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Crystal Lake Boulders

California > Los Angeles Basin > Angeles National Forest
Warning Access Issue: R39 Road Closures DetailsDrop down

Description

This area contains a handful of granite boulders, typically 10ft tall with the largest being about 30ft tall. Bonsai Boulder is shaded, with most of the other boulders out in the open.

The rock is generally good, though cleaning is required on new routes. There are some crack climbs/problems amongst the face climbs.

Getting There

Take the Azusa exit off the 210 up into the mountains where it becomes Route 39. YOu will come to a Ranger Station on the right after leaving the city, and there is a sign here that shows whether or not the road is open to Crystal Lake. Continue up until just before the road is gated off and make the right turn at Crystal Lake. The road heads north, and then takes a sharp right turn and then a left hand sweeping turn, followed by another left. You will start going uphill on a straight. There is a very small turnout on the left. Park here and look north. You will be able to see Big Boulder from here. Hike straight in to it.

While you're on this page, check the GPS coordinates to see the location of "Big Boulder". All other boulders listed here are arrayed directly west of Big Boulder.

Routes from Left to Right

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

On Big Boulder
[Hide Photo] On Big Boulder
Bonsai Boulder topo, showing all routes
[Hide Photo] Bonsai Boulder topo, showing all routes
Taco finishing up TK421
[Hide Photo] Taco finishing up TK421
Taco on The Fett Arete
[Hide Photo] Taco on The Fett Arete
Big Boulder Topo
[Hide Photo] Big Boulder Topo
Adam S's Crystal Lake Cafe.
[Hide Photo] Adam S's Crystal Lake Cafe.
Bolt on top of the Big Boulder
[Hide Photo] Bolt on top of the Big Boulder
Climbing Tusken Raider on the big boulder
[Hide Photo] Climbing Tusken Raider on the big boulder
Sending Tusken Raider. My fav here
[Hide Photo] Sending Tusken Raider. My fav here
Started my ascent on Carbonite and traversed to Tuscan Raider. Great granite climbing! Thanks, Taco!
[Hide Photo] Started my ascent on Carbonite and traversed to Tuscan Raider. Great granite climbing! Thanks, Taco!

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

TacoDelRio
All up in yo bidniss.
[Hide Comment] I realize it’s silly to have all these routes listed. If I could, I would delete most. I posted these when I was happy and wanted to help, which is a mistake as I just get complaints later about it. Aug 28, 2018
Bryan B
IE
[Hide Comment] Gonna try there these with my daughter this weekend she’s just learning the ropes. Always loved going up in this area as a kid. And excited again now to find your climbs on MP. I know the fun in projecting as well and appreciate what your doing to open up your local area to outsiders. Much appreciated brother. Aug 5, 2021
An Lin
Sherman Oaks
[Hide Comment] Same here, didn't even know there are boulder problems in this area. Thanks for your effort and time :) Aug 21, 2021
An Lin
Sherman Oaks
[Hide Comment] Have a great weekend hike&Climb in the area. Took me a while to find the big boulder, even with GPS.

I spotted some trash and chalk left at the bottom of the boulder. :( Come on guys, we got to clean our stuff up (I took care of it ofc)

Thanks again TacoDelRio for putting this info up!

PS: This place has some other big rocks that could potentially be developed into more problems. I will definitely try it out next time I am there Aug 29, 2021
Jeff Sewell
Monterey Park, CA
[Hide Comment] am rehabbing from shoulder surgery- these climbs the perfect place to get back onto rock- thnx Taco Ryan! May 29, 2022