Take An Easy Out-And-Back Trail To Enter Another World At Crystal Vista In Arkansas

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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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.