Crystal Lake Trail
Providing panoramic views of the southern part of the Mineral King Valley.
Plan Around Crystal Lake Trail
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Crystal Lake Trail Details
The steep, moderately strenuous trail to Crystal Lake is 4.9 miles one-way and branches off of the Monarch Lakes Trail at Chihuahua Bowl. Along the way, you'll pass the remnants of the old Chihuahua Mine near the south rim as you climb toward panoramic views of the southern part of the Mineral King Valley, including White Chief Peak and Farewell Gap. The Mt. Whitney Power Company built the trail and the small dam on Crystal Lake between 1903 and 1905, and the Southern California Edison Co. still operates the dam. There is no maintained trail beyond Crystal Lake. Day hikers in the Mineral King area should expect steep trails and thinner air. Although the floor of the Mineral King valley is at 7,500 feet, west- and south-facing slopes can still be hot and dry. Hiking at this altitude is challenging, so make sure your fitness level is adequate before embarking, and bring plenty of water.
Difficulty
High
Distance
4.9 miles
Estimated time
6.5 hours
Region
N/A
Nearby Parks Around Crystal Lake Trail
Compare nearby parks around Crystal Lake Trail when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Crystal Lake Trail
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Crystal Lake Trail while the map context is still fresh.
1.3 mi away
Monarch Lakes Trail
Upper and Lower Monarch Lakes lie at the foot of Sawtooth Peak, at the end of a 4.2-mile hike.
1.4 mi away
Timber Gap Trail
This trail follows an old mining route along Monarch Creek before branching off from the trail.
1.5 mi away
Franklin Lakes Trail
This trail provides many views of the rainbow-colored metamorphic rocks that attracted miners in the past.
1.5 mi away
Cold Springs
Located 23 miles from Highway 198 on the Mineral King Road.
1.6 mi away
White Chief Trail
The White Chief mine made Mineral King a household name among miners.
