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Crystal Crag

California > Sierra Eastside > Mammoth Lakes Area > Lake George

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.

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

Crystal Crag from Crystal Lake
[Hide Photo] Crystal Crag from Crystal Lake
view of the lakes below Crystal Crag (Sept 27, 2015)
[Hide Photo] view of the lakes below Crystal Crag (Sept 27, 2015)
The view from the base of Crystal Crag with the Mammoth Lakes below and Mammoth Mountain to the left, Mammoth Lakes Area
[Hide Photo] The view from the base of Crystal Crag with the Mammoth Lakes below and Mammoth Mountain to the left, Mammoth Lakes Area
the crag from the approach trail
[Hide Photo] the crag from the approach trail
Crystal Crag above Crystal Lake, August 2016
[Hide Photo] Crystal Crag above Crystal Lake, August 2016
5-September-2009: Me leading the North Face (5.8)<br> <br> pic by Laura Molnar
[Hide Photo] 5-September-2009: Me leading the North Face (5.8) pic by Laura Molnar
The Mammoth Crest and Crystal Crag at sunset
[Hide Photo] The Mammoth Crest and Crystal Crag at sunset
Crystal Crag catching the last rays of the sun on a perfect Eastside Day.
[Hide Photo] Crystal Crag catching the last rays of the sun on a perfect Eastside Day.
Crystal Lake, early on the morning on the way to Crystal Crag.
[Hide Photo] Crystal Lake, early on the morning on the way to Crystal Crag.
Summit of Crystal Crag
[Hide Photo] Summit of Crystal Crag
Climbing at Crystal Crag, Sierra Eastside
[Hide Photo] Climbing at Crystal Crag, Sierra Eastside
Crystal Crag from Lake George, Mammoth Lakes Basin
[Hide Photo] Crystal Crag from Lake George, Mammoth Lakes Basin

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

Euan Cameron
Mammoth Lakes, CA
[Hide Comment] It was a really cold spring this year which means there is still a lot of snow around. Jul 7, 2010
rex parker
las vegas n.v
[Hide Comment] 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. Sep 15, 2011
MisterE Wolfe
Bishop, CA
[Hide Comment] LOOSE ROCK WARNING: If you are planning on climbing at Highland Wall while parties are on the super-popular North Face Route, it is advisable to bring a helmet and stay close to the wall when belaying. We had 3 incidents of rock-fall from high above yesterday, barely missing me, and a small rock actually hit my wife on the head.

Additionally, because of the wind, ledges and multiple parties, we are going to bring walkie talkies (and start early) for the North Face climb. Jul 6, 2016
Victor Madrid
California
[Hide Comment] this 6 min video shows a couple of ol' farts on the North Arete...

youtube.com/watch?v=K7mW5-J… Jul 29, 2020