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San Gabriel Mountains National Monument

Crystal Lake Climb

San Gabriel Mountains National Monument

Crystal Lake Climb

Highlight (Segment) • Climb

Crystal Lake Climb

Road cycling

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Angeles National Forest

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Location: San Gabriel Mountains National Monument, Los Angeles County, California, United States

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Tips

Alexandra P

April 28, 2025

Road cycling

Highway 39 climbs deep into Southern California’s San Gabriel Mountains, starting with a steady grade that twists through rugged terrain and offers sweeping views. After passing multiple switchbacks, a Crystal Lake turnoff, and a gated parking area around mile 12, the road softens slightly, continuing along a scenic ridgeline toward the junction with Angeles Crest Highway. A final moderate push leads you to Dawson Saddle at just under 8,000 feet, a summit raced by the pros and known as one of California’s most difficult ascents.

Alexandra P

April 29, 2025

Road cycling

The Crystal Lake climb begins in the Angeles National Forest, offering cyclists a moderately challenging route through some scenic landscapes. As you approach the 7-mile mark, the climb starts to reward your efforts with dramatic views of the winding switchbacks and the canyon below. The final stretch on Crystal Lake Road provides a peaceful, lightly trafficked road, ideal for cyclists to finish the climb on a well-maintained path with stunning views ahead.

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Nearby routes

Best routes near Crystal Lake Climb

219

riders

#1.

Syndicate Coffee – Crystal Lake Recreation Area loop from Lake

129km

07:05

2,430m

Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

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Hard

riders

#2.

Upper Bear Creek Trailhead – Crystal Lake Recreation Area loop from Bridge To Nowhere Trailhead Parking Lot

66.9km

04:12

1,830m

Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

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Hard

Details

Informations

Distance 22.9 km

Uphill 1,660 m

Downhill 340 m

Weather

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Saturday 4 July

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Max wind speed: 11.0 km/h

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See nearby routes

Take Me There

Location: San Gabriel Mountains National Monument, Los Angeles County, California, United States

Other Popular Places to Check Out

Mount Islip

San Gabriel Canyon Road Scenic View

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End of San Gabriel River Bike Path

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Crystal Lake Climb

#1.

Syndicate Coffee – Crystal Lake Recreation Area loop from Lake

#2.

Upper Bear Creek Trailhead – Crystal Lake Recreation Area loop from Bridge To Nowhere Trailhead Parking Lot

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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