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Blue Ridge Trail via Inspiration Point

Valyermo, California

Details

Distance

4.97 miles

Elevation Gain

692 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Jamie Fleck

Close to the ski resorts of Wrightwood and trails to Mount Baden Powell and the Vincent Gap, the Blue Ridge trail offers spectacular blue-hued views of the San Antonio mountain range that make it stay true to its name.

There are two trail heads for the Blue Ridge Trail, one via the Grassy Hollow Visitor Center, and the other across from Inspiration Point. When parking gets crowded over at Grassy Hollow Visitor Center, than parking at Inspiration Point is the better option. To access the Blue Ridge Trail from Inspiration Point, head west on the Angeles Crest Highway (Highway 2) from Wrightwood. About 5 ½ miles from the heart of Wrightwood, you will see the parking lot for Inspiration Point on your right hand side. If you reach Grassy Hollow Visitor Center, you have head to far west. Public restrooms are available at the parking lot, but may be closed during the winter season. You will have to go across the two lane highway of Highway 2, so please be careful and look both ways (especially for cars coming around the curve) when crossing.

Once you start at the trail head, you will go for about less than a quarter of mile, where you will reach a fork that divides into many trails. Take the far right trail that hugs around the mountain, and where you can view the Blue Ridge mountains to your right. Continue on where it winds through scenic views, several hills, and forests until you see the Mountain View Resort on your left and you continue under to the left side of the trail (and more narrower trail) under the ski lifts. You will continue to wind through some more forests, and then reach Blue Ridge Campground around the 3 ½ mile mark. You can either camp here or turn back around, or continue on to Guffy Campground for around another 2 miles.

Blue Ridge Trail offers incredible views of the San Antonio mountains and Mount Baden Powell all year round. It is especially beautiful during the winter season, right before the ski resorts open and the area becomes popular. 

CAMPING NOTES:
If camping, campsites are first come, first served. No permits are needed but an Adventure Pass or America the Beautiful pass is required. Learn more at the Forest Service website.

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Features

Photography
Hiking
Bathrooms
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Forest
Scenic
Wildflowers
Wildlife

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