TRAVELPHOTOBOX

Crystal Lake is the only natural lake in the San Gabriel Mountains , in northern Los Angeles County. The lake is settled in a bowl below the granite crags surrounding Mount Hawkins . Severe  drought  in California has nearly dried out Crystal Lake. Only snow and spring rain feds it and it has no other artificial means of being replenished. It is open year round. 🐟 Following a good rainy season, the lake may be stocked with fish, typically rainbow trout .

South Mount Hawkins is a 7,783 foot mountain peak in the San Gabriel Mountains , contained within the Angeles National Forest . The mountain was named for Nellie Hawkins , a popular waitress at a local cafe in the early 20th century. This route starts at the  Crystal Lake Recreation Area .  The Crystal Lake basin is flanked on three sides by towering mountains forming a giant horseshoe. From the trailhead, the Windy Gap Trail ascends and you will shortly encounter a road crossing ( Crystal Lake Road ). Pick up the marked trail on the other side. The path is well-designed and easy to follow. Soon you will find again the Crystal Lake Road . This intersection marks the start of our loop. Now we leave the Windy Gap Trail and continue along the zigzagging Crystal Lake Road that takes to the top of South Mount Hawkins . It has one of the finest views of the peaks in the San Gabriel Mountains .  ⚠  There are washouts along the way and it is strewn with r...