HIKES WITH AMAZING VIEWS - GRIZZLY PEAK IN ASHLAND
I know I say every hike is my favorite and I guess every hike is my favorite because anytime I get to spend time out in nature I feel more grounded and clear headed, basically more whole. Grizzly Peak is exceptional because without too much effort you get a view that is pretty dang amazing and it’s a perfect spot for meditation. The trail is a moderate hike with the first ¾’s of a mile being a gradual incline most of the way. You can catch views of Mt Mcloughlin peeking through the trees and if you get out early enough a gorgeous view of the sunrise.
To start you are taking switchbacks almost for the whole first mile through old growth fir and pine trees. Keep an eye out for lots squirrels playing and if you are out early listen for plenty of birdsong. About a mile in you will get to the trail marker that takes you left or right I suggest going left because the uphills aren’t as intense. In the winter you will get views of wide open snow covered meadows and in the spring they are filled with Fawn Lilies, and various wildflowers. As you hike you will have moments under cover of firs and pines, and in contrast moments of wide open fields in direct sunlight, so be prepared with your sunscreen and sunglasses.
When you get close to the top that’s where the breathtaking views start happening. As you trek through moss covered rocks the sky opens up and you can’t help but be overcome with awe, and then when you get to the top be ready to be astonished. You don’t quite get a 360 view but it simply takes your breath away. Face south and you get stunning views of other parts of the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument including Mt. Shasta, Pilot Rock and Mt. Ashland and when you look north you will get views of Roxy Ann, and on a clear day far off views of Diamond Peak and the Table Rocks.
The top is so wide open that there is enough room for all to enjoy some solitude. We like to find a spot to sit and enjoy the view while we enjoy our snack. At this point you can either go back the way you came or take the loop. If you take the loop, the second part is the longer leg of the hike at about 2.7 miles before you get back to the trail marker. It’s a lot more wide open with some areas under a cover of trees and a lot pretty rocky in spots.
All together the trail is 4.7 miles long and takes about 2.5 hours when you are taking your time to take pictures along the way.
While a fairly easy hike the incline can get a little steep in spots, but it still is a great hike with the kids. The trail is pretty wide most of the way making for easy navigation for them with lots of space for exploration.
Be aware, if you want to hike during the winter the peak is at 5922 feet so it is quite a bit cooler up there meaning that you will run into snow December into March and sometimes April. When we hiked in February the last mile before the trailhead got too deep for us to drive even with four-wheel drive, so we had to hike in, adding two miles to our 4.7 mile hike. It was fun, but man was it tiring. Snowshoes would have helped so much!
It doesn’t matter what season you hike Grizzly Peak, the views are awesome. Sunshine, rain or fog (and it can be all three in one day because you never know with southern Oregon’s weather) it is gorgeous!
EXTRA TIPS
As you head back on the north facing loop there isn’t much shade so be prepared with your sunscreen, hats, and anything to protect you that you normally need.
Bears have been sighted in the area so make sure you have bear spray with you or hike with a partner and make noise so you don’t startle any animals.
There is a vault toilet for emergencies.
There aren't a lot of parking spots, maybe enough for about 10-15 cars. If you have to park at the space below the road to the trailhead you can add an additional mile to your hike.
Please LEAVE NO TRACE. Take anything you bring with you back with you. That includes apple cores, banana peels, and toilet paper. We carry a garbage bag with us for our trash and for anything we find along the way. We want our trails to be here for generations to come. Read more about what exactly Leave no Trace means HERE.
See more of our pictures from past hikes at Grizzly Peak HERE and more places for Southern Oregon Hiking HERE
We love getting in hikes with awesome views! What are some of your favorites?
