Crystal Lake Hike – Mammoth Lakes, CA

Crystal Lake Hike is a beautiful, shaded trail that will take you to one of the many gorgeous lakes here in Mammoth Lakes. This short hike gives you a quick taste of the breathtaking scenery of the Eastern Sierra Mountains, without having to hike the long miles or overnight backpacking. Besides the iconic Crystal Crag, a 10,364ft rock that looks like a giant granite tooth, you will also get to see stunning views of the Lakes Basin below and the surrounding Mammoth Crest.

STATS:

Where:

Crystal Lake Hike trailhead:
37°36’12.8″N 119°00’40.4″W

Parking: (in Lake George campground)
Lake George Rd, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
37°36’12.2″N 119°00’40.7″W

Fee:

It’s free!

Parking: 

A decent size paved parking lot near the trailhead.

Restrooms: 

There are restrooms at the Crystal Lake Hike trailhead.

Distance: 

3.1 miles round trip

Elevation Gain: 

833 ft

Level: 

The trail itself is nothing too difficult. However, it is rated moderate due to the elevation gain and altitude.

Estimated Completion Time:

2-3 hours depending on your pace and how often you stop for photos

Ideal Weather: 

Best use from June – November. Dry, cooler days are the best.

Ideal Time: 

During summertime, early morning is the best time if you want to get parking. This trail is quite popular and it gets busy later in the day. Evenings can get windy and cold near the lake.

Pet-friendly: 

Pets are allowed on the trail as long as they are leashed.

Weather:

VIDEO:

GETTING THERE:

The Crystal Lake Hike trailhead is located near Lake George campground. To get there, follow Lake Mary Road to Lake George. The trailhead is toward the beginning of the small parking lot near Lake George. There is a sign at the beginning, marking the trail. If you need help, use the coordinates above.

There is free street parking is available along Lake George Road. However, make sure your car is entirely off the pavement or you’ll get a ticket.

THE ADVENTURE:

After spending all morning hiking through a completely exposed, hot trail in Mono Lake called Black Fissure, we were super excited to see that most of Crystal Lake Hike was shaded. Since we came toward the evening, the air was a lot cooler too. This helped make climbing up that 833ft A LOT easier.

The trail immediately goes uphill. Because it is only 1.5 miles each way, with over 800ft elevation gain, you will be hiking up the entire time. As with most Mammoth Lakes’ hikes, the Crystal Lake hike is very well-marked, making it quite easy to follow.

We followed the well-defined trail to slowly climb up the mountain. The Crystal Lake hike zigzags through a beautiful pine forest and many breathtaking lookout points. There are quite a few switchbacks that you have to go through. Most of the time, it is an easy trail. However, there are some rocky sections where you need to watch where you’re going. Don’t forget to take your time to enjoy the beautiful views of Lake George, Lake Mary, and Crystal Crag as you climb higher.

Even though the trail is well-defined, some sections are confusing because of the multiple shortcuts made by previous hikers. Please stay on trail and don’t ruin this beautiful hike. It is a popular trail so you won’t get lost that easy.

At about 1.3 miles, you’ll reach the only fork on the trail, which leads to either Crystal Lake (straight) or Mammoth Crest. From here, you’ll begin your descent to the outlet of Crystal Lake (about 120ft). There are multiple ways to go around the lake. There is a pile of driftwood separating the outlet from Crystal Lake. It is a beautiful area for a quick picnic. If you prefer, you can either go through the steep-sloped west side with access to the lakes and the big boulders or go around the east side for easier access and more options to spread out. It was really windy by the time we got to Crystal Lake. The temperature dropped significantly so we didn’t stay that long. To get back, you just head back the way you came from.

If you love fishing, this lake offers some great opportunities. If you love rock climbing, Crystal Crag is a well-known spot among climbers. To get to Crystal Crag, follow the trail around the lake. After about 100 yards, take the climbers trail on the left and follow it until you reach the base of the cliff.

There are many things to do here in Mammoth Lakes. If you’re into unique rock formations, check out Devils Postpile. From here, you can also hike to Rainbow Falls, one of the best waterfalls in this area! If you’re up for the challenge, Duck Lake Pass is one of the most beautiful trails here in the Eastern Sierra. However, it will totally kick your butt. Also, don’t forget to check out the hot springs in Mammoth. They are especially wonderful after a long hike!

If you have time, check out the unique Mono Lake, where you can kayak among the unique tufas, take a quick stop at the Hot Creek Geological Site. Along the 395, you can stop at Fossil Falls, the unique roadside sculptures of Olancha. If you head up to Tahoe, don’t forget to go kayak at Sand Harbor, check out the sunset at Chimney Beach, or be super adventurous and climb up Via Ferrata Tahoe.

Happy Adventuring. Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, subscribe to our Youtube channel, and sign up for our newsletter!

RECOMMEND GEAR:

These are the gear that we personally use and find them helpful for this particular adventure. Don’t forget to check out our Recommended Gear section as well.

The majority of these links are through our affiliate links so if you buy something, it is at no extra cost for you but it helps us support the site. That being said, don’t buy something just to support us, buy something if you think it will enhance your travels and adventures. 

•  Hiking shoes
The trail can be a bit slippery. Make sure to wear your hiking shoes. Vy’s shoes are Merrell Women’s Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot. Dustin’s shoes are TARGHEE III WATERPROOF.

•  Snacks/Lunch
Crystal Lake is a great lunch spot. Make sure to bring some snacks with you too!

•  Sunscreen
Always good to bring sunscreen. We use eco-friendly, reef-safe sunscreen, All Good Organic Sunscreen Butter – Zinc Oxide – Coral Reef Safe, and All Good Sport Sunscreen Lotion – Coral Reef Safe (3 oz)(2-Pack) or Stream2Sea SPF 30 Reef Safe Sport Tinted Sunscreen.

•  Water
The trail can get very warm! Bring lots of water. Especially if you go in the afternoon. Vy uses the Camelback L.U.X.E. Dustin uses the Clik Small pack (sadly Clik is no longer around). Patagonia Women’s Nine Trails Pack 18L is also a great backpack for a shorter hike like this.

•  Jacket
Depends on the season, it might get cold up there. We love our packable Patagonia Puff Jackets! You can get Vy’s version here, and Dustin’s version here. If you want some lighter, we love the packable Patagonia Women’s Houdini® Jacket and Patagonia Men’s Houdini® Jacket

CAMERA GEAR:
•  Camera:
   Sony a7 III
   Gopro Hero 7 Black

•  Lenses:
   Sony 24 -70mm f/2.8 Carl Zeiss Vario Sonnar T Zoom Lens    

•  Accessories:
GoPro The Handler Floating Hand Grip – Official GoPro Mount   
Aluminum GoPro protection frame
SandMarc Extended GoPro Pole
Hybrid Pro Filters – DSLR / Mirrorless
Cinema CPL Filter – HERO 9

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