If you’re needing a moment to escape to the woods and want to skip any potentially crowded state parks, a drive to Crystal Vista is in order. This abandoned crystal quarry has a lovely little trail that’s glittered with quartz! Let’s head to the Ouachita National Forest for a sparkly break.
This easy trail is a wonderful little escape in the Ouachita National Forest.
Google/Michael Lee The trail sits on Gardner Mountain, just south of Mt. Ida. It’s located halfway between Wegner Quartz Crystal Mines and Twin Creek Crystal Mine which gives you a clue about what makes this trail special.
The hike to the vista is a quick out-and-back.
Google/Yellow Yeet The trail is a little over a mile with some elevation gain. Although it is a bit rocky we do consider the trail to be quite family-friendly.
Traversing the trail won’t take long but there’s another reason to enjoy the journey.
Google/Dispersed Camper Man Crystal Vista used to be a 4-acre commercial quartz quarry and it’s still chocked full of minerals. Rockhounders (or anyone with an eye for sparkles) can easily lose an hour or two along the trail.
Crystal Vista will quickly reward you for taking the time to visit.
Google/Keith Youngblood The crystals here require no tools or digging, just a keen eye. You’ll discover all sizes along here, too from small marbles to solid boulders.
In addition to the glittering trail, this hike does take you to a gorgeous overlook, too!
AllTrails/Malcolm Yarnell The rolling mountains of the Ouachitas makes this area one of our favorite places to take a break from the world. For details on the recreational area, head to the Forest Service’s website.
Have you taken the trail at Crystal Vista? We would love to see your photos in our Facebook group, Arkansas Nature Lovers. You should join for your chance to be featured and to discover why there’s nothing better than Arkansas’ stunning nature.
Google/Michael Lee
The trail sits on Gardner Mountain, just south of Mt. Ida. It’s located halfway between Wegner Quartz Crystal Mines and Twin Creek Crystal Mine which gives you a clue about what makes this trail special.
Google/Yellow Yeet
The trail is a little over a mile with some elevation gain. Although it is a bit rocky we do consider the trail to be quite family-friendly.
Google/Dispersed Camper Man
Crystal Vista used to be a 4-acre commercial quartz quarry and it’s still chocked full of minerals. Rockhounders (or anyone with an eye for sparkles) can easily lose an hour or two along the trail.
Google/Keith Youngblood
The crystals here require no tools or digging, just a keen eye. You’ll discover all sizes along here, too from small marbles to solid boulders.
AllTrails/Malcolm Yarnell
The rolling mountains of the Ouachitas makes this area one of our favorite places to take a break from the world. For details on the recreational area, head to the Forest Service’s website.
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