Crystal Vista - Mt Ida, Arkansas

Crystal Vista, located at Address: Mt Ida, AR 71957, is a popular hiking area and tourist attraction that offers a variety of outdoor activities for visitors of all ages and abilities.

One of the key features of Crystal Vista is its wheelchair accessible entrance and parking lot, making it easy for people with mobility impairments to enjoy the natural beauty of the area. The main attraction of Crystal Vista is the hiking trail, which is an out-and-back trail that offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The trail has a moderate difficulty level, making it suitable for both casual walkers and experienced hikers.

In addition to hiking, Crystal Vista is also a great place for families with children. The trail is kid-friendly, and the natural surroundings provide plenty of opportunities for exploration and learning. Dogs are also allowed at Crystal Vista, so visitors can bring their four-legged friends along for the adventure.

Crystal Vista has received rave reviews from visitors, with an impressive average rating of 4.7/5 on Google My Business. Many reviewers have praised the trail's beauty and accessibility, as well as the friendly and helpful staff at the site.

Overall, Crystal Vista is an ideal destination for anyone looking to enjoy the great outdoors and take in some breathtaking views. Its convenient location, wheelchair accessibility, and family-friendly atmosphere make it a must-visit destination for anyone in the Mt Ida, AR area.

If you're interested in learning more about Crystal Vista or planning a visit, be sure to check out their website at fs.usda.gov. The website provides detailed information about the site's features, hours of operation, and any special events or programs that may be taking place. With its stunning natural beauty and welcoming atmosphere, Crystal Vista is sure to provide an unforgettable outdoor experience for all who visit.

Reviews of Crystal Vista

Kenny Gilbert

4/5

So we have been to this place 5 times in the last 2 years so we like it for sure. BUT they have really changed it. The parking is much better it can park our large van with no issue and spaces have doubled from before. My issue now is the top of the mine was "refreshed" meaning they bull dozed the top and cut down all the trees. So in the past it was so nice and peaceful but now it's just in the sun all day. Some might like it but I personally
wish they left it as was. Also they added a fence around the area you should dig in and post civil code signs saying do not cross or go outside boundary. Added photos to show the new area.
Ohh we did find one nice size clear phantom crystal you can see in the photos I posted. Also camping is close by look up:
Crystal Recreation Area
AR Highway 27
Norman, AR

Nicholas Livingston

5/5

There is definitely plenty of quartz at the top and along the way. But the hike to the top is BRUTAL! its straight up an old mining road so it steep. cool views from the top and plenty of quartz to be found!

Kristen

5/5

Very beautiful trail. Worth the moderate hike. You will see several crystals on the way up. Ignore those. Once you get to the top, there are larger crystals. Be sure to bring a bag or a bucket. Otherwise, you’ll have to carry your crystals all the way back down the hill.

Desha Tinerella

5/5

WOW. I absolutely was not expecting what was at the top of this hike!! The hike itself is very, VERY steep/uphill. But so worth it. There are quartz crystals literally everywhere on the trail, and then at the top is this gigantic crater-like area where folks can dig to their heart's content. We spent more time than I'd like to admit digging? I absolutely recommend this trail to anyone able to complete it.

Heather

5/5

You gotta work for it but it was so worth it! We visited 3 different companies plus crystal vista. While the mile hike uphill was awful, the larger pieces we found were incredible. By far my favorite location as far as return on investment. Definitely not easily accessible and there's no restrooms but still so worth it.

Shawn “Bear” Harmon

4/5

An absolutely great place to get away from everything and hunt for crystals. Just be prepared to hike a moderate trail, if plan on going to the top. But all and all absolutely enjoyed my visit and we came home with some wonderful finds.

Robert Egan

5/5

Go after the rain. Look for the peanut butter. Dig. I found a lot. I have middle/moderate experience of geology. I drove from PA. I found the infamous gray/smoked quartz. Several nice finds. It can still be had here. Phenomenal place. If your youthful and can't get up the hill. Skip the rocks. You just need exercise. Added, Crystals require a level of understanding in order to find. Same tricks from PA coal mines work here. Awesome place.

Shirah Leffingwell

5/5

This place is pretty amazing. There are crystals everywhere. We've gone twice and havnt made it to the top either time because we end up finding a good spot with so many good crystals. Last time we went we found a ton of smoky quartz! My kid found some blue quartz!