Grays Peak Trail Big Bear review for seasonal lake views

The Forest Service closes the trail from November 1 through April 1 each year to protect bald eagles in critical winter habitat.

Reviewers describe a well-graded climb with little shade and a short boulder scramble near the summit, often naming it among their preferred Big Bear hikes.

The setting

Grays Peak Trail is located at the Grays Peak Trailhead, which is across from the Grout Bay Picnic Area. You can find it on North Shore Drive, also known as State Highway 38, just west of Fawnskin. This self-guided, out-and-back hike offers views over Big Bear Lake and the surrounding valley.

The route spans approximately 6.9 miles round trip and involves an elevation gain of about 1,187 feet. The visitor bureau classifies this hike as moderate to difficult. The trail winds through a forest setting, leading to viewpoints that look out over the lake and valley.

What to expect

Along the path, some spots offer a distant view of a bald eagle nest situated in a Jeffrey pine. Visitors are reminded not to approach or disturb the nesting eagles. During autumn, the foliage adds seasonal color to the scenery, enhancing the views of the lake and valley.

A parking pass is required, specifically an Adventure Pass. The Grays Peak Trail is subject to seasonal closure. It closes during the bald eagle wintering period and typically reopens for the warmer hiking months. Autumn foliage appears before this winter wildlife closure.

Scoring criteria

Views and payoff measures what you see along the way and at the end of the hike. This trail received a score of 8 out of 10. Reviewers note broad lake and valley views.

Trail quality measures the tread, the markings, and the upkeep of the path. It scored 7 out of 10. The trail is described as steady and well-graded, though it has limited shade and a short boulder scramble near the summit.

Access and parking measures how easy the trailhead is to reach and park at. This criterion scored 6 out of 10. An Adventure Pass is needed for parking.

Crowds measures how busy the trail gets. It also scored 6 out of 10. The trail sees less traffic than some busier North Shore options.

Overall assessment

The Grays Peak Trail received an overall score of 7 out of 10. This score is the weighted sum of the four criteria. The trail has a steady, well-graded climb and lake views.

However, the trail's exposure and a seasonal closure impact its year-round appeal. The Forest Service closes the trail from November 1 through April 1 each year to protect bald eagles in their critical winter habitat.

Our verdict is that while the steady climb and lake views are a positive, the exposure and the six-month wildlife closure reduce its year-round usefulness.

The path ahead

Grays Peak Trail takes its name from Alex Gray, who founded Gray’s Landing and Camp with James Fletcher Gray in 1918. As you ascend, the trail passes Jeffrey pines, black oaks, and white firs that provide shade along the described approaches. The summit area reached by Grays Peak Trail looks toward the high peaks of the San Gorgonio Wilderness.

This route can be combined with a scramble toward Hanna Rocks. It also links with routes involving Butler Peak, Delamar Mountain, Little Bear Mountain, and Bertha Peak. The trail offers lake views from April to October.

What to know before you go

The trail is a moderate to difficult 6.9-mile round trip with an elevation gain of 1187 feet. It is located across from the Grout Bay Picnic Area, just west of Fawnskin, on North Shore Drive / State Highway 38. A parking pass is required.

Grays Peak Trail is closed from November 1 through April 1 to protect wintering bald eagles.