The best walks and hikes around Grants Pass
4.5
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56
hikers
9
hikes
Hikes around Grants Pass explore the landscape of Southern Oregon's Rogue Valley. The region is characterized by the Rogue River, rolling hills, and forests of Douglas-fir and ponderosa pine. The trail network offers a mix of riverside paths and routes through dedicated systems like the Cathedral Hills, located just outside the city.
Best hiking trails around Grants Pass
- The most popular hiking route is Bolt Mountain via the Bolt Mountain Trail — Grants Pass, a 6.4 mile (10.3 km) trail that takes around 3 hours 5 minutes to complete. The route involves a steady ascent to views over the surrounding valley.
- Another top favourite among local hiking enthusiasts is Timber Riders Trail and Outback Trail loop via the Sky Crest Trailhead — Cathedral Hills, a moderate 5.3 mile (8.6 km) path. This hike follows interconnected trails through the forested hills of the Cathedral Hills system.
- Local hiking enthusiasts also love the Sky Crest Trail loop from the Sky Crest Trailhead — Cathedral Hills, a 1.6 mile (2.7 km) trail leading through woodlands, often completed in about 45 minutes.
- Hiking around Grants Pass is defined by forested hills, river valleys, and dedicated trail systems. The network provides a range of options suitable for different ability levels, including easy family hikes and more moderate routes with more elevation gain.
- The routes in Grants Pass are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.5 stars from a number of reviews. More than 50 hikers have used komoot to explore Grants Pass's varied terrain.
Last updated: April 25, 2026
4.5
(2)
11
hikers
2.65km
00:44
40m
40m
Hike the easy 1.6-mile Skycrest Loop Trail in Cathedral Hills, enjoying wildflowers and views with 144 feet of elevation gain.
5.0
(1)
8
hikers
8.57km
02:22
150m
150m
Hike the moderate 5.3-mile Outback Loop Trail through a scenic forest in Oregon, a family-friendly and dog-friendly route.
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5
hikers
10.3km
03:07
360m
360m
Hike the moderate 6.4-mile Bolt Mountain Trail for panoramic views of Grants Pass and the valley, gaining 1176 feet in elevation.
3.5
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5
hikers
5.02km
01:27
130m
130m
Hike an easy 3.1-mile loop through Douglas-fir and ponderosa pine forests with views of the Rogue Valley in Cathedral Hills.
4
hikers
3.19km
01:07
190m
190m
Enjoy an easy 2.0-mile hike on Dollar Mountain Trail, gaining 615 feet with sweeping views of the Rogue Valley near Grants Pass.
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Popular around Grants Pass
Tips from the Community
The Dollar Mountain Trail in Grants Pass, Oregon, is a short but challenging hike that rewards you with scenic views and a solid workout. The trail is approximately 2 miles round trip with an elevation gain of just over 750 feet and some fairly steep sections. The hike takes you through shaded oak and manzanita forests, providing excellent views of the Rogue River Valley and Grants Pass. Despite the rather unremarkable summit, which features a radio tower, the journey is worth it for the exercise and the views. Just be aware that there are no restrooms or water sources on the trail, and watch out for poison oak as you hike here.
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Timber Riders Trail, or the Timberline Trail, is a popular hiking, running, and mountain biking trail near the Sky Crest Trailhead. Although this trail is fairly well-trafficked, its not as crowded as others in the area and is a nice way to get from the Sky Crest Trailhead on the northeastern side of the Cathedral Hills area to the more central trails.
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The Outback Loop trail is one of the longest loops within the Cathedral Hills Area. This trail is popular with hikers and mountain bikers alike due to its length and the fact that you can connect it with almost every other trail in the area. This section of trail traverses the southwestern edge of Cathedral Hills, connecting down to the Epsey Trailhead and parking area.
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The Wild Rose Loop Trail is a little bit removed from the rest of the Cathedral Hills Trail system, making it a nice option if you want to escape the crowds of hikers, bikers, runners, and the occasional horseback rider. This trail is still pretty popular, however, so you'll probably see other folks out. To access this loop trail from the main area, follow the West (or "W") Trail from the Backside Loop.
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The Backside Loop trail is a popular trail on the far southern end of the Cathedral Hills Area. This loop, like many of the trails here, can be done on its own for a short, pleasant hike through the woods, or be extended by connecting it with a multitude of other trails that crisscross the area. Be on the lookout as you hike for mountain bikers for this is an extremely popular mountain biking area.
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Bolt Mountain stands at 2,188 feet above sea level and is accessed via the Bolt Mountain Trail, a multi-use trail that offers year-round accessibility to the peak and stunning panoramic views. Located just outside the Grants Pass city limits, the trail begins at Fish Hatchery Park and ascends 3.2 miles (one way) to the summit and averages a 10-12% grade. This challenging trail spirals through diverse microclimates and offers numerous valley and Applegate River views. The mountain's unique serpentine soil supports distinctive plant and animal species.
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The Sky Crest Trail is a popular loop trail on the northeastern end of the popular Cathedral Hills area. This sandy, gravely path takes you in and out of forests, past meadows - which often have wildflowers blooming in the spring - and offers nice views of the surrounding area. There can be poison oak here, so please stick to the trails.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any easy, family-friendly hikes in Grants Pass?
Yes, the area has several great options for families. A particularly good choice is the Sky Crest Trail loop in the popular Cathedral Hills area. It's a short, relatively flat walk through the woods, making it manageable for hikers of all ages.
What are the trails like in the Cathedral Hills Trail System?
The Cathedral Hills Trail System is a local favorite, offering over 10 miles of interconnected trails just a few minutes from downtown. The terrain consists of rolling hills through Douglas-fir and ponderosa pine forests. You can find everything from short, easy loops to more challenging routes with some elevation gain, like the Timber Riders and Outback Trail loop.
Can I bring my dog on the hiking trails?
Many trails around Grants Pass are dog-friendly, provided your dog is kept under control. The Cathedral Hills Trail System is a well-regarded spot for hiking with dogs. Always check local regulations for specific leash laws before you go.
Are there any challenging hikes for more experienced hikers?
For those seeking more of a challenge with significant elevation gain, the hike up Bolt Mountain is a great option. This route involves a steady climb that rewards you with expansive views over the Rogue Valley.
What do other hikers think of the trails around Grants Pass?
The trails are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Hikers often praise the well-maintained paths within the Cathedral Hills system and the beautiful forest scenery characteristic of Southern Oregon.
Are there any circular or loop trails available?
Yes, there are many loop trails, which are perfect for not having to retrace your steps. The Backside Loop and Wild Rose Loop Trail offers a pleasant circular route that's considered easy and is great for experiencing the local woodland environment.
Where can I find hikes with good views?
Several trails offer scenic viewpoints. For a shorter hike with a rewarding view, consider the trail up Dollar Mountain. It features some steep sections but provides excellent vistas from the top.
Are there any waterfall hikes near Grants Pass?
Yes, one of the most notable waterfall hikes in the area is the trail to Rainie Falls on the Rogue River. It's a popular spot not just for the scenery but also for watching salmon make their way upstream during migration season.
When is the best time of year to hike in Grants Pass?
Hiking is possible year-round, but spring and fall offer the most pleasant temperatures. Spring is especially beautiful, with dazzling displays of wildflowers in areas like the Rough and Ready Botanical Wayside. Summers can be hot, so it's best to start early in the day.
Are there any paved trails for walking?
Yes, if you prefer a paved surface, Grants Pass has several options. The Rogue River Greenway offers nearly 10 miles of scenic, paved trail along the river in various segments. City parks like Riverside Park and Reinhart Volunteer Park also have paved paths suitable for easy walks.
Where can I see unique plants or wildflowers?
For unique botanical experiences, visit the Eight Dollar Mountain or Rough and Ready Botanical Waysides. These areas feature short, flat trails and are home to rare wildflowers and the distinctive Darlingtonia pitcher plants, which thrive in the region's unique soils.
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