Next Hike: Saturday March 10, 2012

 Grays Peak in the San Bernardino National Forest

View of Big Bear Lake from Grays Peak

 

Highlights:

Views of Big Bear Lake, tall Lodge Poles Pines, great rock formations
Near: Fawnskin, CA on the NW side of Big Bear Lake.
Scenery:
Distance: 7 miles round trip 
Elevation Gain: 1200 ft
Hike Time: 5.0 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Trail Condition: Well maintained trail
Hike Type: Out and Back
 **Meeting Location/Time On Saturday, March 10, 2012 meet at the Grout Bay Picnic Area on Route 38.  Please arrive by 8:45 AM.  We'll start hiking at 9AM.
 

Summary: Big Bear is awesome! I can't say that enough. The sheer number of small to moderate size hikes in the area is amazing. The scenery is very Sierra-like with the towering Lodgepole Pines and granite boulders. When you spy the far reaching vistas of the San Gorgonio's, you can almost imagine yourself away from the hustle and bustle of So Cal.  As we walk through the forest  you'll be steeped in the silence of the wild.

This hike which was featured in Sunset Magazine has it all, wonderful forest, medium altitude, a peak, lake views, and opportunities for spotting wildlife, including Bald Eagles (This is their habitat).  If we have time,  we'll try to locate a geocache along the trail (bring your GPS Receiver if you have one).

It is a relatively easy hike if we take it slow.  The trail is well graded and maintained. Only the last 150 feet to the top is not maintained.

Be prepared for cool weather.  Check the Big Bear weather prediction and dress accordingly.  Bring drinking water and snacks. If the weather is inclement be sure to check your email on Friday afternoon (March 9th) for any changes in our plans.  Any further questions,  please call me at (951)734-1485.


Directions from Corona:  It's about 60 miles from Corona.  Detailed directions and a map can be viewed below.  

Carpooling is encouraged.  If you need a ride or have room for a rider (s) please let me know. If you have any questions please contact me via email or phone.  On hike day you can call me on cell phone (951)733-7836; however there are some places in the mountains where cell phone coverage is poor. 

If you plan on attending this hike, please let me know so I can be looking for you.

A U.S. Forest Service Adventure Pass, or equivalent pass,  is required to park in the area.


Meeting Location: We will meet at Grout Bay Picnic Ground on Route 38 (NW end of Big Bear Lake just before the town of Fawnskin).  Please arrive by 8:45 AM. We will begin hiking about 9 AM.  I expect to return to the cars about 2:00 PM.   After the hike we can stop off in Fawnskin or Running Springs for a late lunch, refreshments and shopping.  

GPS Coordinates (Lat:34.26111 Lon:-116.97131)


Hike Route


Hike Route Elevation Profile (Up and Back) 


Area Map


 Future  Hike Information:   

The following monthly hikes are tentatively planned for 2012:

Note: It is anticipated that other special hikes and trips will be conducted during the year.

                                                                                                          
Wishing you Gods Blessings and Happy Hiking,

Art Sutorus

(951)734-1485 (h)

(951)733-7836 (c)
 


Driving Directions From Corona (Intersection of I-15 and SR91)

Summary: 59.9 miles (57 min.) [I suggest you add 30 minutes to this computed travel time. Weekend mountain traffic can slow you down.]

Time

Mile

Instruction

For

Toward

7:30 AM

0.0

Depart Riverside Frwy, Corona, CA on SR-91 [Riverside Fwy] (East)

14.2 mi

Riverside

7:41 AM

14.2

Road name changes to I-215 [SR-91]

5.6 mi

7:46 AM

19.9

Take Ramp (RIGHT) onto I-10 [San Bernardino Fwy]

5.4 mi

I-10 / Redlands

7:51 AM

25.2

Take Ramp (RIGHT) onto SR-30

4.7 mi

CA-30 / CA-330 / Highland

7:56 AM

30.0

Take Ramp (RIGHT) onto SR-330

15.5 mi

CA-330 / MTN Resorts (Running Springs)

8:12 AM

45.4

Bear LEFT (East) onto SR-18 [Rim of the World Hwy]

12.4 mi

Big Bear Lake

8:24 AM

57.8

Bear LEFT (North-East) onto SR-38 [North Shore Dr] (Big Bear Dam Location)

2.1 mi

Fawnskin

8:27 AM

59.9

Arrive Grout Bay Picnic Area (right side of road)


Map from Corona to the Big Bear Lake Area