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Elevation: 5,500 ft
GPS: 34.3181, -117.8491
Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views: 23,242 total · 153/month
Shared By: TacoDelRio on Oct 3, 2011 · Updates
Admins: jt512, Nicole Wiesenthal, Mike Morley, Adam Stackhouse, Salamanizer Ski, Justin Johnsen, Vicki Schwantes
Warning Access Issue: Road Closures DetailsDrop down

Description Suggest change

Crystal Lake Crag is a scrappy outcropping town of decomposing granite above the western shore of Crystal Lake in the San Gabriel Mountains. The rock quality on the routes is mostly good, though as with any new area in the mountains some cleaning may be necessary. Expect loose rock everywhere, as this is the San Gabriel Mountain. Expect a thirty minute aproach up loose talus and an undefined trail to the base.

Adam S.'s Crystal Lake Cafe and General Store is in the area and very easy to find. He makes EXCELLENT chili, and practically everything else is awesome. He's a very nice guy. The closest place to buy beer would be the liquor store at the corner of Azusa and Sierra Madre.

A forest adventure pass is required for parking in the area. Please note that Route 39 is closed from time to time for one reason or another.

Please do your part to keep the area clean and report any vandalism and/or graffiti.

Getting There Suggest change

Take the 210 and exit Azusa/Route 39. Head north on R39 (which becomes San Gabriel Canyon Road) and follow it up into the mountains to Crystal Lake. Make a right into the Crystal Lake area, and a left at the road to the lake. There are two parking lots for the lake. The second parking lot is preferable, as it is closer to the lake and has shade.

Go down to the lake and you will see the crag on the opposite bank. Looking at the crag, you'll notice a large scree slope partially hidden in the trees on the right side of the crag. That's the primary way to access the crag. You'll start up that slope in the trees, and then it will open up. Check the MS Paint topo I've drawn up for more info on accessing individual routes.

17 Total Climbs

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Classic Climbing Routes at Crystal Lake Crag

Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
5.7+ 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b
 7
Conveniently Sexy
Trad, TR
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
Conveniently Sexy
 7
5.7+ 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b Trad, TR
More Classic Climbs in Crystal Lake Crag »

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