The fell reaches a height of 699 metres (2,293 feet) at the northern end of its summit ridge and this is the accepted highest point which gives the best views, although there is a spot height of 710 metres (2,330 feet) less than a kilometre to the south.

Gray Crag is located in the far eastern sector of the national park, five kilometres south east of the village of Patterdale, and is basically the narrow grassy northern ridge of the adjoining fell of Thornthwaite Crag.

It is characterised by very steep flanks with crags and gullies which fall away towards Hayeswater on the eastern side and Pasture Beck to the west.

The steep grassy northern ridge of Gray Crag is then ascended passing a rocky outcrop before reaching the flatter plateau and then the summit.

An alternative from the same starting point is to follow Pasture Beck up to the head of the valley at Threshthwaite Mouth and then contour round onto Gray Crag.