Roughly two weeks ago, I decided to explore the desert area off Hwy. 138, west of the 15 Freeway. Although I've been living nearby for years, I've never paid much attention to this area.
After exiting the 15 at the 138, I headed west for a few miles, until I came to the turn-off for the Angeles Crest Highway- Rte. 2. "Why not?" I thought. "Maybe I'll be able to find a trail that will give me a panoramic view of the desert", I said to myself.
Well, before I knew it, I was passing through the town of Wrightwood. About a mile outside of Wrightwood, I came to a visitor's center-which was closed. This was a Sunday, mind you. After getting back into my battered Grand Cherokee, I continued another couple of miles until I came to another visitor center - and this one was open.
The kindly older gentleman who was on duty here, suggested that I try Blue Ridge Rd., which provides some spectacular views. "Be careful", he warned. "This is a rough road; I've taken Government vehicles on it that can take the battering, but I'm VERY careful with my own SUV, even though it has four wheel drive." I thanked him for his advice and for the maps, and I set out.
I wasn't sure what "very rough" meant. The gentleman at the visitors center had stated that the road consisted of broken pavement and dirt. Although I'm not bashful about engaging my four wheel drive, this didn't sound too bad to me.
The turn-off for Blue Ridge Rd. is located approximately one mile west of the aforementioned visitor center.
I guess that one man's "rough" is another man's easy trail. And, it was easy; the road consisted of alternating segments of broken pavement and sand. I engaged my four wheel drive only once, in order to give me a little more traction on a sandy hill.
After I'd climbed a quarter of the way up the said hill, I turned left into a level plateau and parked there. I parked next to an even more battered Honda CR-V, whose driver was softly strumming his guitar on a nearby rock.
Setting my camera and tripod up, I shot photos, a few of which I've placed below:
View from the plateau: I believe that the mountain in the distance is Mt. Baden-Powell.
Photo by Scott Schwartz.
All rights reserved.
There were quite a few wildflowers still in bloom.
Photo by Scott Schwartz.
All rights reserved.
Another view from the plateau. Blue Ridge Road.
I believe that this is Mount Baldy.
Photo by Scott Schwartz.
All rights reserved.
The area is laced with hiking trails, and Blue Ridge Road continues through the Mountain High ski area (it was kind of eerie to see the idle ski lifts sitting idly as I drove along.)
The road dead-ends at a campground, which appeared to be in full use.
The following week, I returned here with my wife, and we spent the afternoon in Wrightwood. But, that is another story.
