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Mountain passes

Los Angeles County

San Gabriel Mountains National Monument

Crystal Lake Climb

Mountain passes

Los Angeles County

San Gabriel Mountains National Monument

Crystal Lake Climb

Highlight (Segment) • Climb

Crystal Lake Climb

Road cycling

5.0

(1)

This Highlight goes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Angeles National Forest

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

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Tips

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.

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

235

riders

#1.

Crystal Lake Recreation Area – Crystal Lake Climb loop from Irwindale

89.7km

05:23

2,120m

2,120m

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

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Hard

219

riders

#2.

Syndicate Coffee – Crystal Lake Recreation Area loop from Lake

129km

07:05

2,430m

2,430m

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

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Hard

14

riders

#3.

Graveyard Canyon – Crystal Lake Recreation Area loop from Bridge To Nowhere Trailhead Parking Lot

66.9km

04:12

1,830m

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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Tuesday 27 October

18°C

11°C

-- %

Additional weather tips

The UV-index reading is high for much of your activity. Don’t forget sunscreen and consider bringing sunglasses.

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See nearby routes

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

Eagles Roost — Angeles Crest Hwy Trailhead

San Gabriel River Greenway

Santa Fe Flood Control Basin

Marshall Canyon Trail

Crystal Lake Recreation Area

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Buckhorn Campground

End of San Gabriel River Bike Path

Windy Gap & PCT junction

Susanna Canyon