Lung buster, quad & Calf burner!
Crystal Peak was an incredible workout rewarding us with astounding views throughout. Some points to highlight:
- hike frontloaded with switchbacks, getting our lungs and the rest ready for the challenge above
- exposure was not a problem, lots of places to rest out of the sun throughout the hike (less so towards the very end)
- good variety of terrain, keeping things interesting
- if you're planning to do both the lakes and the peak, do the lakes first as the peak hike is MUCH more challenging in elevation gain.
- flora: lots of wildflowers, old-growth & new-growth trees,
- fauna: had the pleasure to meet a snowshoe rabbit on the trail only feet from us!
- trekking poles made the descent much safer in the steep sandy areas
- i witnessed all ages and body shapes & sizes enjoying this trail despite its challenges
Got to the trailhead around noon with only 1-3 parking spots available. While this may seem like a late hour to arrive I find it can actually be beneficial timing with the morning hikers finishing up. The first part of the trail was the boring bit loaded with switchbacks but the forest offered fantastic shelter from the sun.
The hike started to get interesting after the fork (there is a helpful sign directing you to the lakes or the peak) with more variety in terrain and pristine views. Once we passed the rock shute bluff (watch for Pika!) and entered the new-growth forest the incline got REAL! Eventually, the path narrows a bit but it's still possible to step a leg over to make room for people to pass if need be.
The last push of this hike begins, in my opinion, at the elbow turn leading us up through a steep prairie, towards the ridge. This area had pretty much no reprieve from the sun and the incline was relentless. From this point, it was about 45 more minutes before the peak (roughly).
The way down was almost as challenging as the way up! The trail had gotten a lot sandier/looser with all the use and hot sun exposure in areas. That, in addition to the exhausted muscles, made us very grateful to have brought trekking poles.
Overall, STUPENDOUS hike worth all the effort! Incredible workout with great payoffs after the fork. Hope your experience will be as memorable as ours.
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