Summary 
| Difficulty | 1 Beginner |
| Length | Short |
| Starting Elevation |
6200 feet |
| Cumulative Elevation Change |
Nil |
| Navigation | Adjacent to plowed road |
| Time | Short |
| Season | December through early April |
| Snowmobiles Use | Not permitted [Please report illegal use of snowmobiles in this area.] |
| USGS Topo | 7.5' series, Ackerson Mountain |
| Start | Crane Flat winter parking area on Highway 120 (Tioga Pass Road), 0.6 mile north of Big Oak Flat Road. |
Description
Crane Flat is the large meadow to the east of the Crane Flat winter parking area. The meadow is a popular destination for beginners to practice basic cross-country ski techniques. In fact, this is where the author spent his first day on cross-country skis in 1971.
In addition to the meadow, you can explore the small hills and wooded areas surrounding it. Ambitious beginners can try skiing a loop from the parking area to the gas station and then returning to the parking area as shown on the map and described in the mileage log.
Once you have mastered the basic skills of ski touring you will be ready to tackle other easy tours in the Crane Flat area such as:
Tuolumne Grove
Crane Flat Lookout
Clark Range Vista
South Landing
Mileage Log
Numbers in parentheses
correspond to mileage points on map
Waypoint 1 to 2
Miles: 0.0 - 0.7
Elevation change: Nil
From the trailhead (1) ski east through Crane Flat, at the far end enter the trees and ski southeast until you reach another meadow, and finally ski south through this meadow for a total of 0.7 mile until you reach the gas station (2).
Return to trailhead
Miles: 0.7 - 1.3
Elevation change: Nil
Ski northwest, paralleling Tioga Pass Road, for 0.6 mile until you reach the trailhead (1).
