Lost Ridge Trail #9W25

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Lake · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Adventure Pass required to park at trailheads and day use areas.

The Lost Ridge Trail connects the Deer Flats Group Campground with Crystal Lake.

The trail starts at the lower campsite at Deer Flat, then descends through an area of chaparral burned in the Curve Fire (2002). As it descends a steep section with steps, it enters a forest of bigcone spruce, live oaks, sugar and Jeffrey pines ending at the junction with the Lake Trail #9W27. From there, it is 0.5 miles to Crystal Lake (straight) or one mile to the campground and store (left).

This trail is a very useful link for making a loop run inside of the Crystal Lake Basin and is an ideal place for campers looking for a nice walk.

The "lost" ridge is actually a part of Islip Ridge that slid down in a massive slide creating Deer Flat and Crystal Lake.

Deer, bears, foxes, squirrels, and mixed conifer and oak forests can all be found here.