Lake Gregory Trail

Lake Gregory Regional Park, Crestline. If you are just planning on walking around the perimeter of the lake, limited free parking is available on San Moritz Drive, on the lake’s south shore. From I-210 in San Bernardino, take the Waterman Ave/Highway 18 exit (76) and head north for 11.2 miles to the Highway 138 interchange. Follow Highway 138 north for 1.1 miles to Lake Drive (signed for the regional park.) Bear right on Lake Drive and follow it 1.1 miles to Lake Gregory Drive. Turn right and and go 0.2 mile to San Moritz Drive. Turn left on San Moritz and park at any of the small turnouts on the left side of the road.
Agency: Lake Gregory Regional Park/San Bernardino County Parks
Distance: 2.5 miles
Elevation gain: 100 feet
Difficulty Rating: G
Suggested time: 1 hour
Best season: Year round
Dogs: Allowed on leash except at the beach area
Cell phone reception: Weak
Restrooms: One full-service at the southeast end of the lake
Water: Tap water available at restrooms
Camping/backpacking: Nearest campground is Dogwood
More information: here; Bring Fido page here; video tour of the trail here
Rating: 4

Small but scenic Lake Gregory makes a nice destination summer days when the Inland Empire heat hits triple digits. It also is low enough in elevation (4,554 feet) that snow is unlikely to accumulate to the point where it makes walking around the lake difficult.

The lake is named for Redlands developer Arthur Gregory, Sr. who helped finance the dam at the north end. While it’s mainly known as a boating, fishing and swimming destination, the 2.5 mile loop around the lake, complete with fitness stations, is a draw as well. Veteran hikers visiting the area for a more ambitious trip such as the Pinnacles or Deep Creek Hot Springs will find this to be a worthwhile additional stop.

Assuming you are parking at one of the turnouts on San Moretz Drive, you can take any of several paths head downhill to access the trail. Begin hiking in either direction (by heading counter-clockwise, you will be facing traffic during the few stretches of the route that are on streets.) You pass by the San Moritz Lodge at the lake’s south end and follow the trail past baseball diamonds, a senior residence and into an area shaded with black oaks and beech trees. At the northeast end of the lake, you cross a secluded beach (dogs are allowed here, unlike at the main beach area on the west end of the lake) and the dam.

After rounding the top corner of the lake and heading west, the trail climbs uphill to join Lake Drive. Follow Lake Drive for 0.3 mile to Lake Gregory Drive and then San Moritz Drive, where you can cut through the parking lot past the beach and pick up the trail on the lake’s south shore. From here, continue east toward your starting point.

Photo gallery (click thumbnails to see the full sized versions)

Blue heron, Lake Gregory, Crestline, CA — Blue heron at Lake Gregory

Lake Gregory, Crestline, CA — North shore of Lake Gregory

Black oaks, Lake Gregory, Crestline, CA — Black oaks on Lake Gregory’s east shore

Text and photography copyright 2016 by David W. Lockeretz, all rights reserved. Information and opinions provided are kept current to the best of the author’s ability. All readers hike at their own risk, and should be aware of the possible dangers of hiking, walking and other outdoor activities. By reading this, you agree not to hold the author or publisher of the content on this web site responsible for any injuries or inconveniences that may result from hiking on this trail. Check the informational links provided for up to date trail condition information.