California · Hiking · Near Bear Valley

Grouse Valley

Grouse ValleyPhoto: tpeters11, CC BY 2.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)
4.9 mi
round trip
2,442 ft
climb
7,950 ft
high point
Out and back
route
May–Oct
best months

Is Grouse Valley open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Stanislaus National Forest. It doesn't name Grouse Valley, so check the source for the area it covers (2 listed).

As of · Source: USFS · Stanislaus National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Grouse Valley is a moderate out-and-back hike in California's Stanislaus National Forest, within the Calaveras Ranger District. The trail runs about 4.9 miles, with a total elevation gain of 2,442 feet, taking you from a low point of about 5,483 feet to a high of about 7,950 feet. The Forest Service manages the land, and the trail's natural surface and horse-friendly status make it a practical choice for riders as well as hikers. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station at a similar elevation show July highs around 75°F with lows near 49°F, and only about two wet days a month from June through September. Winter is cold, with January highs around 36°F and lows near 23°F. The trail is open year-round. Bloods Ridge Trail and the Water Tank to Ridge mountain biking route both lie about a mile away. For an overnight stay, (Lake Alpine) Lodgepole Campground is about 2.2 miles off, and Lake Alpine Recreation Area offers fishing about 3.9 miles away.

Around this trail

Add any of these when you start a trip
  • Sleep close

    (Lake Alpine) Lodgepole Campground

    Campground

    Campground · 2.2 mi from the trail
  • Eat after

    Blue Bear Cafe

    Restaurant

    In town

Places © OpenStreetMap contributors · Photos: Junkyardsparkle, CC0 (commons)

More in Bear Valley
  • Best time to go · May–Oct

    Best time to visit Grouse Valley

    Best months: May–October. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      36° / 23°

      9 wet

    2. Feb

      37° / 23°

      8 wet

    3. Mar

      42° / 26°

      7 wet

    4. Apr

      48° / 29°

      5 wet

    5. May

      56° / 35°

      4 wet

    6. Jun

      66° / 42°

      2 wet

    7. Jul

      75° / 49°

      2 wet

    8. Aug

      74° / 49°

      1 wet

    9. Sep

      67° / 44°

      2 wet

    10. Oct

      55° / 36°

      3 wet

    11. Nov

      43° / 28°

      5 wet

    12. Dec

      35° / 23°

      7 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Dagget Pass, NV, 35.7 mi away at 7,334 ft. The station sits about 600 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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