Crystal Lake Campground is situated in Crystal Lake Recreation Area. It is bordered on the west by Mt Islip, the north by Windy gap, the east by the Mt Hawkins Chain/ridge, and the south by Route 39 (Azusa Avenue).

Due to the Curve fire that swept through the area, R39 is closed north of Smith Mountain, and Crystal Lake is therefore rather quiet, since no vehicle traffic is allowed through, with the exception of people who live in the area north of the road's closure. The area is officially closed, but officials had no issue with myself staying put in the area for 1-2 days. Use discretion.

Crystal Lake can be used as a staging area for peakbagging and mountaineering, depending on season. It offers direct access to the following peaks that form its bowl:

-Mt Islip 8,250ft
-Mt Hawkins 8,850ft
-Middle Hawkins 8,505ft
-Sadie Hawkins 8,200ft (approx)
-South Mt Hawkins 7,783ft

From Mt Hawkins, you can access the following peaks to the east:

-Throop Peak 9,183ft
-Mt Burnham 9,100ft (approx)
-Mt Baden Powell 9,399ft

There are multiple campgrounds within the bowl formed by these mountains. One of the larger ones is Deer Flats, which is currently closed.

Crystal Lake area from Crystal Lake - Mt Islip trail

Getting there

Due to Route 39 being closed in the North Fork of the San Gabriel Canyon, the easiest way to reach Crystal Lake Campground is to take SR2 east from Pasadena to Islip Saddle. From Islip Saddle, take the trail to Little Jimmy Campground, then south to Windy Gap.

From Windy Gap, look south, and the large natural bowl formed by the mountains is the Crystal Lake area.

If and when R39/Azusa Avenue opens up north of North Fork San Gabriel Canyon (Smith Mountain area), you can simply take R39 north until you reach the well-marked and obvious entrance to the Crystal Lake area.

Rock outcropping above Crystal Lake

Links

Crystal Lake Dot Name

Crystal Lake Forest Health Project

San Gabriel Mountains Trailbuilders

Closed up buildings at the campground