Crystal Lake Amphitheater

Crystal Lake Amphitheater as of 29/Mar/2010

The Amphitheater's location is North 34 degrees, 19.313 by West 117 degrees, 50.023 at 5642 feet.

The facility has been fully restored! The electrical system at the facility has been reworked and some of the concrete has been dug up and has been replaced. Though there is water and electricity, neither have been turned on currently though I hope to see water restored by the times the campgrounds re-open.

The structure shown in the photograph is in remarkably good condition. It was built a long time ago as part of the Civilian Conservation Corps projects back during the New Deal, as I've been told, though I really don't know exactly when it was built.

The Amphitheater is often used for lectures about the flora and fauna of the San Gabriel Mountains, as well as for discussions about the history of Crystal Lake Camp Ground. The structure is also used by Boy Scouts and other groups. In the Summer it can get pretty hot in the thing, but it's a great place for night time gatherings.

Electricity is available at the Amphitheater though it's not known whether it will be turned on for use by visitors.

There is a very large dance studio above the amphitheater which is a large ruin now however it may be that electricity can be brought up to run lights and a sound system so that live music can be had on some special evenings, perhaps from 7:00 p.m. until midnight. Bluegrass, Country and Western, and good old Rock 'n Roll -- with occasional Classical and Big Band era jazz -- might be possible to have on some nights if arangements can be made with the USFS.

Tommy Dorsey and Benny Goodman performed at the studio at times and, of course, "singing cowboys" from the Hollywood-created myths at times came through the campgrounds and sang. Live music at the amphitheater and perhaps at the old dance studio would be very welcome for people who love to sit or dance under the stars with tiki torches and pole lighting during the Summer.

It's not known whether live music will be aranged or whether such things would be free with the price of the usual campgrounds admission fee, yet it's something that the owner of this web site would like to see, and it's something that should be looked in to -- and asked for -- when the opportunity to ask comes up.

Since there will be a snack bar and hot kitchen operating across from the USFS Visitor Center, and because the kitchen has a very large hot dog wagon that is towed behind a pickup truck, having chilidogs with chopped onion and grated cheese while listening to music would be epic!