mary is nestled in front of a red basalt cliff and surrounded by forest, creating a scenic setting. In the winter, the area is blanketed in snow, making it ideal for cross-country skiing.

Tip by

1.75 km

John Muir Wilderness Boundary - Duck Pass Trail

Highlight • Trail

Permit required for overnight hikes, but excellent trail for fast dayhike acces to three amazing lakes

Tip by

3.41 km

Emerald Lake Trail

Highlight • Trail

Turnoff to Emerald Lake off Duck Pass Lake, great alternate option to return to the trailhead another way, about same distance

Tip by

4.16 km

Skelton Lake is a beautiful shining alpine lake in the Upper Lake’s basin. It is perfect for secluded backcountry camping and fishing. There are four other alpine lakes close by: T.J. Lake, Crystal Lake, Mcleod Lake, and Barrett Lake.

It is a short 1.5 mile hike (one-way) from Coldwater Creek parking lot. For backcountry camping, you must get a wilderness permit from the Inyo National Forest. recreation.gov/permits/233262

Tip by

4.62 km

Seasonal stream crossing

Highlight • River

Early in the season Mammoth creek can have high water flow from snow melt. Later in summer the rocks can be used to cross with dry feet.

Tip by

5.70 km

Barney Lake

Highlight • Lake

Barney Lake is a beautiful shining alpine lake in the Upper Lake’s basin. It is perfect for secluded backcountry camping and fishing.

For backcountry camping, you must get a wilderness permit from the Inyo National Forest. recreation.gov/permits/233262

Tip by

7.32 km