Crystal Peak (Sierra County, California) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Crystal Peak
Crystal Peak Location in California
Highest point
Elevation	8,107 ft (2,471 m)
Prominence	263 ft (80 m)
Geography
Location	Sierra County, California
Parent range	Bald Mountain Range, Sierra Nevada

The sign placed by the National Forest Service at the Crystal Peak Mine

Crystal Peak is a mountain found in Sierra County, California. It sits at the southern end of the Bald Mountain Range. This mountain is about 3 miles (4.8 km) northeast of Sardine Valley. It's also about 16 miles (25.6 km) northwest of Reno, Nevada.

What is Crystal Peak?

Crystal Peak is a notable mountain in Northern California. It's part of the larger Sierra Nevada mountain range. The peak reaches an elevation of 8,107 feet (2,471 meters). This makes it a tall and impressive natural landmark in the area.

Exploring the Mountain

The area around Crystal Peak is known for its beautiful scenery. It offers great views of the surrounding landscapes. Many people enjoy exploring the trails and natural beauty here. The mountain is a popular spot for outdoor activities.

Discovering the Crystal Mine

The back half of the Crystal Mine, which is quite large

Crystal Peak is famous for its special mine, called the Crystal Mine. The first known visit to this area was in 1845. This happened when a group of pioneers, known as the Stevens wagon train, passed through. They were among the first to explore this part of California.

Over time, a small town called Crystal grew up near the mine. However, the town was later abandoned. This caused the local roads to fall apart. But don't worry, the roads were rebuilt in 1992. This made it easier for people to visit the mine again.

Visiting the Mine Today

Today, the Crystal Mine is open to the public. You can visit it if you are not planning to sell what you find. There's a rule about how many crystals you can take. Each vehicle is allowed to collect one 5-gallon bucket of crystals per week. This rule helps protect the mine's resources for everyone. It's a great place to explore and maybe even find some cool crystals!