Hike Grays Peak Trail (Big Bear)

7.2 miles - Moderate Effort
3-4 Hours (Total)
1,300 Total Feet of Climbing
Max Elevation of 7,290 feet
Leashed Dogs Allowed

Grays Peak Trail, one of the most popular hikes in the Big Bear Area, is not too tough, but plenty nice. You'll hike through an old-growth forest, be treated to views of the surrounding peaks, and then reach the forested knob of Grays Peak, which has lengthwise views of Big Bear Lake, as well as the San Bernardino high line of peaks. It's such a nice area that two bald eagles decided to raise a family here! More on that in the guide.

In this Guide:

Video and Turn-by-Turn Grays Peak Trail Directions
Getting to the Grays Peak Trail
Insider Tips and Recommendations

Quick Links:
Parks Pass - Park Website - NOAA Weather Report - My Sep 2024 Gear

Where is the Grays Peak Trail?

The trailhead is easy to find. There is a dedicated rest area and parking lot for the trail in Fawnskin, right next to Big Bear Lake. Use this trailhead address:
Grays Peak Trail, Fawnskin, CA 92333

Grays Peak Trail Directions 4 — There's a very large parking lot.

You need a National Parks Pass or and Adventure Pass to park here.

Grays Peak Trail Directions 3 — There are bathrooms at the parking area.

Gear For the Hike

Although this is a backcountry hike, it's not especially technical or tough. I do the hike using regular hiking gear, but I've seen plenty of folks here in fitness clothes. Just know that it can be colder at the top, and in the winter, the trail can be covered with snow and ice (it's actually a good snowshoe hike if that's your thing). I bring 2L of water when I do the hike.

Gear That I Love Right Now

Nothing is sponsored or promoted, just the actual gear that I use.

Garmin InReach Mini 2Hit SOS or just tell loved ones that you're running late where your cell phone has no service. Review here.

Topo Pursuit 2The best hiking footwear I've ever owned. No blisters. Get them wet, they dry quickly. Lots of cushion and comfort.

Garmin Epix ProHiking maps, route info, and fitness stats on my wrist. Review here.

Osprey Hikelite 26Lightweight, carries all your gear, and your back doesn't get sweaty. Oh yea, it's also one of the most inexpensive packs you can get.

Check out the complete list here. ( Updated September 2024)

Grays Peak Trail Maps

The hike is on a mixture of singletrack and (very laid back) Forest Service roads. It's all well-marked and easy to follow.

Use This Map:
View in CalTopo | PDF Map | GPX File

How Will You Navigate?

Using the Apple Watch for Hiking

Garmin Fenix 7 & Epix Review For Hikers

How To Read a Topographic Map

Garmin GPSMAP 67i Review

Elevation Profile

Grays Peak Trail Elevation — The hike is steadily uphill, but not steep. Overall the climb is pleasant and easy for most folks with decent fitness.

3D Map

Hike Brief

Big Bear Eagles — In 2013, a pair of bald eagles started nesting in the area around Grays Peak. Photo San Bernardino NF Twitter

Historically bald eagles would winter in Big Bear, where they could hunt for food in the lake, unlike those further north which freezes over.
In 2013 the first pair of eagles in recent memory nested here, and eagles have come back regularly to nest every year. Since bald eagles have been known to abandon nests disturbed by humans, the Forest Service usually closes the area around Grays Peak in the winter and spring during nesting season. It's important to visit the park website before you go and check the trail status. You can tune into the solar-powered "nest cam" to view the nest here.
Grays Peak is named after an old (and long-closed) camping resort called "Gray's Landing and Camp," opened in 1918. When the camp first opened, there wasn't even a road here. The camp became a legendary place for trout fishing, with cowboys Roy Rodgers and Dale Evans buying it in 1955. When Roy Rodgers was asked if he didn't like anything about the deal, it was that "he couldn't spend all his time here."
Here's a photo of Grays Camp in 1941. Photo Pomona Public Library
The first half of the hike passes through old(er) growth forest with big oaks, pines and cedars. And then on the second half of the hike, you'll be able to see the effects of the 2007 Butler 2 Fire, which didn't burn everything, but did do some damage.
All the trees along this hike mean that it's a great place to catch the fall colors.

Grays Peak Trail Hike Directions

Grays Peak Trail Directions 1 — The hike starts at the big trail board, at the end of the parking area.

Grays Peak Trail Directions 5 — You'll start climbing from the start, but it's not too steep and very scenic.

Grays Peak Trail Directions 6 — And as you climb you'll pass through the boulders that are common on hikes around Big Bear.

Grays Peak Trail Directions 7 — At the top of the first section the trail levels out and you get a breather.

Grays Peak Trail Directions 8 — When the singletrack joins Forest Service Road 2N04X at around 0.8 miles, bear right and continue on the road.

Grays Peak Trail Directions 9 — Just behind you when the trail joins 2N04X is a Yellow Post camping site, which is free and offers nice views over Big Bear Lake.

Grays Peak Trail Directions 10 — Notice the huge old growth trees in this section.

Grays Peak Trail Directions 11 — This section of the hike is along the dirt road for about 0.3 miles.

Grays Peak Trail Directions 12 — And then you join the larger 2N70 road. Keep to the right.

Grays Peak Trail Directions 13 — And about 200 yards after joining 2N70, look for Grays Peak Trail off to the left.

Grays Peak Trail Directions 14 — The trail is marked with a sign.

Grays Peak Trail Directions 15 — And now you're back on singletrack, gently making your way up to Grays Peak.

Grays Peak Trail Directions 16 — As you climb you'll see Delmar Mountain to the north.

Grays Peak Trail Directions 17 — At about 2.6 miles in, you'll come to a scenic overlook facing north. After this, the trail turns south and you head toward Grays Peak.

Grays Peak Trail Directions 18 — As you hike southwest you can see Butler Peak in the distance. The mountains beyond that are in Angeles National Forest.

Grays Peak Trail Directions 19 — Look closely to spot the fire lookout tower, which is the highest tower in the northern part of San Bernardino NF.

Grays Peak Trail Directions 20 — You'll also see evidence from the 2007 Butler 2 Fire as you hike in this section.

Grays Peak Trail Directions 21 — The trail winds around as it climbs to the peak, which is dead ahead here.

Grays Peak Trail Directions 22 — When you crest the ridge, the trail swings left.

Grays Peak Trail Directions 29 — And you'll get views of all the 10,000 foot+ peaks in the forest, including San Gorgonio.

Grays Peak Trail Directions 23 — When you get to the split, there's a viewpoint ahead, and then the trail to the peak is a sharp left.

Grays Peak Trail Directions 24 — The viewpoint area has an old witness post.

Grays Peak Trail Directions 25 — And great views down Big Bear Lake.

Grays Peak Trail Directions 26 — The last little climb to the summit is steep.

Grays Peak Trail Directions 27 — And has some nice boulders to climb up on to enjoy the views from.

Grays Peak Trail Directions 28 — And that's it! From here, just go back the way you came up to finish the hike.

Need More Info?

Have a question about the guide? Join my Patreon and ask me a question.
When planning, always check the park website and social media to make sure the trails are open. Similarly, check the weather and road conditions.
Do you have an update to this guide? View the Youtube comments for this video. Leave a comment and I will do my best to update the guide.

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This Guide Was Written by Cris Hazzard

Cris Hazzard 4 Mile Trail Yosemite
Hi, I'm Cris Hazzard, aka Hiking Guy, a professional outdoors guide, hiking expert, and author based in Southern California. I created this website to share all the great hikes I do with everyone else out there. This site is different because it gives detailed directions that even the beginning hiker can follow. I also share what hiking gear works and doesn't so you don't waste money. I don't do sponsored or promoted content; I share only the gear recommendations, hikes, and tips that I would with my family and friends. If you like the website and YouTube channel, please support these free guides (I couldn't do it without folks like you!). You can stay up to date with my new guides by following me on YouTube, Instagram, or by subscribing to my monthly newsletter.