7 Must-Do Things in Wrightwood, California (2024)

Wrightwood is a close-knit South Californian community located 77 miles northeast of Los Angeles. It is nestled in a pine-covered valley of the San Gabriel Mountains at an elevation of 5,935 feet. The population of this mountain town is no more than 5000, but it stays glorified all year round with tourists and wanderers. The months of June to September here are often bright, sunny, and at times it even gets a little hot. Though winters at Wrightwood are all about snow, and at times, one can see it arriving from the month of October itself.

The small and compact town of Wrightwood, though, is famous for snow and winter activities but this isn’t all that you can do here. From playing in the snow to spending time in the unique campgrounds and enjoying the Christmas glee, Wrightwood welcomes its visitors with all love and amusement.

7 Must-Do Things in Wrightwood, California

To get some more insights, have a look down below:

1. Spend Some Time At The Mountain High Resort

Mountain High Resort is undoubtedly the jeweled crown of Wrightwood. Nestled along State Route 2 west of Wrightwood, it is one of the top-rated and most-visited Ski resorts in the California State. It is also one of those winter resorts that does not require mountain driving in order to reach; thus, travelers from even plain areas choose it as their ultimate holiday destination. The Resort is distributed into three different regions, including Mountain High East, West, and North. The West Resort is the most popular amongst the three, whereas the East resort has a long run and more open terrain. Image Source

Skiing enthusiast who wants to brush their skills must head towards either the West Resort or the East Resort. However, if you are a beginner or want to play safe, the North Resort is ideal for you. During winters, you can ski or snowboard, where during summers, the Resort is open for Sky High Disk Golfing. Not only for adventures but the Mountain High Resort at Wrightwood is also famous for offering splendid snow-packed mountain views.

2. There’s No Way You Can Miss The Zipline.

Nearly 5 minutes from Wrightwood towards the Pacific Crest, one can reach the most thrilling zipline courses in the nation. Zipline at Pacific crest is famous all throughout Southern California, especially amongst the residents of Los Angeles. Zipline here is connected across trees, and unlike the ones in the city, they do not give you some artificial feel. While you zip throughout the line, you can come across the truly authentic jungle feel going one from platform to another.

The most famous Zipline at the Pacific crest is the Canopy tour. It isn’t just famous but extremely thrilling as well, offering lengths of over 1,500 feet and heights of up to 300 feet above the forest land level. The Mountain view tour is another famous one that offers opportunities like leaping off a tree platform in controlled free-fall. Amidst all the adventures, the snowy views here are to die for. Not just the Zipline courses but the staff and instructors here are famous and friendly as well. Despite their most thrilling settings, the staff makes visitors feel confident and safe while keeping the fun atmosphere alive.

3. Book Yourself the ADMO Tours

ADMO tours Inc is a motorbiking agency in Wrightwood that takes you right into the thrills of the extraordinary world of adventure. It is basically a dirt bike ride tour based in Wrightwood, which was founded back in the year 2001. ADMO tours offer dirt bike training at Californian mountains, deserts, forests, and other off-road zones. They offer the best motorcycles in remote locations for superior touring experiences and are operational in more than 50 countries worldwide.

If you are here in Wrightwood with your group of friends and are looking for some off-beat adventures apart from the usual skiing affairs, then opting for the AMDO tours is the ideal decision for you. It is definitely a once-in-a-lifetime kind of experience, and for biking enthusiasts, the tours are really a dream come true. ADMO tours are quiet professional and trustworthy delivering experiences beyond expectations.

4. Visit the Racoon Salon

One of the most famous places to visit in the Wrightwood neighborhood is the Racoon Salon. It can be reached right at 1269 Evergreen Road all throughout the week from 7 am until 8 or 9 pm. Racoon Salon is basically a cozy café cum restaurant offering music and booze amidst the mountain settings. Visit here, play a game of pool, pick up your favorite song and play it on Jukebox. Unlike the regular café and eateries in the city side, it is something off-beat and unique, ideal for enjoying the holiday time.

The Racoon Salon café is mostly filled with a lot of locals. The staff here is quite friendly and polite, making your overall experience delightful. The breakfast and lunch menu here is far better than that of dinner, especially the hoagie sandwiches, Chicken fried steak, and biscuits. While you cross via the Evergreen Road, consider paying a visit to the café as well.

5. Drive Out Of The City To The Calico Ghost Town

Nearly an hour or so drive from the Wrightwood city takes you towards the Calico Ghost Town. Calico was a former mining town within San Bernardino County but today is known as a ghost town and for its living history. This deserted town was once occupied by miners for about 12 years, and then it was home to more than 500 silver mines. However, later when the bottom fell out of the price of silver, it fell out for Calico town as well. For several years the site was left abundant. However, years later, with Knott’s Berry Farm’s fame, the life and light of Calico came back again.

Today travelers and tourists from the nearby region pay a visit to the Calico Ghost town for visiting the Mystery Shack- a crooked house where water runs uphill. You can also visit two interesting museums at the site. Further, with the right timings, one can be a part of the ever-popular Halloween Ghost Haunt in October or the Americana music, the Calico Days Festival, which is held in February. For amazing history, raw settings, and a unique experience between Los Angeles and Wrightwood, a stop at the Calico Ghost Town is indeed the best.

6. Spend Some Time Near The Jackson Lake

A small water reservoir situated near a canyon east of Wrightwood and Big Pines, the Jackson Lake takes the tranquillity of the town to a whole new level. The lake was originally formed by the San Andreas fault; however, today is fed and dependent upon the snowmelt running off the mountains in the town. Even at times, it isn’t surprising to see a thin sheet of ice layer over the lake water level. This 7-acre land sits at an elevation of 6,100 feet and can be reached within a 5 to 7 minutes’ drive from Wrightwood.

During the Summer months, Jackson Lake is open for fishing or setting a picnic around. There are enough parking spots, picnic tables, barbecue grills within a few footsteps from the lake. One can even kayak or canoe in the water though the motorized craft is prohibited here. The lakeside campground also operated non-electric sites for recreational vehicles and tent camping. Considering its elevation, do carry some warm clothes and a warm sleeping bag along.

7. Enjoy The Christmas Vibes And Shop At The Local Village Shops

The town that attracts all the SoCal locals during the Christmas month definitely has to Wrightwood. This charming little mountain town comes to life as soon as Christmas comes near, and especially if it is snowing (that most probably does). Local shops at downtown Wrightwood are filled with trinkets, ornaments, festive decors, and unique holiday gifts; make sure you shop something to take back with yourself from here. Restaurants and cafés are in their own bloom, and if you are looking for any recommendation, then Applewood Court can really surprise you. Christmas here at Wrightwood is mostly snowy white with picture-perfect postcard views all around.