Grays Peak Trailhead (Fawnskin, Big Bear)
Check the eagle closure before anything else. The Grays Peak trailhead sits on the west side of Hwy 38 (North Shore Drive), just west of Fawnskin, across from Grout Bay Picnic Area. Parking needs a $5 day-use pass or a valid Adventure Pass (or America the Beautiful pass) on the dash. The catch is timing: because the lower trail runs through bald eagle nesting habitat, the Forest Service closes it every winter and spring — roughly November 1 through April 1, and in 2026 the closure ran March 12–July 1. When it's open it's one of the quieter Big Bear hikes.
The facts
- Trail served
- Grays Peak Trail 1W06 to the summit — ~7–7.2 mi round trip, ~1,000–1,300 ft gain, moderate; forest road plus singletrack with a short boulder scramble to lake views
- Cost / pass
- $5/vehicle day-use pass, or a valid Adventure Pass / America the Beautiful interagency pass; pay on-site via the Recreation.gov app or a self-pay envelope and display the receipt or pass face-up
- Lot size
- Good-sized trailhead lot on the west side of Hwy 38 across from Grout Bay Picnic Area
- When it fills
- Rarely a problem — this is one of the less-crowded north-shore trails; weekends are busier but seldom full
- Overflow option
- Limited; if the lot is full use nearby north-shore pullouts, but do not enter any posted eagle-closure area
- Tow / citation risk
- Low, but entering the closed area during nesting season is enforced — the trailhead itself is gated shut during the closure
- Restrooms
- Flush toilet and picnic tables at the trailhead when open
- Road to the lot
- Paved Hwy 38 (North Shore Drive) west of Fawnskin; easy year-round access to the lot, though the trail beyond may be gated during the eagle closure
- Busy season
- Late spring through fall, after the eagle closure lifts and before it returns; summer is hot and dry up high — carry 2+ liters of water
Getting there
Grays Peak Trailhead, Hwy 38 (North Shore Dr), Fawnskin, CA 92333
Get directions →The bald eagle closure decides your season
Grays Peak's lower trail passes through bald eagle nesting and wintering habitat, so the San Bernardino National Forest closes the trail and trailhead every year to protect the birds — typically November 1 through April 1, sometimes longer. In 2026 the protective order ran March 12 through July 1, with the trail reopening July 2. During a closure the trailhead is physically gated and entry is prohibited and enforced, so this is the one trailhead where you must check the current Forest Service alert before you drive up — a great-looking forecast doesn't mean the trail is open.
Paying to park: $5 day pass or an Adventure Pass
When it's open, parking is a fee site. You can pay a $5 day-use pass right there via the Recreation.gov app or a self-pay envelope, or display a valid Adventure Pass ($5/day or $30/year) or an America the Beautiful interagency pass. Whichever you use, put the receipt or pass face-up on the dashboard — the QR code or confirmation number needs to be visible. The trailhead also has a flush toilet and picnic tables.
The hike itself
Grays Peak is a ~7-mile round-trip, moderate climb that starts on a forest road (merging onto 2N04X), switches to singletrack, and finishes with a short boulder scramble to a summit with panoramic Big Bear Lake views. It's known for being less crowded than nearby Castle Rock or Cougar Crest, and it's dog-friendly on leash. Bring plenty of water — it's dry and exposed in spots, and dehydration at elevation is the usual complaint.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Grays Peak trail open right now?
It depends on the season. Grays Peak closes every winter and spring — roughly November 1 through April 1 — to protect nesting bald eagles, and in 2026 the closure ran March 12 to July 1. Always check the current San Bernardino National Forest alert before you go; the trailhead is gated shut during the closure.
Do you need an Adventure Pass at Grays Peak?
You need to pay to park: either a $5 day-use pass (paid via the Recreation.gov app or a self-pay envelope) or a valid Adventure Pass ($5/day, $30/year) or America the Beautiful pass. Display the receipt or pass face-up on your dashboard.
Why does Grays Peak close for part of the year?
The lower trail runs through bald eagle nesting and wintering habitat, so the Forest Service closes the trail and trailhead during nesting season — typically November 1 to April 1, and into summer in some years like 2026 — to keep hikers from disturbing the eagles.
How long is the Grays Peak hike?
About 7 to 7.2 miles round trip with roughly 1,000–1,300 feet of gain — a moderate half-day hike on forest road and singletrack, ending with a short boulder scramble to Big Bear Lake views.
Facts on this page last verified August 2, 2026. Fees, hours, and access rules change seasonally — confirm with the official source before a long drive.