Crystal Mountain Loop

Pierce County, Washington, United States

17.9 miles (28.8 km) · 4,455 ft elevation gain · Loop · trail · Route

Crystal Mountain Loop is a 17.9-mile loop route in Pierce County, Washington, United States, gaining 4,455 feet of elevation. The route follows a rolling elevation profile. The terrain breaks into 5 distinct sections including 2 significant climbs. The longest climb covers 4.6 miles gaining 2,833 feet at an average 11.5% grade. About 40% of the terrain is runnable, with significant hiking sections. The route opens with a climb and finishes with a descent.

Route facts

Distance	17.9 mi (28.8 km)
Elevation gain	4,455 ft (1,358 m)
Average gain	249 ft per mile (47 m per km)
Longest climb	5.8 mi, 630 ft of gain
Steepest climb grade	23%
Runnable	40% of the route
Climbs / descents	2 climbs, 3 descents
Profile shape	Rolling
Difficulty score	16.6 of 100
Surface	trail
Route shape	Loop
Type	Route

Grade breakdown

Grade band	Share of route
Flat	6%
Mild uphill	8%
Moderate uphill	15%
Steep uphill	23%
Mild downhill	11%
Moderate downhill	16%
Steep downhill	22%

Questions about Crystal Mountain Loop

How much elevation gain does Crystal Mountain Loop have?

Crystal Mountain Loop has 4,455 ft (1,358 m) of elevation gain over 17.9 miles (28.8 km). That averages 249 ft of gain per mile.

How difficult is Crystal Mountain Loop?

The difficulty score for Crystal Mountain Loop is 16.6 of 100. That is harder than 86.1% of routes at a similar distance. About 40% of the route is runnable at typical trail effort; the rest is steep enough that most runners hike.

What is the longest climb on Crystal Mountain Loop?

The longest climb on Crystal Mountain Loop runs 5.8 miles (9.4 km) and gains 630 ft (192 m). The steepest climb grade on the route is 23%.