The San Gabriel mountains sit behind LA freeways serving as an integral feature of the landscape. Angelenos have gotten used to seeing them from a distance, but where are they? A short drive up to La Canada Flintridge just west of Pasadena will take you winding through the Angeles National Forest where you'll get to see the range up close. You'll pass by stretches of desert with Joshua trees, large orange rock formations and ultimately end up in Wrightwood, California.
Wrightwood feels like a small mountain town you'd stumble upon in Idaho or Colorado. The homes are mostly built like log cabins or barns, the streets have names like "Evergreen Road," "Apple Avenue" and "Cedar Street," and the fresh mountain air smells of pine. It's only about an hour and a half from LA proper, but a world away from the trafficky metropolitan chaos of the city.
The whole town can be walked in about fifteen minutes. They've got an antique shop, quaint Americana restaurants, a couple local dives, a book store, a candy store that's always handing out freshly made fudge samples, a farmer's market and cabin rentals.
The most popular attraction is a series of ziplines that take you soaring through the mountains. It's the perfect way to get up, close and personal with the San Gabriels.
There's also enough nearby hikes you could explore a different trail everyday for weeks.
If you're looking to get out of LA, it's the perfect place for an overnight stay.
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