Pine Mountain

Overview

Pine Mountain is located within the remote Sheep Mountain Wilderness of the San Gabriel Mountains in Southern California. It can be climbed from several different trailheads. The most popular is probably from the dirt road along Blue Ridge above the town of Wrightwood. A longer variation of the same hike can be started in Wrightwood at the end of Acorn Road. Using the Acorn Trail will add aprox. 2,000 vertical feet and about 4.3 round trip miles to the hike. Pine Mountain can also be climbed in conjunction with Mt. Baldy and Dawson Peak making for a spectacular high country adventure. The views of the Mojave Desert and nearby peaks of Mt. Baldy, Dawson and Baden Powell are magnificent. Trees are scattered, twisted and stunted from harsh winter winds. Although this climb is not dangerous, reasonable care should be taken. The routes can be narrow, indistinct and very steep and loose in places. Snow can be deep and if the routes are icy they can be extremely treacherous.

Getting There

TO THE BLUE RIDGE ROAD TRAILHEAD: From I-15 take State Route 38 west for several miles to the junction with the Angeles Crest Hwy, Hwy 2. Turn left. Take Hwy 2 through the town of Wrightwood. A few miles past the town of Wrightwood is a large parking area on both sides of the road. On the left is the turn-off for the Blue Ridge dirt road towards Prairie Fork and Guffy Campground. Drive aprox. 6 miles to a road junction just past Guffy Campground road. Take the left branch aprox. 1.7 miles. Park in the dirt pull-out (8,310') at the base of Pine Mountain. The trail is obvious as it climbs the ridge directly up Pine Mountain.

The Blue Ridge Road is closed during ski season. There are several gates that may or may not be locked depending on snow, road conditions or fire season restrictions. Many times the gate is locked at Guffy Campground and you'll have to park and walk to the trailhead.

An alternate approach from Los Angeles is to drive the Angeles Crest Hwy, Hwy 2, about 50 miles east from La Canada and about 3 miles past Vincent Gap, to the Blue Ridge dirt road. From there follow the directions above.

TO THE ACORN TRAILHEAD: From Hwy 2 in the town of Wrightwood turn south onto Pine Street. Go aprox. 1 block to Apple Ave. Turn right. Go aprox. 2 blocks to Acorn Drive. Turn left. Follow Acorn Drive for aprox. a mile or so or until you reach a large "private road" sign on the right. You can't miss it. Do not park your car beyond the sign as it will be towed away. The trailhead is another 1/2 mile or so beyond the sign. Walk to the end of the paved road. There is a gate where a dirt road continues. Follow the dirt road until you see the signed trailhead.

Red Tape

No wilderness permits are required for climbing Pine Mountain.

A National Forest Adventure Pass is required for your vehicle while parked at any of the trailheads. Fees are $5.00 a day or $30.00 for an annual pass. These can be obtained from the Angeles National Forest Grassy Hollow Visitor Center on Hwy 2 in Big Pines just east of Wrightwood. Many merchants in Wrightwood also sell the passes.

When To Climb

Climb year round.

Camping

There are many good campgrouds in the area. Blue Ridge and Guffy are the closest. Here is a good link with all the local campground details including Blue Ridge and Guffy.

Mountain Conditions

Contact the Angeles National Forest (626)821-6737 or (626)335-1251

Current Weather Conditions

Images

View Pine Mountain Image Gallery - 56 Images