The back of Mt. Baldy, from the Pacific Crest Trail
The first shot I ever took with my new camera!
Text and photography copyright 2010 by David W. Lockeretz, all rights reserved. Information and opinions provided are kept current to the best of the author’s ability. All readers hike at their own risk, and should be aware of the possible dangers of hiking, walking and other outdoor activities. The author does not take any responsibility for injuries sustained during hikes or walks on the routes described here. Check the informational links provided for up to date trail condition information.
Blue Ridge Trail
- Location: Angeles National Forest near Big Pines. From I-15 north of San Bernardino, take highway 138 at Cajon Pass and drive west for 8.6 miles. Turn left on highway 2 (Angeles Crest Highway) and drive 10 miles, through Wrightwood, and park on the left side of the street, across from the Grassy Hollow Visitor Center. A National Forest Service adventure pass ($5 for a day or $30 for the year) is required for parking. Click here to purchase.
- Agency: Angeles National Forest (Santa Clara/Mojave Rivers Ranger District)
- Distance: 4 miles
- Elevation gain: 1,250 feet
- Difficulty Rating: PG-13 (Altitude, elevation gain)
- Best season: April – November
- USGS topo maps: “Mt. San Antonio”, “Mescal Creek”
- Recommended guidebook: Afoot & Afield Los Angeles County
- More information: here (Includes trail description all the way to Mt. Baldy); Big Pines area map here.
- Rating: 8
The Blue Ridge Trail sounds like it should belong in Kentucky, but in fact it can be found in northeastern L.A. County. The trail offers a nice perspective on the back country of the San Gabriel Mountains. It can be used to access Mt. Baldy (see the link above), but this post will cover the 4-mile round trip to the Blue Ridge Campground and the Pacific Crest Trail. When I did this hike, I was surprised to see a group of about 20 nuns, in full habit, getting some fresh air. This hike is also the first on which I used my Canon SX-10 IS camera, and I was still trying to get the hang of it, so if the pictures are a little questionable, please go easy on me.
Starting at about 6,800 feet above sea level, the Blue Ridge trail ascends from the parking lot across from the visitor’s center, and ascends into a forest of pines and firs. You can see a nice view of the western San Bernardino mountains across the Cajon Pass. After crossing an old roadbed a mile in, views to the west open up. You can see Mt. Baden-Powell, as well as the notoriously difficult summits of Iron Mountain and Rattlesnake Peak to the southwest.
Finally, at the campground, you can enjoy great views of Mt. Baldy from the Pacific Crest Trail. Baldy’s front side is readily visible and recognizable even to non-hikers, but the back side is less commonly seen. For better views, go left on the P.C.T. and hike up a quarter mile or so. Say hi to the nuns if you see them.
