Cross Mountain Summit Route

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The trail isn't super challenging and it offers some cool views along the way to the summit, but the views from the summit itself are exceptional as you're looking up at Mt. Wilson, Wilson Peak, Gladstone and Lizard Head in the foreground, and colossal peaks further in the background all around you.

Start from the Cross Mountain trailhead. Run in a meadow for a little while before entering a nice pine forest. Gain elevation here for awhile before reaching a junction below Lizard Head Peak. Keep left at the junction, you're now on the Lizard Head trail. Follow this until you see a tall piece of wood that looks like the best place to start making your way to Cross Mountain.

There is a faint trail in some places, but mostly just choose your best route up until you see a bit of a more defined trail that goes horizontally under some rock. Go on this and then ascend wherever feels most comfortable to you. It's pretty loose here. Choose your steps wisely. Helmets aren't a bad idea but otherwise just be careful. This is a short section of Class 2+ or low Class 3.

After you're over the loose stuff, just continue on up until you gain the ridge. Follow the ridge for a little ways and you'll reach the Cross Mountain summit at 12,703 feet. The summit is awesome because you're so close to the giants of Mt. Wilson and Gladstone Peak, you also have a great view of Lizard Head behind you. This is a fantastic place to marvel at mountains.

Whenever you are ready, go ahead and follow your ascent trail back down until you make it back to your car. Or you can follow the Lizard Head Loop.

Either way, you'll have a great time out there!