Crystal Crag

Crystal Crag is a 10,377-foot-elevation (3,163 meter) summit located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range in Mono County of northern California, United States.[4] This photogenic landmark, popular with rock climbers,[6] is situated approximately three miles south of the community of Mammoth Lakes, on land managed by Inyo National Forest. Topographic relief is significant as the north aspect rises 1,300 feet (400 meters) above Lake George in one-half mile. Crystal Lake lies below the west aspect and T J Lake below the east aspect. Precipitation runoff from the peak drains into these three lakes, thence north to Mammoth Creek. This mountain's toponym has been officially adopted by the United States Board on Geographic Names.[4]

Crystal Crag
North aspect
Highest point
Elevation10,377 ft (3,163 m)[1]
Prominence338 ft (103 m)[2]
Parent peakMammoth Crest (11,515 ft)[3]
Isolation2.28 mi (3.67 km)[3]
Coordinates37°35′28″N 119°00′49″W[4]
Geography
Crystal Crag is located in California
Crystal Crag
Crystal Crag
Location in California
Crystal Crag is located in the United States
Crystal Crag
Crystal Crag
Crystal Crag (the United States)
LocationMono County, California, U.S.
Parent rangeSierra Nevada[2]
Topo mapUSGS Crystal Crag
Geology
Type of rockgranite[5]
Climbing
First ascentUnknown
Easiest routeclass 3[3]

Climbing

The first ascent of Crystal Crag is unknown but was likely before 1900.[7]

The Northeast Face was climbed by Owen Williams on August 11, 1936.[8] The North Buttress was climbed by Alvin McLane, John Houghton, and Reggie Donatelli on March 3, 1968. Galen Rowell and Vern Clevenger climbed the East Face in January 1973.[7]

Climate

Crystal Crag is located in an alpine climate zone.[9] Most weather fronts originate in the Pacific Ocean, and travel east toward the Sierra Nevada mountains. As fronts approach, they are forced upward by the peaks (orographic lift), causing them to drop their moisture in the form of rain or snowfall onto the range.

  • North aspect of Crystal Crag reflected in Lake George
    North aspect of Crystal Crag reflected in Lake George
  • North aspect of Crystal Crag reflected in Lake George
    North aspect of Crystal Crag reflected in Lake George
  • Crystal Crag from Lake George
    Crystal Crag from Lake George
  • West aspect of Crystal Crag seen from Crystal Lake
    West aspect of Crystal Crag seen from Crystal Lake
  • Crystal Crag reflected in Lake George
    Crystal Crag reflected in Lake George
  • Crystal Crag Over Lake Mary
    Crystal Crag Over Lake Mary
  • Crystal Crag (centered) with Mammoth Crest behind, seen from Twin Lakes
    Crystal Crag (centered) with Mammoth Crest behind, seen from Twin Lakes
  • Crystal Crag seen from the Mammoth Crest trail. Herlihy Peak visible in upper left corner.
    Crystal Crag seen from the Mammoth Crest trail. Herlihy Peak visible in upper left corner.

See also

Further reading
  • Crystal Crag Climbs, Donette Swain, Todd Swain (2003), Alpine Diversions Publishing

References
  1. R. J. Secor, The High Sierra Peaks, Passes, Trails, 2009, Third Edition, Mountaineers Books, ISBN 9781594857386, p. 369
  2. "Crystal Crag, California". Peakbagger.com. Retrieved 2022-05-03.
  3. "Crystal Crag - 10,377' CA". listsofjohn.com. Retrieved 2022-05-03.
  4. "Crystal Crag". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior. Retrieved 2022-05-03.
  5. Steven R. Lipshie (2001), Geologic Guidebook to the Long Valley—Mono Craters Region of Eastern California, South Coast Geological Society, p. 140
  6. Bradley Howard (2014), The Cycle Touring Diaries - Diary 3: The L.A. Loop, ISBN 9781291682571
  7. Steve Roper (1976), The Climber's Guide to the High Sierra, Sierra Club Books, ISBN 9780871561473, p. 338
  8. George Bloom and John D. Mendenhall, A Climber’s Guide to the High Sierra (1954)
  9. "Climate of the Sierra Nevada". Encyclopædia Britannica.
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