"Pyramid Peak" (Mammoth Lakes)

Overview

"Pyramid Peak", or "Sherwin Peak", (unnamed on topo), is the high point on the ridge northeast of the Mammoth Crest and 1.5 miles north of Duck Pass in the Mammoth Lakes area of the Eastern Sierra. It can be seen from Hwy. 395. The southern peak is slightly higher. From the looks of it there is nothing resembling a pyramid about this peak but that is what it is known as locally. This is a class 1-2 day hike that can be a ridge ramble from Lake Mary or a straight up scramble from the trail to Duck Pass.
The ridge starts out composed of easy compact red metamorphic slate and gradually ascends into granite talus chunks near the summit.
The large notch offers an extreme ski run called "Para-chute" on the east face that is featured in John Moyniers book Back Country Skiing California's High Sierra.
The views of the Mammoth Crest, the Mammoth Lakes area, the Ritter Range and Mammoth Mountain are outstanding.

Getting There

From the junction of Hwy. 395 at Mammoth Lakes take Hwy. 203 west into Mammoth Lakes staying to the left as it goes up beyond the town. As the road goes past Twin Lakes take a left at Lake Mary where the road makes a 180 at 7.8 miles from 395. Continue along the northeast shore of Lake Mary to another left at .6 miles. Go .7 miles to roads end at the trailhead parking to Duck Pass.
Northwest ridge: Class 1-2. From the trailhead hike northeast .8 miles up to the crest of the red ridge. Follow the ridge southeast as it ascends to Pyramid Peak at 1.7 miles.
Southwest slope: Class 2. Take the Duck Pass Trail approximately 1.7 miles to the south end of Skelton Lake. Break trail, crossing Mammoth Creek and ascend the southwest slope of Pyramid Peak to the south summit on the right.
"Para-chute": This is the extreme ski/snowboard run from the east side of the notch. A description of the run can be found in John Moyniers book noted above. It normally requires an 8 foot rappel from the notch depending on the snow level that year.

Red Tape

This is a day hike in Inyo National Forest and no permits are required.

Camping

The nearest campground is the Cold Water Campground at the south end of Lake Mary at 9,000'.
There are numerous campgrounds around the Mammoth Lakes: There are campgrounds on the east side of Lake George at 9,000', the east side of Lake Mamie at 9,000'and the west side of Twin Lakes at 8,600'.

Current weather and 5 day forecast in Mammoth Lakes

For current weather conditions and 5 day forecast in Mammoth Lakes click here.

Additions and CorrectionsPost an Addition or Correction

Images

View "Pyramid Peak" (Mammoth Lakes) Image Gallery - 20 Images