Whether you’re planning a relaxing mountain retreat or a getaway packed with outdoor adventure, Wrightwood is a top destination for four-season fun. The quiet resort community—a peaceful place where the elevation (5,935') is greater than the population (4,525)—is surrounded by soaring pines in the Angeles National Forest. Thanks to its location 90 minutes from LA, Wrightwood has the most accessible ski slopes in Southern California. 

From winter music festivals at Mountain High Resort to the Mountain Classic Car Show, annual community events put Wrightwood’s history and hospitality on display. During Mountaineer Days, a family-friendly festival dubbed “the highlight of the summer,” the town hosts a community parade, western reenactments, costume contests, and old-fashioned games.

Wrightwood offers plenty of activities to get your heart pumping and adrenaline flowing year-round. From early November through late April, Mountain High Ski Resort boasts some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the San Gabriel Mountains. Snowmaking covers more than 80% of the slopes—so even when Southern California isn’t a winter wonderland, experienced skiers can enjoy top-notch trails on 290 acres of skiable terrain. An excellent ski school and tubing park make Mountain High a great fit for families, too. As the area’s closest winter resort with no mountain driving, it’s easy to reach—and even easier to find FlipKey rentals nearby.

For a breathtaking experience that requires a little less skill than alpine skiing, try zipping through the trees hundreds of feet above the forest floor. Big Pines Zipline Tours provides amazing canopy adventures involving treetop ziplines and a 200-foot-long Sky Bridge. It’s an exciting way to get a true bird’s eye view of the area. 

Of course, if you prefer to keep your feet firmly planted on the ground, you can enjoy similar views by following one of the region’s many hiking trails. The iconic Pacific Crest Trail runs along a ridge overlooking Wrightwood, and Angeles National Forest is home to its fair share of excellent treks—not to mention seven-acre Jackson Lake, a scenic fishing spot full of largemouth bass during the summer. Bring your kayak or canoe and take in the surrounding desert landscape as you paddle.

No matter when you decide to visit, make time to go for a drive and soak in the incredible scenery (featuring massive snow drifts in the winter, fiery leaves during the fall, and colorful wildflowers in the warmer months). Also worth a stop? Wrightwood Village, where you’ll find charming coffee shops, antique stores, and a local farmer’s market held on Friday afternoons.

After a full day of skiing, hiking, ziplining, or canoeing, you’ll want to retreat to a rustic cabin or alpine escape. From cottages to bungalows, the classic mountain rentals available on FlipKey offer amenities like central heating and air con, brand new appliances, and homey touches like cabinets full of board games to make your trip especially memorable. Relax in a quiet neighborhood surrounded by towering oaks and pines just minutes from the slopes, the trails, and the quaint restaurants downtown.