🌤 Trail Weather — Plan Your Hike
Updated every 6 hrs · Trailhead coords
🥾
Trail Ready
37°F, Clear Sky. Layer for elevation. Summit conditions may differ from trailhead.
💨 Wind
0 mph N
No significant gusts
💧 Humidity
70%
Humid — heat feels stronger
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi
Good visibility
☁️ Cloud Cover
0%
Clear — full sun exposure
🌅 Sunrise
6:29 am
Ideal start time
🌇 Sunset
7:21 pm
Off trail by this
5-Day Forecast
💧 Humidity
72% Humid — heat feels stronger
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
0% Clear — full sun exposure
🥾
Acceptable — Check Elevation
💧 Humidity
61% Humid — heat feels stronger
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
0% Clear — full sun exposure
🥾
Acceptable — Check Elevation
💧 Humidity
71% Humid — heat feels stronger
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
0% Clear — full sun exposure
🥾
Acceptable — Check Elevation
💧 Humidity
33% Comfortable
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
0% Clear — full sun exposure
🥾
Acceptable — Check Elevation
☁️
Wed, Sep 9
Overcast Clouds
💧 Humidity
63% Humid — heat feels stronger
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
🥾
Acceptable — Check Elevation
Trailhead elevation only. Conditions change at altitude. Check weather.gov before heading out.
Sep 4, 11:30 pm
Short but steep — this trail climbs directly up the face of the Mammoth Crest under Crystal Crag, delivering sweeping panoramic views of the entire Mammoth Lakes Basin for a fraction of the effort of longer hikes.
Trail Overview
Do not be misled by the 2.7-mile round-trip distance. This trail gains 700 feet in 1.35 miles. The reward is disproportionate to the effort — views of the Mammoth Lakes Basin from above are outstanding. Crystal Lake itself is a beautiful payoff. The lot is tiny and fills fast.
This Hike Is For You If…
Fit hikers who want a short but rewarding workout. Intermediate hikers who want alpine views without a full-day commitment. Good acclimation hike.
Skip This Hike If…
Skip if steep sustained grades are hard on your knees or lungs. This is short but does not ease in gently.
What to Expect on Trail
Terrain: Steep rocky singletrack. No technical moves. Lodgepole pine shade lower section, exposed above.
Shade: Partial
Water: Reliable Year-Round. Crystal Lake at top. No reliable sources on the way up.
Views: Outstanding
Crowds: Popular but steep grade keeps casual crowd away.
Dogs: Yes, dogs are welcome on this trail.
Best Arrival: Before 8am on weekends. The lot is small and there is no overflow.
This is a Tier 1 sourced review. Trail information is based on published sources and research. Andrew has not personally hiked this trail yet. Photos and firsthand sensory detail will be added when upgraded to Tier 2.
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2.7 miRound Trip
700 ftElev. Gain
ModerateDifficulty
1.5-2.5 hoursEst. Time
10011 ftHighest Point
Out-and-BackRoute Type
YesDogs
NonePermit
Trailhead & Logistics
Address: Lake George Trailhead, Lake George Road, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
Parking: Small paved lot at Lake George. No fee. Fills by 9am on weekends.
Bathroom: Pit Toilet
Cell Service: Partial
Best Arrival: Before 8am on weekends. The lot is small and there is no overflow.
Trail Reality Check
Do not be misled by the 2.7-mile round-trip distance. This trail gains 700 feet in 1.35 miles. The reward is disproportionate to the effort — views of the Mammoth Lakes Basin from above are outstanding. Crystal Lake itself is a beautiful payoff. The lot is tiny and fills fast.
Terrain: Steep rocky singletrack. No technical moves. Lodgepole pine shade lower section, exposed above.
Shade: Partial
Water: Reliable Year-Round — Crystal Lake at top. No reliable sources on the way up.
Views: Outstanding
Crowds: Moderate — Popular but steep grade keeps casual crowd away.
Who should do this: Fit hikers who want a short but rewarding workout. Intermediate hikers who want alpine views without a full-day commitment. Good acclimation hike.
Who should skip this: Skip if steep sustained grades are hard on your knees or lungs. This is short but does not ease in gently.
