This review is for Crystal Lake Trail which was a ~3.2 miles round trip that took ~2 hour to complete. This was one of the more strenuous hikes in Mammoth Lake due to the continuous incline to the top with an overlooking view of Lake George and Lake Mary! Trail can be difficult to follow in some areas. Best view of Crystal Lake would be on the right before you follow the trail to the left. Crowded with limited parking available. Short video of the hike for those interested! https://youtu.be/aHW-s-pHAIw read more

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+ Fun, easy hike. 3.5mi took 1.5hr. + Beautiful scenery. Pristine lake. Just like in the photo. + Whoa, the ants are huge here! - Lotta mosquitos around Mammoth Lakes hikes. - Very crowded albeit large parking. + Free parking. . 2 restrooms by the trailhead. read more

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A must do if in the mammoth lakes area. It is easy to drive to and the hike is slightly intense due to elevation, but easily traversed with great views. The lake itself as a destination is worth while. I recommend getting to the bottom and starting by 8 or so in the summer as it can get busy at the bottom with all the lakes and people. read more

Crystal Lake - Crystal Lake - Hiking Near Me

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The steep trail is unrelenting if you're not in the best shape and it winds through the forest up the slope. Along the way it provides some wonderful vistas of the smaller lakes below, and you can mark progress by how far away they look as you ascend. Water is essential for this hike, also, decent trail shoes or light hiking boots recommended for surer traction. Some people use hiking poles but they also had heavier large packs on. Either way you'll be breathing hard in the 11K+ altitude. Is this the top I wondered as we finally hit more level ground? Sure enough, the deep blue water of Crystal Lake was now visible. A basin behind the crags we climbed (by climbed I mean hiked over mixed terrain, not using ropes or special gear). We could hear other people so finding a quite spot to hang out was part of the fun as we picked our way around the rim, hemmed in by rocks and trees. On a rock formation protruding from the lake in late afternoon light was a lone fly fisherman. I videoed his graceful casting of the line while wondering how he got out there to the rocks? The water is cold and refreshing, I simply enjoyed the fresh air and natural beauty and was grateful that hiking back would be entirely downhill. Have a care though, the trail is hard to see heading back at times so if you're out past dusk a headlamp would be required. Parking is competitive with a nearby campground and other lakes so consider the shuttle service or go earlier in the morning before most people have coffee. All-in-all, Crystal Lake was a hard-earned pleasure. I'd do it again for sure and recommended having some 5-mile hikes under your belt in terms of fitness. read more

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I hiked this trail a couple years ago. It was really noteworthy. The trail is well kept. And moderately traveled. The difficulty level on AllTrails app has it listed as moderate, and I agree with that rating. The forest views along the was are pleasant. And the views of the lake, forest covered mountains and the crystal crag are all spectacular! If you are in the mammoth area, or planning a tip here, I'd highly suggest you make this a point of interest and fit it into the schedule!! Highly recommend this one!!! read more

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This is more for the hike. So at the base by parking lot, if you take the trail on the right, it's a pleasant dirt trail leading one through the forest out to the beautiful lake. One can walk around it and take a dip. It's more of the stoney/rocky part of the lake. Really enjoyable, relaxing and expansive view. If from the base you go left you go to the main upper elevated top view trail. This is a whole another animal of a trail for a "weekend hiker". Its a steeper zig-zag dustier trail. Had to stop a couple of times to take pictures of the magnificent views and also catch my breath. Lots of hikers had hiking sticks and now I know why. As I say this, I remember seeing a runner speeding down the trail! For some, this trail can be easy and others a bit more difficult. It's worth doing if you can handle the knee usage. Note that even if you don't make it to the tippy-top, there a bunch of scenic vistas looking over the lakes and mountains. read more

Crystal Lake - I feel like I'm being watched! - Hiking Near Me

On AllTrails it rates it as a moderate hike. It's definitely a tougher hike than rainbow falls. But still manageable if you're out of shape. Follow the directions on AllTrails, parking is easy, and I was so excited to start the hike I forgot to put my hiking shoes on. I hiked in my running shoes and I wasn't slipping and sliding. Started the hike around 430pm it was mostly shade by then and cooler. The path was well maintained moderate traffic lots of folks going up and down. Made it to the crystal lake and hung out of a bit. I put my feet in the cold water and found some interesting lil bugs attached to my feet. I should have took a photo but I freak out and flicked whatever the hell was on my foot off and got grossed out. I'm alive still so all is well. read more

Crystal Lake - Crystal Lake - Hiking Near Me

The hike is a little over three miles. It is intermediate level hike. The Alpine Lake is the reward once you reach the top. The views of Lake Mary and Lake George are phenomenal and motivating to keep hiking up towards Crystal Lake. Once we reach Crystal Lake we took a cold dip in it and it recharge me. I absolutely love it here. This is a must do hike when visiting Mammoth Lakes. read more

Crystal Lake - Hiking Near Me

A nice short hike up to beauty. This is one of the more simpler hikes of the lakes in the area. read more

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This hike is 3 miles roundtrip and is very, very beautiful. As you climb you will have beautiful views of Lake George and Lake Mary below. I am 66 years old and did not have any problem with it but would rate it as somewhat moderate. Highly recommended. I made a short video of it and posted on my YouTube Channel if you want to get a better idea of what it will look like. The link is below. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqGY0NDW_v8&feature=youtu.be YouTube Channel is Pat's Adventures read more

Crystal Lake - Crystal Lake - Hiking Near Me

Nice hike with pretty views of Lake George and of surrounding mountains. The trail feels narrow at times and may be a bit treacherous if there are other hikers at a sloped and rocky area. Once at Crystal Lake, the serenity of the area is well worth the hike getting there. read more

Amazing hike and trail. This is about 3.2 miles in and back. It's moderate some steep parts and a Little Rock's to climb. You have stunning views of 3 different lakes on the trail. Large parking lot. Must see trail. read more

This trail was one of the highlights of our trip!! We started the hike around 1pm and it was perfect timing once we made it down to the lake and back, before it started getting more shady and chilly. The hike up is definitely a climb with the rise in elevation, but the views along the way are SO worth it and don't be afraid to stop and take it in (& breath a little hahah). Once you make it down to crystal lake the hike back is pretty simple, and the lake view is worth the whole trip. We stopped and lied on a rock for a bit and had a snack. Would definitely recommend! read more

Crystal Lake - Resting on a rock near crystal lake - Hiking Near Me

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Absolutely beautiful. Follow the signs for lake George and park. Signs to Crystal lake should be on the right. The path has multiple switch backs and we survived them. Having said that, it is a bit strenuous hike but we completed it in 45 mins and that was with multiple stops to catch our breath and take pictures. No bathrooms so make sure to go at the base before you hike up. Take water and a hat as well. Beautiful views from the top. read more

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Strenuous for the newbie hiker, for sure. Don't let the reviews fool you. The hike starts uphill. The heat and sun make it that much harder so be prepared with layers and water! At the end you will be rewarded by a "crystal" clear lake that is untouched by civilization and icy cold waters. read more

This is a beautiful hike with amazing views of Lake George and Mary Lake below. There are many switchbacks in the hike, although it's never really grueling or super steep, so although it's uphill probably 80% of the way, I'd still say it's a moderate hike. There are beautiful views the entire way, and at the end, you are rewarded with what may be one of the prettiest lakes in the area, surrounded by snowcapped peaks, including Mammoth Crest and Crystal Crag. You can park around the Lake George area and look for the sign that mentions the Crystal Lake Trailhead. There are a couple of areas where it's not super obvious where the trail is, but there are quite a few points of reference, whether looking up at Crystal Crag or knowing where the two lakes are down below. Bring a lunch and a bunch of water, keep stopping to take in the views, and you will be so happy you went on this hike. UPDATE 6-2018: Went on this hike again around June 10th or so because it was so beautiful and enjoyable. This time, for some reason, i was huffing and puffing more, partially because of lack of sleep, partially because I haven't been exercising much lately. There was also more snow to trudge through than last year's August hike, so it was easy to lose the trail. We zigged when we should have zagged and began following the Mammoth Crest Trail instead. We figured out what we were doing but kept going for a while anyway before dropping down and finding the Crystal Lake path again. Many others kept asking us where the trail was as well. But it didn't matter....the trail is so enjoyable and gorgeous that the extra bit was all enjoyable. read more

The Mammoth Crest is the main trail that leads to Crystal Lake, but continues to the less popular Mammoth Crest. Going to Crystal Lake is a fine 4-star experience while getting on top the Crest is a 5-star stunner with a sensational vista. From the city of Mammoth, follow signs for Lakes Basin. Once in the basin, drive towards Lake George and park at Lake George. Even though I visited during the dead season where parking in the perennially busy Yosemite was easily available, the Lake George parking lot was still overflowing on a weekend afternoon. The trail doesn't start in the active area of the parking lot with the outbuildings but on the right edge of the road at the parking entrance. The trail immediately splits with no signage. Take the upward left fork that wanders behind the cabins. The rest of the tree-covered path is easy to follow. The first one-mile leg goes from the trailhead at 9000' to a junction at 9500' that is clearly marked with a sign. This section of the trail includes overlooking views of Lake George. From the junction, Crystal Lake is quarter-mile away and mostly downhill. The main Mammoth Crest vista is one mile from the junction at 10,330'. This portion of the hike is consistently uphill and the trees thin out providing less shade. From the red-rock overlook on the Crest, the entire Mammoth Lakes basin is seen including Horseshoe Lake, the smaller McCloud Lake, Crystal Crag, and the city of Mammoth. The view extends beyond the basin with sights of the sharp Minarets, Mammoth Mountain, and the caldera. To visit both Crystal Lake and Mammoth Crest, the hike is about 4.5 miles total. read more

Great elusive lake and trail. Really helps let any hiker feel and experience the mystical and magical wonders of Mammoth! Sorry if the last sentence sounded too gay. The experience to Crystal Lake can be a great 1/2 -3/4 day excursion. The trail starts at Lake George, which in my opinion is my favorite auto access lake in Mammoth. Lake George is right against the Mammoth Crest range and Crystal Crag, providing memorable granite rock mountain views. If you like Lake George for this reason, then you will appreciate Crystal Lake. Upon entering Lake George via road, notice all the boulders scattered all over the place. It is pretty cool to imagine all the glacier and volcano activity that placed these boulders all over the place. The trail to this lake is 1 1/2 miles uphill. The trail is a little tight with many rocks and tree roots embedded in it. At three levels, views of Lake George and Lake Mary are something to take in. This hike provides rewarding views throughout. The trail has you zig zag the climb up to Crystal Lake. Go with the program and don't cut it. Save the original trail that responsibly provides a good guide for kids and folks who need a pleasant and less strenuous hike. Also prevent forrest fires. Upon reaching the lake you will hear the creek that sources the waterfall into Lake George. That creek's end of the lake provides great views of the the crest range that feeds Crystal Lake melted snow. The lake is modest size, but is very clear with very little algae. I recommend trying to reach the lake around high noon so the sun can hit the lake directly. Remember the lake is immediately up against high mountain ridges that create shadows already early in the day. So plan your hike earlier than later in the day. Also, there is a giant rock formation that can be climbed and provide a good place to stand and pretend your the "King of the Lake". :) Overall this lake is very elusive and every person who appreciates Mammoth's lake basin should hike to this lake. The hike is rewarding throughout and provides access to a very hidden lake that can only be seen from high above the Mammoth's Crest. read more

Crystal Lake - Neat rock formation directly on the water. Good beginner climbing rock. - Hiking Near Me

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The trailhead for Crystal Crag lake starts in the parking lot next to Lake George. Google maps and Alltrails provides a great start location for this trail. I rate this trail as easy to moderate, its pretty much all climb for 80% of the trail when going out. I found the path to be kind of easy to lose in some places, but just remember the entire thing is switchbacks going up the mountain. Once you get halfway up the mountain there is some amazing viewpoints of Lake George where you can go out and sit on a rock. This view alone makes the trail worthwhile. About three quarters up the trail where the path starts to level out, there is a sign directing you to either the Mammoth Crest or Crystal Lake, just make a left here and keep going. Once you get to the lake you'll enjoy the peace and quiet along with the amazing scenery. Alltrails said this trail was on the busy side, but I only ran into one other person when hiking up this one. The hike in total length was about a 2.5 mile trail and you reach about 10,000 in altitude when going up the mountain. If you're not good at climbing up hills or run out of breathe at this altitude, be cautious. read more

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Really enjoyed this hike! But I just warn you that the altitude change really affected my sister - she ended up getting altitude sickness and had to go to the ER. I'd recommend taking it easy, not doing this hike on the first day you get to mammoth just to acclimate to the altitude change. read more

After an amazing winter w record snow, the snow level is still high and giant patches remain everywhere. We wanted to try the hike to Crystal Lake despite a warning to not go bc snow eventually covers the trail. Unless we were familiar, we wld have to fig our how to get there. Little unsure.... the trail did stop bc of one of many 10ft high by min 20ft snow patches. So, we decided to hike straight up and over. Stay left if you try anytime soon. Loads of slippery snow, beautiful blue sky above, 79 degrees of sunshine... we made it. Many parts were sketchy and hairy but we did it w two kids, two teens, and three adults. We arrived to Crystal Lake and trekked across a giant snow patch to view beauty!!! Iceberg in the middle of the lake!!!! Snow everywhere!! Have fun but be careful!! read more

Crystal Lake - Snow field walking up to the lake. Crystal Lake is behind me - Hiking Near Me

Absolutely beautiful. Talk about a lovely, peaceful view. This hike is so worth it!! It's composed of steadily inclining switchback trails that lead to a lake and an "I feel so small" up-close view of Crystal Crag, which is over 10,000 feet in elevation. This trail was dog-friendly and the Crag seemed to be a popular rock climbing destination. We went at 8 am on a Thursday morning in mid-June. Parking is free by Lake George, and the trail head is right there. It was such a peaceful morning and on the way up, we only encountered two hikers making a steady go of it ahead of us. We weren't in quite as good of shape as they were, so it took us about 1 hour to get to the lake. We took frequent stops at each switchback to take pictures of the view (and catch our breath); you can see most of the lakes in the area, in smaller and smaller proportions as you climb up higher. It's very picture-worthy! It was quite the incline on the way up! But on the way back down, we saw some 5 & 6 year old girls hiking with their dads, sans complaints. So, if the 5 year olds can do it, I can do it, and you can too! When you get to the top, you're greeted by a very secluded lake that is so serene and clear, you can barely see the ripples of the water. At first you're greeted by a baby stream that flows from the lake so slowly that there's a fair amount of algae among the sitting logs. I went partially around the trail that encircled the lake, and as the place started getting more popular, there was a person playing fetch with her dog as he swam out into the water. There's also a little island that my siblings swam out to, despite the cold water. The hike back down was SO MUCH EASIER than the way up. We made it down in less than half the time it took us to get up there. Tips: -I'd recommend starting early-ish in the morning, so that you're not baking in the sun as you hike your way up.The trail is often covered in trees, but the heat, man, the heat. Gotta watch out for it. -Bring bug spray. There were lots of mosquitoes near the water's edge and I ended up having to slap myself all over for as long as I stood next to the lake, especially around the algae and calm, almost stagnant, water. -I think a picnic and half-a-day hangout up at Crystal Lake would be SO worth it. Bring Enos - there are lots of good hammock-hanging trees. There are also some rocks to sit on at various points around the lake, where you can just take in all that beauty. So, what are you waiting for? Your next hike awaits! read more

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This was a very scenic hike and this was my 1st time up the trail. I say up because the downward view of the lake was amazing. Especially with the sun reflecting off the water. I recommend getting here early as some spots on the trail have full sun hitting you. I also appreciated having my hiking poles as the trail is uneven surface the whole way. There was a creek crossing that was super easy. The granite walls of the eastern sierras had a few spots of snow way up on the top and provided a superb visual background for the entire hike. Just an incredible hike. Bring a hat, proper hiking shoes, poles, plenty of water and sunscreen. read more

Crystal Lake - Hiking Near Me

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A really great day hike with gorgeous lake views most of the way. Steady climb of switchbacks uphill. Definitely a good little work out. The higher you go you'll see amazing views of Lake George and Lake Mary. We did find parts of the trail were not marked well so we kept losing our way and had to find our way back, but it wasn't difficult to get back on trail. Snow was still melting in some parts and covering some of the trail. Once you reach the crest which I think is over 9,000 feet you'll descent into beautiful Crystal Lake. Here you can relax, take off your shoes, and take in this beautiful spot and enjoy mother nature at its finest. Trailhead is to the right of the Lake George parking lot. If parking lot is full you can park along Lake George Road. Parking lot tends to get really crowded later in the day so recommend starting early. Amazing 2.5 mile day hike. read more

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It was around 2hours hiking for us. It worth the effort. The view of 3 lakes were very good. The crystal lake was clear and beautiful. One of the best trial this area. Part of the trail was shady and it was good in the hot summer. :) read more

No one wrote a review for Crystal Lake yet so here it goes... This lake is a beautiful lake! The way to get here is to first go to the basin at Lake George in the Mammoth Lakes. There will be signs to direct you up to the trail to the right of the lake. The hike is 1-2 hour a hard climb of 1600 feet. Hike is 7.5 /10 intensity This hike i would not recommend for those with elevation sicknesses and hard breathing problems; it does get difficult to breathe even for a 23 years old. Do not be discouraged because i do see regular hikers in their late 50's and 60's taking on the hike. Be sure to dress warm if you leave in the morning. I recommend leaving around 8 or 9 am. This way you have time to enjoy the view and just in case any problem occur. I went with my brother and we did fish there for a couple hours and each caught a small natural rainbow using worms. The hike back is all downhill so it took us 2/3 the time to get back down. Awesome place to go for a hike. Not recommended for children under 15 since it is rocky and theres lots of dirt. BRING A CAMERA read more

Crystal Lake - Crystal Lake - Hiking Near Me

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Pick a clear day to hike, to make the most of the views. The ascent to the top is rewarding, with lake/mountain views along the way, and the extra 1/4 mile hike down to the lake is the icing on the cake. It was shady and breezy for the most part. read more

This is great....but let me keep it real. If you are a vacation hiker like me let me break it down for you. First, it's 1.5 miles in and 1.5 miles out.....not a "2 mile hike" like other hiking sites claim. The first 1.5 miles are straight up....with switchbacks...and rocks. It's hard, but not impossible, and the good news? Lots of shade! The views along the way are a total win one hundred percent of the time, stunning. When you get to the lake you've won! It's gorgeous and serene. I would do this again, just be prepared for the front half of the hike. read more

Crystal lake is a amazing alpine lake backdroped by the Mammoth Crest and Crystal Crag peak (10,377 feet). The smooth rock shore of the southeast side of the lake is a great place for swimming for those who are not prone to hyperthermia as I am. The hike is a fairly intense slog up the mountain, with switch back after switch back. Due to the elevation, we were huffing and puffing and having to stop and rest often. That worked out ok as there were plenty of beautiful views overlooking various lakes along the way. Once you arrive, you may want to rest a while and have some lunch before making your way back down the mountain. We found a nice spot on a rock where we could put our feet in the water and watch the kids (with exceptionally warm blood) jump off these super high rocks into the lake. Very entertaining. I highly recommend this hike but make sure you are in shape. read more

What a great local hike in the Mammoth area. I love going on hikes where you are rewarded with awesome views, but during this hike you get an awesome view of Lake George and Mary on your way up to Crystal Lake. It is a bit of a climb, but it's only about 2 miles up, so you can take your time because it's all downhill coming back. Park at Lake George and there will be a sign to Crystal Lake. Follow that trail and you'll come to a fork near the top to either go to the Lake or the Crest. We went to the Lake which was pretty empty so we found a nice rock to perch on and enjoy the afternoon sun. Everyone said the crest has really nice views so I would like to go back and try that one. We saw lots of dogs on the hike and some bird watchers too. It was a bit windy when we went, but the hike up gets your blood warm so the breeze is nice. You're actually protected by the mountain by the big gusts on the way up, but once you get to the lake it may be a bit more windier and since you're at a higher elevation it feels colder, so don't forget a jacket. Oh another great thing I liked was that I had 3G service most of the time and at the lake, so I was able to check-in, and Instagram! Although some people may not like that because they want to get away from their busy lives, but if you have kids you'll be able to call them up and make sure they're still alive! read more

I love this place, the lake is not that big compare to other Lakes in Mammoth area how ever the hike to get there is amazing the view is amazing breathtaking, this is not a easy hike is about 2 miles up hill must of it is shade area, once you reach the top of the hiking trail you will go down to the other side of the mountain to find this secluded lake. Well worth the hike. You can spend a few hours there make sure you bring food and plenty of water to drink. read more

This hike is beautiful as well as time-friendly. I made it up the mountain in about an hour, stayed for an hour and walked down in an hour as well. Be sure to take periodic stops to enjoy the view overlooking Lake George while on the trail. Watch highlights of this trail here! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LueHFXZVSzE read more

This hike is worth the effort says a 60 year old. Just take your time. The trail is VERY poorly marked with snow patches in early June . The views are breathtaking. Bring water and lunch and take a break enjoying the lake once you get there. The hike back will be a breeze and all downhill. read more