Crandell Lake Trail (Red Rock Parkway)

Crandell Lake Trail (Red Rock Parkway) is a 4 km (2.4 mile) out-and-back from Crandell Mountain Campground access to the lake. Allow about 1 hour 15 minutes for roughly 125 m (410 ft) of climbing. A detailed trail entry lists 4 km return, while the general hiking table lists 6.8 km for the Red Rock Parkway route. This record follows the campground-access start and its mapped corridor; the published figures remain in conflict, so confirm the start if you see the longer distance.

The route follows a former cart track uphill through forest. Boardwalks cross wetter ground, and some granite can be slick. The trees hide most of the surrounding mountains until the path crests and drops into the lake clearing. It is rated easy, but the climb is steady rather than flat.

The lake sits in a forested saddle, with Mount Crandell to the east, Buchanan Ridge to the south and Ruby Ridge to the west. The clearing at the water is the main payoff and a good place to pause. A covered cook shelter and campsites are set back near the shore. For a photo, keep some water and shoreline in the foreground so the ridges still read as a mountain setting.

Start from the parking beyond the bridge at Crandell Mountain Campground access; the trail begins at a locked vehicle gate on the gravel road. Red Rock Parkway is seasonal for motor vehicles, so check the drive before setting out. Cyclists and horseback riders also use the trail, especially around sharp corners. Dogs are allowed on leash. The Akamina Parkway and Townsite approaches reach the same lake by different routes.