California · Rock climbing · Markleeville

Crystal Springs Canyon

Crystal Springs Canyon in California has 4 trad climbing routes with 4 distinct difficulty grades.

4 routes
5.10 – 5.12b
Trad

Is Crystal Springs Canyon open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Carson Ranger District. It doesn't name Crystal Springs Canyon, so check the source for the area it covers (3 listed).

As of · Source: USFS · Carson Ranger District. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Best time to visit Crystal Springs Canyon

Best months: May–September. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

  1. Jan

    43° / 18°

    9 wet

  2. Feb

    43° / 19°

    9 wet

  3. Mar

    48° / 24°

    10 wet

  4. Apr

    53° / 28°

    8 wet

  5. May

    62° / 33°

    7 wet

  6. Jun

    72° / 38°

    3 wet

  7. Jul

    80° / 43°

    2 wet

  8. Aug

    80° / 41°

    2 wet

  9. Sep

    73° / 35°

    3 wet

  10. Oct

    62° / 29°

    5 wet

  11. Nov

    51° / 23°

    7 wet

  12. Dec

    43° / 18°

    10 wet

Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at South Lake Tahoe Ap, CA, 12.2 mi away at 6,314 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

Crystal Springs Canyon is a climbing area in the Carson Ranger District of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest in California, managed by the Forest Service. It sits among several other climbing spots and a campground, making it a compact base for a day or longer on the rock. The canyon's climbing is all trad, with four routes ranging from 5.10 to 5.12b. The Nevada/Utah Border is the easiest at 5.10, and Stormtroopers Of Death is the hardest at 5.12b. The Steeple and Wood Cutters Wall are both about 0.1 mile away, and the 4-Second Climbing Trail is just as close. Summer is the most comfortable time to climb. Typical averages from the South Lake Tahoe airport weather station, about 12 miles away, show July and August highs around 80°F with lows in the low 40s and only about two wet days a month. Winter is much colder, with highs near 43°F and lows around 18°F from December through February. Crystal Springs Campground is 0.2 mile away, and Kit Carson Campground is about 2.7 miles off. The West Fork Carson River, a paddling route, is roughly 3.3 miles away.

Routes (4)

Storm Trooper Buttress(1)

Stormtroopers Of Death5.12b