Grouse Gap Winter Trails

The Grouse Gap area in the winter has 20 miles of trials, occasionally groomed, and an infinite field of snow to play in. Great for every single possible snow activity. Say hello to half of Jackson County on a sunny weekend.

Driving 

– The Bull Gap Winter Trails are a 20 mile, 40 minute drive south of Ashland. Get on Interstate 5 heading toward California. Exit 6 says Mt. Ashland and that is your “sign” to get off the freeway. (Ha. Get it?) Continue straight at the off ramp intersection towards Mt. Ashland and then in 300 yards turn right up toward Mt. Ashland. There are many Mt. Ashland signs so take advantage of them. After about 20 minutes of a winding uphill road there will be a large ski lodge, lifts, the whole deal, off to your right. This is a good sign, but don’t park with these mouth breathers. Continue to the second parking lot where the road dead ends.

Parking

– Remember to drive past where the skiers are parking and drive all the way to the end of the second parking lot. The Grouse Gap parking area requires a Sno-Park pass.  That whole area up there does. You can buy them from the parking lot people up there at the ski lodge, or, Bi-Mart before you leave town.

The Adventure

– Just past the yellow pipe gate there is an uphill trail to the right, and downhill trail to the left.  The downhill trail is less traveled because… the uphill trail is better. That’s all there is to it.

Uphill travels relatively flat for over 2 miles to the Grouse Gap shelter. The views are spectacular. If you want more hill, at the 1.4 mile mark head uphill to the right to the top of Mount Ashland. The views from there… what is better than spectacular? Super spectacular?

There are plenty of open snow meadows to slide around in. If you know where you are, you can connect from the upper trail to the lower. But, if it’s windy or freshly snowed, even a smart person can miss a trail and end up wandering the back country.

Remember your winter safety rules – chains for the car, sunscreen, layers, sunglasses, water, snacks, check the weather… It’s not Mt. Everest, but you can still turn into a popsicle if you are a knucklehead.