Crystal Crag Climber's Log : Climbing, Hiking & Mountaineering : SummitPost

Crystal Crag Climber's Log

Diesel - Aug 24, 2022 4:55 pm Date Climbed: Aug 24, 2022

Self inflicted imprudence.

I figured the any couloir, tree or no tree, would take me up there. So I went up to the notch between the Apex and the summit just to find myself over my head with the higher than comfortable whatever class that is. I made my way up until I could see the summit across a very tricky traverse, but the lack of experience and equipment came into play, turning my morning hike into a reckless adventure. I went back to the notch and then crossed sideways (South) until the next couloir over and I took that to the ridge, South of the summit. From there, just to make it interesting, I followed the ridge up. I came down the East side of the mountain, which was also way more trouble then fun. I finally ended up on the shore of Lake George and I followed a trail around the South-East side of the lake to the parking lot.

Donno - Jul 14, 2018 8:00 pm Date Climbed: Jul 9, 2018

Via South Ridge

4.5hrs r/t from the CG TH, w Rob.

jimegan - Sep 1, 2017 12:11 pm Date Climbed: Aug 27, 2017

Crystal Crag

Enjoyable scramble

Simkin - Aug 8, 2017 9:49 pm Date Climbed: Jul 25, 2017

Free solo

Via North Arete. Here is the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vm5C3N807-0

stepho - Aug 1, 2017 3:15 am Date Climbed: Jul 31, 2017

roadtrip detour

I had been wanting to climb this crag since I was a toddler but was never allowed to and then never got the chance until today when I was passing through the area and had a few extra hours. Went up South Ridge via "One Tree Couloir" and descended West Face from the summit. Somehow managed to temporarily get stuck trying to walk through the little slot along the crest of the ridge just south of south summit!

whatdoIknow - Jun 30, 2016 11:09 pm Date Climbed: Jun 26, 2016

North Arete

Very enjoyable climb

Fairweather - Oct 28, 2015 12:36 am Date Climbed: Aug 16, 2011

North Arete

Seemed like a good climb, but with the high winds and cold temp. we were moving too fast to enjoy it. Didn't bring warm enough clothes.
With Todd.

CWessels - Jul 18, 2015 7:12 pm Date Climbed: Jul 6, 2015

South Ridge

Good scramble with lots of options. The best lines are higher on the ridgeline (as is usually the case).

Dave Daly - Jul 6, 2015 7:26 am Date Climbed: Jul 2, 2011

Crystal Clear!

An enjoyable day out! Topped out with Deb via the North Arete and headed into town for Mammy brews.

tbaranski - Aug 17, 2014 2:41 pm Date Climbed: Aug 17, 2014

South Ridge

Great scramble up the south ridge. Really enjoyable class-3 (or higher if you wish) on solid rock.

Alex Wood - Nov 13, 2013 5:39 pm Date Climbed: Sep 24, 2013

Windy as All Hell

Incredible windy! The summit was spectacular though. Just a very cold and windy day.

jamesmc2 - Sep 28, 2013 1:38 am Date Climbed: Sep 27, 2013

Scramblemania

Took and unknown route on the west face to the notch between the north and south summits. This section was class three with some loose sections but not much exposure. From the notch I climbed south to the true summit. The last section is very exposed 4th to low 5th class. First time in the area.

hightinerary - Aug 5, 2013 9:25 pm Date Climbed: Aug 2, 2013

Need a 2nd Date

Immediately after climbing Mammoth Rock, I thought I'd try Crystal Crag. Well, I showed up with no route info and no skill - just my own hands, and my feet in trail running shoes. I thought I had climbed to the summit from the west side, but when I turned around and looked to the south, it appeared I had not. The smoke from the Aspen fire was getting to me, so I backed off and hiked up Mammoth Crest to get a better look at what I'd been attempting. I'll finish the job some other time...

rdesota - Oct 15, 2012 11:25 am Date Climbed: Oct 14, 2012

Beautiful Fall Day

Beautiful crisp fall day. Cold in the morning. Thought the crux to be higher up. Climbed with my wife who enjoyed it quite a bit! The quartz was everything as promised - really neat.