Loading map...

1941 Map of Crystal Lake

Name: 1941 Topographic Map of Crystal Lake
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 1941
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 1941

About this map

The high elevations of the San Gabriel Mountains are captured here in the late 1930s, centered on the recreational development of the Crystal Lake Campground Area. This mountain basin features several early 20th-century landmarks, including the Wawona Lodge, a Store, and a YMCA Hut situated near the waters of Crystal Lake. The presence of the Crystal Lake Guard Station and a Lookout on South Mt Hawkins reflects the active fire management and forestry oversight of the era.

Transportation through this difficult terrain is anchored by the Angeles Crest Highway, which snakes along the Kratka Ridge and toward the peaks of Mt Islip and Mt Hawkins. The landscape is defined by its numerous water sources, such as Little Jimmy Spring and Windy Spring, which supported the early 20th-century camping and hiking culture that drew Los Angeles residents to these high-altitude escapes.