Is anyone else tired of seeing messages like “excessive heat warning remains in effect” and “dangerously hot conditions” from the National Weather Service? I sure am! While I’m grateful that we have these warnings, I am done with the lingering, record-breaking heat impeding on my trail time.
This is the time of year when I try to get out of the desert heat and head to higher grounds with cooler temperatures, and I encourage you to do the same. One of my favorite summer getaways includes many hiking trails—and the home of a long-time dear friend: The small, nature-filled mountain town of Wrightwood.
Wrightwood is located in the Angeles National Forest along State Highway 2, off Highway 138, only 15 miles from Interstate 15. Sitting along the Pacific Crest Trail in the San Gabriel Mountains at an elevation of around 6,000 feet, this mountain town is accessible without serious mountain driving thanks to the Cajon Pass, a mountain pass between the San Gabriel and San Bernardino mountains that has been used for years as a passage from the Mojave Desert to the Los Angeles Basin. This makes the drive to Wrightwood perhaps the easiest mountain drive in Southern California—perfect for taking the dogs along. It is less than 100 miles and about a 90-minute drive west from the Coachella Valley.
There are miles and miles of hiking trails in and around Wrightwood; here are some of my favorites, some of my friend’s favorites, and some of the best-rated hikes according to AllTrails:
• Grassy Hollow to Jackson Flat (4.7 stars on AllTrails) is an easy out-and-back, just more than 2.5 miles, with only a 400-foot elevation gain, that takes around an hour to complete. Start this trail at Grassy Hollow Visitor Center (which requires a Big Pines Parking Pass), off West Blue Ridge Fire Road, from State Highway 2; follow the PCT north to Jackson Flat Campground. You’ll experience some amazing mountain views along this trail, and you can see from the desert to the ocean.
It is one of the favorites of my friend, Pam Hillard, an avid hiker in Wrightwood. When I asked her what makes this trail one of her favorites, she gushed about how beautifully green it is, and explained that there is a very long log along the trail that she and her husband call “the sitting log.” It makes for a perfect place to have a snack or just sit back, relax and take in the most beautiful and serene surroundings. Although there is shade along this trail, you will want to get an early start during the summer months to beat the sun; even early morning temperatures could be in the mid-70s. Also, be cautious if you go during the springtime months, when there could be snow on the trail. Restrooms are available, and leashed dogs are welcome.
• One of my absolute favorites, Inspiration Point to Snowmaking Pond Loop Trail (4.5 stars), is a 3.5-mile moderate loop with an elevation gain of just more than 610 feet that takes a little more than 1 1/2 hours to complete. Park at the parking area for Inspiration Point (which requires a Big Pines Parking Pass), just off State Highway 2. Cross the Angeles Crest Highway; one route option is to hike along the PCT to the snow-making pond at the top of Mountain High Resort. Then, take Blue Ridge Truck Trail back toward the highway to finish where you parked. Taking the PCT to the pond is a steeper grade, but it’s a more straightforward route, with no turns or junctions. If you prefer a more gradual incline, take the Blue Ridge Truck Trail all the way to the pond. Either way, there will be spectacular views. On a clear day, you’ll enjoy high-desert views to the north, and see as far as Catalina Island to the south. It should be perfect during summer months, but there could be slick snow patches as late as July, and sections of the truck trail could be closed during the winter months while the ski area is in operation. Be mindful of your surroundings, and keep an eye out for wildlife; I have seen bear tracks on this trail not far from the highway. Leashed dogs are welcome, and restrooms are available at the parking area.
• The Blue Ridge Trail (4.7 stars) is a moderate, 4.2-mile out-and-back with an elevation gain of just more than 1,100 feet that takes about 2 1/2 hours to complete, according to AllTrails. It is off State Highway 2 (on the south side), near the exit of the Mountain High Resort parking lot. The trailhead begins at Big Pines Visitor Center. This is said to be one of the most pleasant hikes in the Wrightwood area. You begin by crossing over a wooden bridge, with a creek of melting snow from Mountain High running underneath. As you navigate up the side of Blue Ridge, you’ll be under the shade of beautiful oak and pine trees until you reach the end of the trail at Blue Ridge Campground, where restrooms are available. Leashed dogs are welcome. This trail can be icy during winter months, so exercise caution during that time by using microspikes and trekking poles.
• Also a moderate hike with a rating of 4.7 stars, the Big Horn Mine Trail is 3.7 miles out and back with only an elevation gain of 587 feet; it generally takes just more than 1 1/2 hours to complete. The trail starts southwest of Wrightwood off State Highway 2 in the Vincent Gap parking lot (which—you guessed it—requires a Big Pines Parking Pass), along with the Mine Gulch Trail. The Big Horn Mine Trail continues around the side of Mount Baden-Powell and offers stunning views, but can be treacherous, with washouts and slides in certain places. This trail has limited shade and can heat up fast during the summer months, so be prepared! Also, be mindful of wildlife, especially rattlesnakes around the mine area—and be aware of the Poodle-Dog Bush plant. It has lavender, bell-shaped flowers and can severe, long-lasting skin irritation, worse than poison oak. It can also cause respiratory issues. Be careful on this trail! AllTrails states that leashed dogs are welcome, but I wouldn’t recommend bringing dogs on this trail.
Don’t forget to display your National Forest Adventure Pass in the windshield of your vehicle, as it is required for some of the trails, except for trails that now require that aforementioned Big Pines Parking Pass, which costs $5 per day; you can find details here.
Remember to always take more water than you should need—at least one liter per hour. Even cooler climates can heat up fast during this time of year. Never hike alone, and always tell someone where you’re going. Wear sunscreen along with lightweight and loose-fitting clothing. Try to limit strenuous activities to the early morning or evening—and stay safe on the trails!
This is a great article and well written. The San Gabriel Mountains can be a tuff hike at times, but they are always beautiful!