Crystal Lake CG to Mt. Islip Loop

Trailhead: Crystal Lake Campground Trailhead

Trail: Loop hike from Crystal Lake Campground to Mt. Islip following the Windy Gap, Islip Ridge, and Big Cienega Trails.

View of Windy Gap Trailhead from the Crystal Lake Campground Parking Lot.

Route Description: From the Crystal Lake Campground parking follow the Windy Gap Trail to Windy Gap crossing two roads along the way with clearly marked signs indicating the path to stay on the Windy Gap Trail. At Windy Gap take the Islip Ridge Trail (A sign indicates the direction to Mt. Islip) and continue up past a junction leading down to Little Jimmy Campground to a second junction which clearly leads to Mt. Islip. After summiting Mt. Islip, return to the above-mentioned junction, turn right (south) and head down the Islip Ridge Trail toward Crystal Lake. Along the way, there is a sign indicating the direction to Crystal Lake. Continue following that route until another junction is reached with three signs. Follow the Big Cienega Trail back down to where it meets the Windy Gap Trail and take the Windy Gap Trail back to the Trailhead.