All the Wrightwood Stuff

Hike the Inspiration Point to Snowmaking Pond Trail at Wrightwood

The Mountain High area of Wrightwood is known for its skiing, but there’s also a hiking trail there. The Inspiration Point to Snowmaking Pond Trail climbs 610 feet, skirting the edge of the Sheep Mountain Wilderness Area for a roughly 3.5 miles (round-trip). There are a few different routes, including combining trails. The Pacific Crest Trail and the Blue Ridge Truck Trail both leave from the Inspiration Point trailhead. You can take the Pacific Crest Trail from the trailhead to the pond as an out-and-back hike. This version is straightforward with no turns or junctions to worry about, slightly shorter mileage, but a much steeper grade.

For a more gradual incline, take the Blue Ridge Truck Trail all the way to the pond, then the PCT back to the trailhead, as a loop (one caveat here can be snow on the last half-mile to the pond if taking the Blue Ridge Truck trail, due to snowmaking machines and the ski slope; our team cut over to the PCT at that junction to avoid snow). Whichever path you choose, the views are incredible. You’ll see the high desert to the north, and all the way to Catalina Island to the south on clear days.

A little over a mile from the trailhead both Pacific Crest Trail and Blue Ridge Truck Trail meet up at Mountain High Ski Resort … not at the resort itself, but up on the mountain, near ski runs and the chairlift. You might see the resort’s machines making snow. At this junction, use your best judgment; we recommend hopping on the PCT to finish the last half-mile, sparing you a hike across the ski runs (never hike in snow unless properly outfitted for it).

If you came up on the Blue Ridge Truck Trail to this point, look to the right and you’ll see the ski area boundary ropes—the PCT is just on the other side of the rope. Soon after that you’ll reach the pond, really more of a reservoir holding water that the resort uses to make the snow.

While you can’t go near the pond, the fences are lower on the east end and allow for better photos. Once you’re done exploring the pond, choose your route back down the mountain (we took the PCT back down to the ski area and then the Blue Ridge Truck Trail the rest of the way down).

Be sure to check weather, road, and trail conditions before heading out since this area does get snow. Reminder that weather conditions can change rapidly, so be prepared. Inspiration Point trailhead is located in Wrightwood near the Mountain High Ski Resort (map). Adventure Pass required. Dog-friendly!

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Golden Gate's Blue Heron

    Golden Gate Park’s Blue Heron Lake is home to birds of many feathers, turtles lounging on rocks, visitors from afar, and locals who love this urban oasis in San Francisco. Try the "Boats and Breakfast" rowboat or pedal boat deal.

    View
  2. Sponsored

    Chase Fall Colors & Family Fun in Reno Tahoe

    Ready to Reno? We’re so with you! Reno Tahoe is the ultimate urban basecamp for gathering family and friends for all kinds of fall fun and festivities.

    View
  3. This Is Paradise

    Granite mountain-scape, superb sunset views, crystal lakes, and shoreline campsites … the trip to Paradise Lake in Tahoe National Forest lives up to its idyllic name.

    View
  4. Aloha from California

    Say Aloha without leaving California with a 7-mile out-and-back hiking adventure to Lake Aloha in El Dorado National Forest. You can also camp here, a premier place for stargazing.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Can't Top This

    San Francisco’s Presidio was already a fantastic place to hang out for the afternoon, a beautiful site within the largest urban national park in the United States (the Golden Gate National Recreation Area). And Presidio Tunnel Tops is like a cherry on top. Make that two cherries on top, with the newly opened (July 2025) Outpost Meadow, a 1.5-acre green space located at Old Mason Street across from the Crissy Field Marsh in the Presidio.

    View
  2. Coming Up Roses

    Looking to spice up your hiking life? Give your partner a rose—Mount Rose! The 10-mile out-and-back peak hike goes up to one of the grandest views in all of Lake Tahoe. Get ready f

    View
  3. Underground Garden

    Looking to escape the summer heat? Head to Fresno and discover its cool secret: the Forestiere Underground Gardens–an enchanting garden and architecture oasis like no other.

    View
  4. Sequoia Re-opens Crystal Cave

    Step inside Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park's hidden world by visiting the newly re-opened Crystal Cave—the only cave in the parks open to the public. Closed for four years, this rare marble karst cavern is welcoming visitors once again, but only through the summer season!

    View