All Locations > California > Eastern Sierra > Mammoth Lakes Area > Lake George

Crystal Crag Rock Climbing

Climbing Area Map

Areas in Crystal Crag

Highlands Wall 1 / 10 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 11 / 11

Kilt Wall 1 / 3 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 4 / 4

North Arete 4 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 4 / 4

Other Alpine Routes 4 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 4 / 4

Schoolboy Buttress 1 / 7 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 8 / 8

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Elevation:	10,100 ft	3,078 m
GPS:	37.592, -119.0141 Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views:	157,989 total · 728/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 Page Updates (admin only)

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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.

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

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.

31 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.

4th 1 2 I 2 M 1b 35 ● South Ridge Trad, Alpine Other Alpine Routes
5.6 4c 14 V 12 S 4b 274 ● North Arête Trad, Alpine 4 pitches N Arete
5.6 4c 14 V 12 S 4b 34 ● Aretes of Crystal Crag direct Trad, Alpine Other Alpine Routes
5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b Mod. Snow 7 ● East Face, Central Gully Trad, Snow, Alpine 3 pitches Other Alpine Routes
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c 121 ● North Arete (Left Start Variation) Trad, Alpine 4 pitches N Arete
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a 59 ● Macallan Sport, Alpine Highlands Wall
5.9+ 5c 17 VI 17 E1 5a 41 ● Cragganmore Sport, Alpine Highlands Wall
5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a 29 ● But I Don't Drink Scotch Sport, Alpine Highlands Wall
5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a 72 ● Springbank Sport, Alpine Highlands Wall
5.10c 6b 20 VII 20 E2 5b 20 ● Double Barrel Sport, Alpine Highlands Wall
5.10c/d 6b+ 21 VII+ 21 E3 5b 14 ● On The Rocks Sport, Alpine Highlands Wall
5.10d 6b+ 21 VII+ 21 E3 5b 41 ● Lagavulin Sport, Alpine Highlands Wall
5.11a 6c 22 VII+ 22 E3 5c 19 ● Tumbler Sport, Alpine Highlands Wall
5.11a 6c 22 VII+ 22 E3 5c 5 ● View to a Kilt Sport, Alpine Kilt Wall
5.11d 7a 24 VIII 25 E5 6a 5 ● Crystal Whipped Sport, Alpine Schoolboy Buttress