Blue Ridge Trail is a 4 mile, moderate out and back trail that lies on a high divide of the San Gabriel Mountains near the town of Wrightwood. The trail is mostly shaded and winds through a dense coniferous forest of pines, firs and oak. This trail gives you a really great perspective of the back country of the San Gabriel Mountains. It's a really enjoyable hike.
The trailhead is actually located across the street from the Big Pines Ranger Station. Look for the sign near the restrooms.
Once you cross the wooden bridge, the trail begins to rise on a moderate grade slowly switching back up the mountain. At about the one mile mark, you’ll pass a wooden bench. This is the half-way marker to Blue Ridge. At this point, you’ll still have more than half of the elevation gain to go. The trail continues to climb steadily and you’ll continue to negotiate a few more switchbacks before it levels out at the junction of Blue Ridge and the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) at the Blue Ridge Campground. You'll also see the Mountain High Ski Resort.
The elevation averages about 7,500 feet and once you reach the campground, you’ll get some really pretty views. From there you can either continue on to the PCT or you can return back the way you came. On this day we decided to return and stop for lunch at the Grizzly Cafe in Wrightwood, which I highly recommend.
This is a really beautiful trail and I was happy to get some photos of butterflies (California Sister and Swallowtails) that were flying along the way.
Start of the trail located across the street from the Big Pines Ranger Station
Slow, steady moderate grade
California Sister
Golden Yarrow
This bench marks the half-way point from the beginning of the trail head to the Blue Ridge Campground.
golden yarrow
At the top you'll reach part of the Mountain High Ski Resort. No snow up here today!
Views from Blue Ridge Campground.
Junction of the PCT
Swallowtails were circling up and down the summit on our way back.
