Crystal Lake Recreation Area is nestled within the San Gabriel Mountains and a great basecamp for trail running and hiking. You can take a stroll to nearby Crystal Lake or if you are more ambitious, prepare for a run to the iconic Pacific Crest Trail or summit Mount Islip for some gorgeous views over the Los Angeles Basin and the Mojave Desert.

The Recreation Area has 50 campsites with potable water, each campsite is 12 Dollars per night on a first-come-first-served basis. There is also a café to enjoy hot meals and sandwiches.

Caro "Bandit"

March 31, 2022

Hiking

Crystal Lake Recreation Area is nestled within the San Gabriel Mountains and a great basecamp for hiking. You can take a stroll to nearby Crystal Lake or if you are more ambitious, prepare for a hike to the iconic Pacific Crest Trail or summit Mount Islip for some gorgeous views over the Los Angeles Basin and the Mojave Desert.

The Recreation Area has 50 campsites with potable water, each campsite is 12 Dollars per night on a first-come-first-served basis. There is also a café to enjoy hot meals and sandwiches.

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Routes here

Best routes to Crystal Lake Recreation Area

hikers

1. Crystal Lake and Windy Gap loop — Angeles National Forest

16.5km

05:26

800m

810m

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Hard

hikers

2. Crystal Lake – Angeles National Forest

4.54km

01:19

110m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

hikers

3. Crystal Lake Recreation Area – Crystal Lake loop from Crystal Lake

5.22km

01:27

100m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

Details

Informations

Elevation 1,740 m

Weather

Saturday 7 February

14°C

6°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 9.0 km/h

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Location: San Gabriel Mountains National Monument, Los Angeles County, California, United States

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Crystal Lake Recreation Area

1. Crystal Lake and Windy Gap loop — Angeles National Forest

2. Crystal Lake – Angeles National Forest

3. Crystal Lake Recreation Area – Crystal Lake loop from Crystal Lake

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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