Grout Bay Picnic Area
Rustic lakefront picnic area with mountain views, hiking trails & fishing opportunities. Often closed for eagle nesting.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Grout Bay Picnic Area
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Rustic lakefront picnic area with mountain views, hiking trails & fishing opportunities. Often closed for eagle nesting.
"Beautiful views of the lake and a great place to picnic."
Check Opening Status
Confirm if the area is open, especially during eagle nesting season.
Bring Your Own Water
Restroom facilities may have no running water. Pack extra water for drinking and cleaning.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Scenic Lake Views
Short hike from picnic area
Enjoy picturesque views of the lake and surrounding mountains, perfect for a peaceful picnic or a moment of reflection.
Eagle Watching
Vicinity of the picnic area
Spot bald eagles and hawks in their natural habitat. Bring binoculars to view the eagle nest from a distance.
Short Hiking Trails
Adjacent to picnic area
Explore small trails leading to hilltops for elevated views of the area.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Eagle Nesting Season Closures
Facilities & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Opening Status
Confirm if the area is open, especially during eagle nesting season.
Bring Your Own Water
Restroom facilities may have no running water. Pack extra water for drinking and cleaning.
Binoculars for Eagles
Enhance your eagle-watching experience by bringing binoculars to spot nests and birds.
Small Parking Lot
The parking lot is small; arrive early or on weekdays for better chances of securing a spot.
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Opening Status
Confirm if the area is open, especially during eagle nesting season.
Bring Your Own Water
Restroom facilities may have no running water. Pack extra water for drinking and cleaning.
Binoculars for Eagles
Enhance your eagle-watching experience by bringing binoculars to spot nests and birds.
Small Parking Lot
The parking lot is small; arrive early or on weekdays for better chances of securing a spot.
Pack Out Trash
Help keep this beautiful spot clean by packing out all your trash.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Grout Bay Picnic Area is a charming spot with beautiful lake and mountain views, ideal for picnics and short hikes. Visitors appreciate the natural setting and the chance to observe local wildlife, including eagles. However, the inconsistent condition of restrooms and limited parking are noted drawbacks.
"This is a nice little picnic area. It is closed at certain times of the year for the eagles. We just went on 11/10/2025 and it was open so we checked it out for the first time.
The toilets were closed, but they had outhouses that weren't too bad.
There are a few small trails you can walk to the top of the hills for a few nice views.
There are picnic tables and BBQ's.
The parking lot is small, maybe enough for eight or so vehicles.
During our visit, we did see one of the eagles fly around us. The picture I included isn't any good but shows the eagle. There were quite a few hawks in the vicinity. You can see the eagle nest with binoculars."
Rick Simper
"UPDATE: The Grout Bay Picnic Area is now open from 0600 to 1800 hours daily. When we were here just a few weeks ago, the area was still closed because it was an eagle habitat area. The picnic area is along the Rim of the World Scenic Byway (Route 38) and is a beautiful place to have a picnic if it is open. The small park has a parking lot next to the restrooms, which, when working have running water (separate men and women restrooms) and there are numerous shaded picnic tables with BBQ charcoal grill pit, scattered amongst the tall pine trees. FYI, the restrooms are not in service but there are a few porta-potties available in the parking lot adjacent to the recycling bins. There is also an informative display board near the parking lot with additional helpful tips about the location. While not directly on the water, it is only a short hike to reach the shoreline."
Thomas B
"Nice little picnic area. No direct views to the lake from the tables, but a short walk. Would be 5 stars with repaired bathrooms (flush toilets not working, and no running water on site), but there are Porta Potties that aren’t the worst, but could be cleaned and maintained better. Still a beautiful spot to have lunch or rest. Parking lot is a little small for the number of tables and lake access."
Jamie O
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Grout Bay Picnic Area is located along the Rim of the World Scenic Byway (Highway 38) near Fawnskin, California. The trailhead for Grays Peak is across the highway from the picnic area.
Yes, the picnic area has a small parking lot accessible by car. However, parking can be limited, especially on weekends.
The most common route is via Highway 38, also known as North Shore Drive. Be aware of potential road closures or conditions, especially during winter.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Some reviews mention a $5 fee, while others do not. It's advisable to check for any current fees or day-use charges before your visit.
The picnic area is typically open daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM when not closed for eagle nesting. Always verify current hours.
No, Grout Bay Picnic Area is subject to seasonal closures, particularly during bald eagle nesting season from winter through spring, and sometimes into summer.
It's recommended to check local forest service websites or call ahead, as closures for wildlife protection are common.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The area offers picnic tables and BBQ charcoal grills. Restrooms may be closed, with porta-potties available as an alternative.
Flush toilets and running water in the restrooms are often not in service. Porta-potties are typically provided in the parking lot.
While not directly on the water, it's a short hike to the shoreline, suggesting fishing opportunities may be available.
Yes, there are small trails that lead to hilltops offering nice views of the surrounding area.
You can expect beautiful views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Some tables offer shade under tall pine trees.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture scenic lake and mountain vistas. If you're lucky, you might get a shot of the local eagles or hawks.
Yes, it's a known habitat for bald eagles and hawks, offering opportunities for wildlife photography, especially with binoculars.
Mornings and late afternoons often provide softer light for landscape photography, and may increase chances of seeing wildlife.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If visiting during nesting season, be prepared for potential closures. If the area is open, the chance to spot local wildlife like hawks and possibly eagles can be an exciting educational experience for children. Bringing binoculars can enhance this, turning a simple picnic into a mini-safari. Remember to emphasize the importance of respecting wildlife and keeping the area clean by packing out all trash.
🎣 Anglers and Nature Enthusiasts
Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the scenic mountain views and the chance to explore the small hiking trails. The relatively quiet atmosphere, especially on weekdays outside of peak seasons, makes it a peaceful spot for relaxation and observation. Remember to check for any fishing regulations and to be mindful of the environment, especially during sensitive wildlife periods.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding Eagle Nesting Season Closures
When the area is closed, it's usually for the safety and undisturbed nesting of the eagles. This means no public access to the picnic sites or nearby trails that might disturb the birds. While it can be disappointing to find the area closed, understanding the reason behind it highlights the importance of wildlife conservation efforts. Visitors who are keen on seeing eagles might still have opportunities to spot them flying overhead or in the vicinity, even if the picnic area itself is inaccessible.
Facilities and What to Expect
It's important to note that the parking lot is relatively small, potentially accommodating only about eight vehicles. This means that on busier days, securing a spot might be challenging. While the picnic tables themselves don't offer direct lake views, the shoreline is just a short hike away, providing access to the water and more expansive scenery. Visitors are encouraged to be prepared by bringing their own water for drinking and cleaning, and to practice Leave No Trace principles by packing out all trash.
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