Vacation rentals in Wrightwood

Tucked away in the valley of the San Gabriel Mountains of Southern California, you’ll find Wrightwood, a scenic mountain village sitting at an elevation of nearly 6,000 feet. Wrightwood may be a small town, but it’s brimming with outdoor recreation through the seasons. With hills sprawled throughout Wrightwood, you’re spoiled for choice with spots to tube and sled in the winter. The snowy slopes of Mountain High and the Angeles National Forest are the town’s biggest draw. There are parks where you can ski, snowboard, or glide down the mountains on an inner tube in the winter.

Hiking trails, including the Blue Ridge Trail and Mount Baden Powell Trail are sprawled throughout Wrightwood’s diverse terrain. Just east of Wrightwood, you’ll stumble across the serene open waters of Jackson Lake, a beloved hub for water-based recreation. On Fridays, head over to the farmer’s market, hosted year-round, where you can find seasonal produce from local farmers, homemade jams and jellies, and a selection of handcrafted goods including soap and beauty products.

Spring through summer are great times to rent cabins in Wrightwood and explore the picturesque town. The crisp mountain air and balmy weather make for excellent conditions for hiking and picnicking. The Mountaineer Days Festival is a two-day celebration that follows Independence Day with games, food vendors, music, and a small parade.

During the fall, brilliant shades of orange and yellow illuminate the town as the foliage changes colors. This is also when Wrightwood hosts a big race each August. Known as one of the toughest runs in the country, it covers 100 miles from Wrightwood to La Canada. Winter is an especially popular time for sports enthusiasts as temperatures drop, and fresh snowfall makes for exceptional skiing, snowboarding, and sledding conditions. Locals kick off the holiday season with a tree lighting ceremony and the Parade of Lights during the last week of each November.

Jackson Lake

Just a few miles east of Wrightwood you’ll find Jackson Lake, a hub for fishing, hiking, picnics, and camping. Pack some snacks and drinks and enjoy a relaxing lunch under the pine and oak trees near the water. Many trails are accessible from Jackson Lake, making it a great starting point for hikes, including the Jackson Lake Trail, which travels through the Angeles National Forest and Vincent’s Cabin Trail. During the spring and summer, Jackson Lake becomes a popular spot to fish for rainbow trout, bluegill, and other varieties of fish.

Big Horn Mine Trail

Enjoy a leisurely hike along the four-mile Big Horn Mine Trail, which follows a portion of the San Gabriel River and provides stunning views of Wrightwood’s scenery. The framing of what used to be a gold mine sits at the edge of the trail, offering a striking image of metal beams against the surrounding verdant mountain ranges. Many hikers explore the ruins and take advantage of the photo opportunity before making their way back.

Calico Ghost Town

With a population of zero, the ghost town of Calico draws in visitors from all over to explore its abandoned silver mines and architecture dating back to the late 1800s. Formerly a mining town, Calico was officially deserted before the arrival of the 20th century due to the falling popularity of silver. Today, visitors can take in the Old West vibe of the town by exploring the nearby hiking trails, visiting the silver mine entrances, or marveling at the structures that have remained untouched for over 100 years. Calico is located 90 minutes north of Wrightwood.