SUNDAY FUNDAY FALL COLORS HIKE TO GRAYS PEAK & LUNCH

Autumn is one of my favorite seasons of the year. Big Bear never disappoints with their beautiful display of fall colors. I try to do this hike every year just before the closure.

The trail is closed to the public between the months of December to April because it is the center of a Bald Eagle's winter breeding habitat.

Gray's Peak stands tall at 7,920 ft.
It's a popular trail and is on the Sierra Club's hundred peaks list. It is located in Fawnskin, just North of Big Bear Lake.

It is one of the most shaded trails in the area, well maintained, and ascends through forested slopes with a few switchbacks along the way. The summit overlooks Big Bear Lake with 360-degree views. With cooler temps in the forecast, Sunday promises to be the perfect day for a Fall hike. I plan to be back at the cars by noonish, just in time for lunch. It's a 10 minute drive to the cafe.

Keep in mind we, that the hike times vary depending on the group. Last time we did this we finished early and had lots of time to spare for lunch.

Stats:
Level- strong intermediate/NO BEGINNERS PLEASE
Distance: ~6.5 miles
Gain-1200 ft
Restrooms-at the trailhead.
Parking: NFS Pass is required.

**********Hike starts at 8 am sharp!**********
If you are carpooling make sure everyone is in agreement to stop afterward and have lunch or go home. Those who do not wish to have lunch can drive on their own. Please remember to help pay for gas to the person who is driving.

***EVERYONE WILL BE PUT ON A WAITING LIST BEFORE MOVED TO THE ATTENDING LIST WHEN YOU HAVE AGREED TO READING THE ENTIRE WRITE-UP. NO SHOWS ARE FROWNED UPON AND YOU WILL BE BANNED FROM FUTURE HIKES***

EARLIER CARPOOL MEET SITE: 6:00 AM SHARP!
GLENDORA PARK N RIDE---> CLICK ON LINK FOR DIRECTIONS

DIRECTIONS TO TRAILHEAD:
Take I-210 east to highway 330 north to route 18 and follow it to Big Bear Dam, go left, and continue along the North Shore on highway 38. Just before the town of Fawnskin, you will see the trailhead parking lot on the left across from Grout Bay Picnic Area.

OPTIONAL LUNCH FOR THOSE INTERESTED:
NORTH SHORE CAFE--->CLICK ON LINK FOR DIRECTIONS

WHAT TO BRING: A POSITIVE ATTITUDE: energy snacks/lunch, at least 3 liters of water, electrolytes, sunscreen, extra layers, hiking boots with good tread, poles if you like/have them, and TEN ESSENTIALS!!!

PLEASE DO NOT BE A NO-SHOW!
FAILURE TO DO SO COULD RESULT IN YOU BEING EXCLUDED FROM MY EVENTS IN THE FUTURE.

The Organizer, Assistant Organizers, and event hosts in this group are not professional guides. The function of the organizer is only to organize the event. Each person who signs up for an event is responsible for his or her own safety and the safety of his or her guests. By signing up for a hike, or any other event organized by this group, you are acknowledging that you are aware and have made your guests aware of the risks, dangers and hazards associated with any outdoor activity and freely accept and fully assume all such risks, dangers and hazards, and further agree to release and discharge the Organizer, Assistant Organizers and event hosts of this Meetup Group from and against any and all liability arising from your and your guest's participation in the group activities