Climbing: Crystal Crag via North Arête

5.7: 1 and 3

≤ 5.5: 2

Crystal Crag is a granite rock tower in the Mammoth Lakes area with a white quartz band at its north summit. The north and east side present some challenging rock climbs, while the south and west side offer more mellow routes.

The approach starts at Lake George (9,200 ft) and leads on Mammoth Crest Trail and Crystal Lake Trail to Crystal Lake (9,700 ft). It then continues on to the base of the climb (9,900 ft).

The North Arête consists of three pitches, the crux being a chimney at the very beginning. The descent leads down the backside of the summit via the saddle between north and south summit.