Review Date
June 11, 2007

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 4 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 3 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Every few months

Reviewed by: Scabs ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
If you don't take the Hanna Flats then it's pretty much a straight ass-kicking climb all the way to the top of Grays Peak. But the payoff on the way down is well worth it.

Recommended Route:
I usually ride from my house which tacks on 6 extra miles to my ride. But I begin at the Gray's Peak trailhead and begin my ascent from there. Expect a mile or so of straight climbing before you break out to the main fireroad. Bear right on the fire road and continue for approx 1/4 mile before you see the Gray's Peak trail to your left. The last time I was there the sign was falling over so don't miss it. Then I continue up the trail for more climbing. Keep going, drink lots of water and eventually you'll reach the top. There's some great rocks to kick back and enjoy the sun and the peek-a-boo view of the lake. After your R&R on the rocks enjoy the fun downhill and be sure you don't run over the hikers.

Review Date
September 12, 2004

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 4 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 3 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Every few months

Reviewed by: Maddog ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
I too maximize the singletrack by starting at Grout Bay and riding the out and back to Hanna Flats. I do the Grey's Peak trail on the way out though when my legs are fresher.

These are great trails. Grey's Peak is ridable for even us Clydesdales with some rocks and dips but nothing extreme. Hanna Flat is a rolling blast with some slow speed handling required and if you go in the spring, a couple of stream crossings.

These are fun trails and a great alternative to the chewed up and widened ATV trails at Snow Summit.

Recommended Route:
Out and Back from Grout Bay. Don't loop this trail or you'll lose 4 miles of ST. Hanna Flat trail is good either way.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Pineknot, Cabin 89. Snow Summit for DHers.

Review Date
April 17, 2004

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 3 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 3 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Once a month

Reviewed by: BigBearHostel ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
I added this trail and yes I'll review it for more shameless Big Bear Lake promotion. The snow melts sometime in April and if we are lucky we can ride into December if the snow comes late. Gray's Peak trail is closed in winter (Dec. - March) so wintering Bald Eagles can have peace and quiet. Big Bear Lake is at 6700 feet and most trails go uphill to around 8000 feet. So flatlanders should bring your oxygen canisters.

Recommended Route:
I prefer to maximize singletrack and trail riding and stay off the roads by parking at the Gray's Peak Trailhead off 38 between the damn and Fawnskin and riding up the trail, stay right on fireroad, ride to Hanna Flats, get water at campground, eat, turn around and ride the fun singletrack back to the Gray's Peak trail, ride up to Gray's Peak, try to see the lake through the trees, enjoy 3 mile singletrack descent to your car at the Gray's Peak Trailhead.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
See Big Bear Adventure Hostel website above for all the trails in the area!