Crystal Lake Area Nature Hike

Join us for a mountain hike in the San Gabriels near Crystal Lake, a natural mountain lake within the Angeles National Forest. Led by Roger Klemm, Cris Sarabia, and Gabi and Cliff McLean, we will spend the morning exploring the forest flora. Although many flowers will have already bloomed including the Lemon Lily, we may find Greata’s aster in bloom, another rare (CNPS 1B.3) plant. Plus, fruits, or developing fruits, should be on display to explore. Jeffrey Pines, White Firs, Incense Cedars, Canyon Live Oaks, Elderberry, Ceanothus, Toyon, Mountain Mint, California Buckwheat, and Coffeeberry are among the plants that may captivate the group. Los Angeles may be hot, but at higher elevation (>5,500 feet) and among spectacular scenery, we should be comfortable.

Register at Eventbrite!

Date and time: Sunday, August 16. 2026, 8:00 a.m. to ~noon

Location: Windy Gap Trailhead, Crystal Lake Recreation Area. Located about 25 mile north of Azusa along highway CA-39 (mile marker 38.13).

Directions: Please read because THERE IS NO CELL SERVICE SO YOUR PHONE MAP APP IS NOT RELIABLE. Exit the 210 Freeway at Azusa Avenue. Drive north on Azusa (CA-39) through the city of Azusa, and into the hills. Once into the hills, drive north about 23 miles, approximately a one hour drive. Turn right onto Crystal Lake Rd toward Crystal Lake Campground. You will pass the Crystal Lake Cafe on your right in about 2 miles. Continue another 0.4 mile to the Windy Gap Trailhead parking lot.

Please note: CA-39 (also called San Gabriel Mountain Road) is a winding, narrow mountain road. Once you leave town, there are no gas stations and weekend traffic can be slow. Please plan accordingly. Also, because of closure of parts of CA-2 and CA-39, the ONLY way to get to Crystal Lake is north from Azusa.

Parking: Park at the Windy Gap Trailhead parking lot. An Adventure Pass or America the Beautiful Pass is required. (See below for purchase information).

Meet: Meet at the Windy Gap Trailhead parking lot.

Preparation: Purchase your Adventure Pass for parking. Daily passes are available for $5 at most sporting goods stores, Ranger Stations, REI locations, and at the Crystal Lake Cafe which you will pass en route. More about Adventure Passes and a map with locations to purchase can be found on the US Forest Service website HERE.

This area is mountainous and remote. There are no gas or EV charging stations. Please ensure you have adequate car fuel/battery for the entire round trip.

Bring: Water, sun protection, snacks, and bug repellent. Wear good hiking shoes and dress in layers as weather conditions can be variable, warm, mild, cool or windy.

Difficulty: The mountain trails are medium to strenuous; hiking up and downhill is expected. Trails are maintained, but can be rugged. Higher elevation may impact breathing.

Special conditions: No cell phone or wifi services are available.

Restrooms: Pit toilets maintained by the Forest Service are available.

Cancellation: If fires or road closures are identified, Eventbrite subscribers will be notified of cancellation.

Background info: A plant list can be downloaded at this LINK.

Questions: Email Roger Klemm, Gabi McLean or Dave Koons at sgm.info@cnps.org with questions or concerns.

Photos by Roger Klemm