Crystal Lake Crag

Anyone want to meet up at Crystal Lake? I'm new to the sport and would like to meet up with more experienced climbers.

No, but if you want to meet up at Stoney sometime, I'll show you some stuff. Tuesday and Thursday nights are good to meet people at Boulder 1 and Turlock as well.

If you're new, there are definitely better places to learn. I was just at Crystal Lake Crags a few weeks ago, and while we found a few easy routes, they were all super chossy. We did clean them up quite a bit, though, so if you do go, you're welcome. (Kidding! But seriously, there was much rock tossing on that day.) Also, the approach is a steep scree slope. I'd recommend rappelling the descent, unless you're a fan of scree skiing.

On the upside, it does stay pretty cool, especially in the later part of the day. We may have been the only climbing party there, and it was Memorial Day weekend, so I'd wager that it's not usually crowded. If you really are set on Crystal Lake, PM me and I'll put you in contact with my friend - I think he'll want to get back out that way soon.

Hike up the trail from parking lot #1 to the summit of Islip, and make a right near the top of the crag. Use a map and some basic land nav skillzZz and it'll save you the trouble of the annoying hike up the scree slope. It's worth it, since I'm saying it and I've only been there eleventy-billion times. Much more pleasant.

Again, not a good beginner area due to loose rock and sometimes complex anchors.

Yeehaw

Thanks for the info. I think I'll go check it out some other time when I have more expiriace.

Pudding.....try Texas Canyon, north of Santa Clarita. Lots of well protected moderate sport climbs and a lot less driving and scree slogging. Climb on the west side of the larger formations in the AM and in The Canyon in the PM, this time of year. Horse Flats on the Angeles Crest is also a fun outing at higher elevation. I'm going to Tahquitz this weekend, but PM me about future dates, I'll show you around.