Grouse Gap Nordic Trails

Mt. Ashland has downhill ski lifts and trails on the north face, plus a web of popular cross-country skiing and snow shoe trails on the south face with spectacular views of Mt. Shasta and other California peaks on clear days. As the highest peak near town, Mt. Ashland is the natural snow destination, with great backwoods terrain for snowshoeing.

Taking a left near the trailhead leads you downhill 500 feet for 1.6 miles to Grouse Creek.

A right at the trailhead offers rather level terrain for one mile to a fork. A left at the fork takes you a moderate mile downhill to the Grouse Gap shelter before backtracking.

A right at the fork leads you up the often windy Summit Trail, climbing over 900 feet to the giant white ball at the peak.

Difficulty Level: Grouse Creek – Moderate; Grouse Gap – Easy to Moderate; Summit Trail – Easy until the ascent, Moderate thereafter

Directions: From Ashland downtown, drive southeast through town on Siskiyou Blvd until it merges onto the I-5 on-ramp. After 6 miles, take Exit 6 to Mt. Ashland. In .7 miles, turn right onto Mt. Ashland Ski Road. This winds uphill for 8.9 miles. Drive straight through the main parking lot to the back lot. The trailhead begins at the far end.

Note: Tire chains may be necessary. Sno-Park permits necessary from November 1st until April 30th.