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Elevation: 10,100 ft
GPS: 37.592, -119.0141
Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views: 156,753 total · 770/month
Shared By: Euan Cameron on Jun 25, 2007 · Updates
Admins: Aron Quiter, Euan Cameron, Mike Morley, Adam Stackhouse, Salamanizer Ski, Justin Johnsen, Vicki Schwantes

Description Suggest change

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.

The most common route to the summit through the huge Crystal layer is the North Arete

Getting There Suggest change

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.

30 Total Climbs

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Classic Climbing Routes at Crystal Crag

Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
Easy 5th 1+ 3 I 5 M 1c
 30
South Ridge
Trad, Alpine
5.6 4c 14 V 12 S 4b
 244
North Arête
Trad, Alpine 4 pitches
5.6 4c 14 V 12 S 4b
 32
Aretes of Crystal Crag direct
Trad, Alpine
5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b Mod. Snow
 7
East Face, Central Gully
Trad, Snow, Alpine 3 pitches
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c
 109
North Arete (Left Start Variation)
Trad, Alpine 4 pitches
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a
 54
Macallan
Sport, Alpine
5.9+ 5c 17 VI 17 E1 5a
 37
Cragganmore
Sport, Alpine
5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a
 26
But I Don't Drink Scotch
Sport, Alpine
5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a
 60
Springbank
Sport, Alpine
5.10c 6b 20 VII 20 E2 5b
 19
Double Barrel
Sport, Alpine
5.10c 6b 20 VII 20 E2 5b
 13
On The Rocks
Sport, Alpine
5.10d 6b+ 21 VII+ 21 E3 5b
 35
Lagavulin
Sport, Alpine
5.11a 6c 22 VII+ 22 E3 5c
 17
Tumbler
Sport, Alpine
5.11a 6c 22 VII+ 22 E3 5c
 5
View to a Kilt
Sport, Alpine
5.11d 7a 24 VIII 25 E5 6a
 4
Crystal Whipped
Sport, Alpine
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
South Ridge Other Alpine Routes
 30
Easy 5th 1+ 3 I 5 M 1c Trad, Alpine
North Arête N Arete
 244
5.6 4c 14 V 12 S 4b Trad, Alpine 4 pitches
Aretes of Crystal Crag direct Other Alpine Routes
 32
5.6 4c 14 V 12 S 4b Trad, Alpine
East Face, Central Gully Other Alpine Routes
 7
5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b Mod. Snow Trad, Snow, Alpine 3 pitches
North Arete (Left Start Var… N Arete
 109
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c Trad, Alpine 4 pitches
Macallan Highlands Wall
 54
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a Sport, Alpine
Cragganmore Highlands Wall
 37
5.9+ 5c 17 VI 17 E1 5a Sport, Alpine
But I Don't Drink Scotch Highlands Wall
 26
5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a Sport, Alpine
Springbank Highlands Wall
 60
5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a Sport, Alpine
Double Barrel Highlands Wall
 19
5.10c 6b 20 VII 20 E2 5b Sport, Alpine
On The Rocks Highlands Wall
 13
5.10c 6b 20 VII 20 E2 5b Sport, Alpine
Lagavulin Highlands Wall
 35
5.10d 6b+ 21 VII+ 21 E3 5b Sport, Alpine
Tumbler Highlands Wall
 17
5.11a 6c 22 VII+ 22 E3 5c Sport, Alpine
View to a Kilt Kilt Wall
 5
5.11a 6c 22 VII+ 22 E3 5c Sport, Alpine
Crystal Whipped Schoolboy Buttress
 4
5.11d 7a 24 VIII 25 E5 6a Sport, Alpine
More Classic Climbs in Crystal Crag »

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