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Crystal Crag 


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Elevation: 10,100'
Lat, Long: 37.592, -119.0141 Map
Page Views: 12,967. Good page?   
Administrators: Aron Quiter, Euan Cameron, Adam Winters, M.Morley, Sam Vanderhyden
Submitted By: Euan Cameron on Jun 26, 2007

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The Mammoth Crest and Crystal Crag at sunset

Description 

Crystal Crag is easily seen from almost any point within the Mammoth Lakes basin. Its rocky form tops out at 10,364ft. There are a number of climbing options available. There are a couple of climbs that go all the way to the summit. However, some of the best climbing is found along the North East base of the peak.

The rock along the base is good quality granite, with many dikes and knobs.

The cliffs get early morning sun, and are blissfully sheltered from the strong summer sun, for most of the day.


Getting There 

Park at the Lake George parking lot and start hiking on the Crystal Lake Trail. After about 20 mins a sign to Crystal Lake is seen. Hang a left at the sign and follow the trail down to the lake. Follow the trail around the lake and after about 100 yards, take the climbers trail on the left. Follow this until you reach the base of the cliff. The approach takes about 45 minutes.


The Classics

Mountain Project's determination of some of the classic, most popular, highest rated routes for Crystal Crag:
North Arête   5.6     Trad, Alpine, 4 pitches, Grade II   North Arete
Springbank   5.10a     Sport, 1 pitch, 90 feet   Highlands Wall
But I Don't Drink Scotch   5.10a     Sport, 1 pitch, 100 feet   Highlands Wall
Tumbler   5.11a     Sport, 100 feet   Highlands Wall
Browse More Classics in Crystal Crag

Featured Route For Crystal Crag
Making the exposed clip above the overhang on Tumbler, 5.11a

Tumbler 5.11a  CA : Sierra Eastside : ... : Highlands Wall
Easy climbing gains the first bolt on the lip of an overlap.Climb directly above this past two more bolts until a steep wall below the overlap is reached.The moves up the wall to the overhang are really good.Once the overhang is reached traverse right and then make an airy rock over move, to gain good holds above. Make a couple of moves straight up and then traverse back left, shortly before the anchors....[more]   Browse More Classics in CA


Photos of Crystal Crag Slideshow Add Photo
Crystal Crag from Lake George Parking Lot.   Highland Wall is clearly visible in the bottom right.

BETA PHOTO: Crystal Crag from Lake George Parking Lot. Highl...

Crystal Crag catching the last rays of the sun on a perfect Eastside Day.

Crystal Crag catching the last rays of the sun on ...

Crystal crag trailhead.

BETA PHOTO: Crystal crag trailhead.

You'll reach this sign after about 25 minutes of walking.

BETA PHOTO: You'll reach this sign after about 25 minutes of w...

Mammoth Lakes basin from the base of Crystal Crag

Mammoth Lakes basin from the base of Crystal Crag

The view from the base of Crystal Crag, with the Mammoth Lakes below and Mammoth Mountain to the left.

The view from the base of Crystal Crag, with the M...

The last bit of the approach to Crystal Crag.

The last bit of the approach to Crystal Crag.

Crystal Crag from the edge of Lake George.

Crystal Crag from the edge of Lake George.

Lake Mary from Crystal Crag, Mammoth Lakes.

Lake Mary from Crystal Crag, Mammoth Lakes.

Crystal Crag panorama, Mammoth Lakes Basin.

Crystal Crag panorama, Mammoth Lakes Basin.

Weathered tree on the hike up to Crystal Crag, Mammoth Lakes Basin.

Weathered tree on the hike up to Crystal Crag, Mam...

5-September-2009: Me leading the North Face (5.8) <br /> <br />pic by Laura Molnar

5-September-2009: Me leading the North Face (5.8)
...


Here ye, here ye: on this day, sporto's shall climb outta da snow.  Belayers sit inna bergschrund. <br /> <br />In other words...Cody, me, and Rico having a ball!!! <br /> <br />Photo by Karsten <br /> <br />July 2010

Here ye, here ye: on this day, sporto's shall clim...

the crag from the approach trail

the crag from the approach trail

Approaching the North Arete in a heavy snow year.

Approaching the North Arete in a heavy snow year.


Comments on Crystal Crag Add Comment
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By Euan Cameron
Administrator
From: Redlands and Mammoth Lakes
Jul 7, 2010

It was a really cold spring this year which means there is still a lot of snow around.

By rex parker
From: mammoth lakes c.a
Sep 15, 2011

their is a lot of different routes up to the summit on the north arete including a 5-8 variation and a 5-9 clevenger variation. these are much better routes then the 5-6 regular north arete I highly recommend these. better rock and more fun to be had.