Essays and Articles

Our Town (Wrightwood California)

By Bobbi Ann Johnson Holmes
Article and photograph reprinted from the 1988 edition of Wrightwood Magazine.

       The village of Wrightwood is probably one of Southern California’s best kept secrets. And often those Southern Californians who have heard of the community, believe it’s somewhere near Big Bear, Arrowhead or Crestline.
       Yet, this undiscovered mountain community is tucked away in the San Gabriel Mountains, and remains virtually undeveloped. Although it’s less than two hours from Los Angeles, and 30 minutes from San Bernardino, it’s privileged to something most of Southern California misses; four distinct seasons.
       In winter comes the snow, some years relatively light, others heavy, yet never devastatingly long, as with other mountain regions. Just minutes away from the village you’ll find three snow ski areas; Mountain High East, Mountain High West and Ski Sunrise.
       With spring arrives the explosion of bulbs, for most residents have discovered how easy the colorful flowers flourish in this region.
       It’s interesting that winter is the tourist season, considering Wrightwood possesses the finest summers in California. Unlike most of Southern California, which experiences heavy smog days during this season, in Wrightwood the skies usually remain blue and clear. When the temperatures swelter in San Bernardino and the skies turn grey, Wrightwood is likely to be moderately warm, sunny with blue skies and the thick fragrance of pine filling the air.
       As the year begins to end, Wrightwood experiences another phenomenon uncommon for California, vivid fall colors. Brilliant red, orange and golden leaves color the landscape. Wrightwood has earned the nickname bestowed upon it by the local Chamber of Commerce “Land of Four Seasons”.
       Wrightwood is located in the Swarthout Valley. This valley was named for a Mormon family which settled the area in the mid 1800’s. Wrightwood’s name comes from Sumner Wright, who came to the area in the late 1800’s.
       Wright, who was from Colton, California, began acquiring land in the area. In the early 1900’s he planted apple trees and operated his family’s Circle Mountain Cattle Company.
       When the Cattle Company hit hard times, the land began subdividing, with the intent of creating a mountain resort community. By the 1940’s much of the Wrightwood area was owned by the bank. Two investors, Cleggs and Nix, purchased what would be the Wrightwood Company. Cleggs eventually sold his share to Lloyd Nix, and the Wrightwood Company continued to promote the area and sell vacation lots.
       Wrightwood has grown considerably since those early years as a Cattle Ranch. Many of its residents are now full time, discovering the commute to the flat lands below is a reasonable trade off for an incredible slice of nature. The village offers various churches; with many others available in nearby communities. Its high desert neighbors are Phelan and Pinon Hills, with the three areas commonly referred to as the Tri-Community.
       Together they share the Snowline Joint Unified School District. Wrightwood Elementary School is located within the village and it has several programs which are unique. One of these is the PTA sponsored ski program. For approximately 10 weeks each winter, the school children get out of school early on Tuesdays. Those involved in the ski program commute to the nearby ski area on these days, and take an hour lesson, followed by an afternoon of snow skiing. This program has been in existence since the 1940’s.
       The unincorporated village of Wrightwood is split between two counties; Los Angeles County to the west and San Bernardino County to the east. The San Bernardino portion of Wrightwood is within the boundaries of the proposed Mojave County, which means if the Mojave County Proposal is to pass this year, Wrightwood will be split between Mojave and L.A. Counties.
       The San Bernardino portion of Wrightwood is governed by the County Board of Supervisors. The current supervisor is Jon Mikels, who has an office in the village. A Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) is appointed by the supervisor. They hold monthly public meetings in the Community Building, which is similar to an old fashioned town meeting.
       Wrightwood’s Chamber of Commerce sponsors several annual functions. One of the oldest is Mountaineer Days, held each July 4th. This usually includes live entertainment, vendors, a parade and other activities.
       The Chamber also promotes a Miss Wrightwood Contest, Honorary Mayor’s race and a Wrightwoodian of the year. They also contribute volunteers and donations to other local events such as the Steve Kanaly Ski Classic held each February and the Angeles Crest Endurance Run each September.
       Aside from the annual events and snow skiing, Wrightwood is also known for something else, the San Andreas Earthquake Fault runs down its center. In fact, the San Andreas Fault reaches its highest elevation at the U.S. Forest Service’s Big Pines Information Center, which is situated to the west of the village, on U.S. Forest Service land.
       The highest point of the San Andreas Fault is not the only thing you’ll discover in this area. There are countless campgrounds and private camps nestled in the surrounding forest.
       The U.S. Forest Service’s Big Pine’s Information Center itself is located in what was once the Big Pines Lodge. The lodge was once part of the Los Angeles County Playground. In the early 1920’s R. McClellan, Chairman of L.A. County Board of Supervisors, encouraged the board to purchase land in the Swarthout Valley, to be used as a county park. In 1923 the county purchased some seven hundred sixty acres at Big Pines.
       By the 1930’s the County had under construction, or completed, a major recreation park which included the lodge, several ski jumps, an ice skating ring, an animal park and a dozen or so campgrounds. For a short time the recreation area enjoyed a reputation as a grand vacation spot. Yet, by 1941 the county was experiencing financial problems, and was forced to relinquish the area to the U.S. Forest Service.
       Wrightwood today is a village comprised of a varied collection of features. To many it is their hometown, offering a true small town atmosphere, to others it is a playground. Not only will you enjoy such activities as snow skiing, snow play, hiking, or horseback riding, you’ll discover an even greater prize; the beauty of nature.