Hiking boots are highly recommended. Long Lake offers excellent fishing opportunities and makes a great lunch stop before heading back down the trail. Expect to see lingering snowbanks well into August, and plan for cool weather in the early morning and evenings. Camping is allowed 200 feet from the trail and several side trails branch off to interesting sights and level camping areas. From the highway, take the Trial Lake turnoff and follow the signs to the Crystal Lake Trailhead.
Several trails start from the parking lot, including a few short hikes to nearby lakes.
The Long Lake trail starts from the end of the lot, next to an outbuilding. Trail etiquette asks bikers to yield to horses and hikers to yield to both. The route is an established path, suitable for walking shoes in most places. The area is used for cattle ranging, so dogs should be kept on a leash. The trail is a gradual uphill slope during the first three miles, saving the decent for the return trip.