Hidden hot spots in Wrightwood

I went snowboarding in the mountains of Los Angeles county.

Wrightwood is a cute village near the Los Angeles ski resort "Mountain High".

First I had to wax my board so I stopped by a snowboarding store "Mountain Outhouse".

They waxed my board for $12 which costs $15 at the resort. They also sell many choices of snowboarding goods such as helmets, gloves and outfits. It's worth it to stop by to see their clearance stuff!

"Mountain Outhouse"

1433 State Highway 2

Wrightwood, CA 92397

(760)249-3191

http://www.mountainouthouse.com

While my board was getting waxed I went walking around the village.

The village has many unique souvenir stores and good looking restaurants.

I found a really cute clothing store.

"Apple Blossoms"

1271 Apple Ave

Wrightwood CA 92397

(760)249-3939

Hair band and hair pins

This is a used and handmade clothing store. I really love their handmade hair accessories! The owner is a cute grandma who crafts the products with her daughter and grand daughter.

Ear warmer 

This time I rented the Little Red House for a night.

This is a perfect house for 4 people to be relaxed.

There are 2 bedrooms with a living room and a full kitchen.  It has all you need. 

"Little Red House"

1415 Laura St

Wrightwood, CA 92397

(760)488-5222

http://www.wrightwoodcabins.com

This house is in a village so you can walk around to shops and restaurants.

For dinner I had to check out one of the most popular restaurants in Wrightwood.

Their Tortilla soup was yummy in my tummy!

"Grizzly Cafe"

1455 State Hwy 2

Wrightwood, CA 92397

(760)249-6733

http://www.grizzlycafe.com 

I enjoyed their grilled shrimp and warm, friendly service.  It helped me get ready for the next day. 

Early the next morning I went straight to the Mountain High Resort.

It was the first week of December but there was plenty of snow for fun.

"Mountain High Resort"

24510 HWY 2

Wrightwood, CA 92397

(888)754-7878

http://www.mthigh.com

Mountain High is a snowboarder paradise! Their playground is amazing. I also recommend for beginners because of the easy access.





Do you want to feel the real winter?  Wrightwood is the easiest commute from Los Angeles for a snowy wonderland.

Hidden hot spots in Mount Baldy

From Marina del Rey, you can enjoy the view of snowy mountains in winter.

To get to the San Gabriel Mountains, it actually takes less than 2 hours from here.

I went to one of the mountains, Mt Baldy, to do some snowboarding at a place that I had never gone before. 

Mt Baldy Ski Resort was totally different from any other ski resort in California (includes Mammoth, Big Bear or Mt High).  This place is not for beginners. There is a real excitement here where the nature meets a hardcore snow wonderland.

"Mt Baldy Ski Resort"

8600 Mt Baldy Road, Lytle Creek CA 92358

(909)982-0800

http://www.mtbaldy.com

There are only 3 lodges here (The Buckhorn Lodge, Snow Crest Lodge, and Mt Baldy Lodge) and no hotels or condos. This time I chose to stay at the Mt Baldy Lodge for 2 nights.

I stayed in Cabin 6. It has 3 beds in 2 rooms. 

Everything in the room was done in a country mountain style and so cute!

My favorite was this patio and garden.  It was so totally private and I could enjoy the gorgeous view of stars at night.

 On their property there is a beach volleyball court, Basketball hoops and a pool (summer time only).  There are even two places to play horseshoes.

"Mt Baldy Lodge and Restaurant"

6777 Mt Baldy Rd

Mt Baldy, CA 91759

(909)982-1115

http://www.mtbaldylodge.com

I didn't expect any good food while in the mountains, but the restaurant at the lodge serves great food and the service is excellent. I stuffed myself with yummy fried shrimps and felt very relaxed.

In front of the hotel is the Visitor Center. If you want to do snow play or hiking at the mountain, you will need an "Adventure Pass" to park your car. You can purchase here or online before. Also they sell original souvenirs and this is the only one gift store at the mountain.

"Mt Baldy Visitor Center"

 6776 Mt Baldy Rd, Mt Baldy, CA, 91759

           (909) 982-2829

      http://mtbaldyeducation.org

 
Mt Baldy was a vacation spot by Tongva natives. This Center has replicas of their camping and gave you the feel that you are a part of it.

For breakfast, I had to try the legendary restaurant at "Buckhorn Lodge". It was a nice choice and I enjoyed my french toast and eggs.

"The Buckhorn Restaurant and Lodge"
6870 Mt Baldy Rd
Mt Baldy, CA 91759

(909)982-1107

http://www.MtBaldyBuckhornLodge.com

Mt Baldy has many beautiful streams of the San Gabriel River and there is plenty of spring water in March.  There is a lot to do here if you enjoy the mountainside without skis.

Even though it was only 3 days with a short drive, I felt like a Mt Baldy trip was such a big adventure.

Hidden hot spots in Azusa

Early Sunday morning, I was heading towards the San Gabriel river in Azusa. 

First I decided to stop by the Gateway Center to get the latest information about the river.  The staff had excellent suggestions for fishing, hiking and playing in the river.

"San Gabriel Canyon Gateway Center"

1990 North San Gabriel Canyon Road

Azusa CA 91702

(626)969-1012

http://mtbaldyeducation.org/gateway.html

To get to the river is quite easy and it's only a 1 hour distance from LAX.

From LAX, take 105 E, 605 N, 210 E to the Azusa Ave exit. After the exit you  take the same road going up to the north until you see this view.

After you get this point, any place you stop by could be your own spot for the day.  It's your adventure. 

* In order to park your car on any street you need a parking permit ($5) so please stop by any gas station or forest welcome center. 

The east and west forks of the San Gabriel river are perfect for water play. Most everywhere you can walk through the river and some places are deep enough for "cliff jumping".

It was the first day of October but Azusa was pretty hot like 80F so the cold water made me feel great.

This is where we found our own spot.

It was a beautiful day and we really appreciated the gorgeous California weather.