New Year, New Adventure

So...it's been a while.  I've taken my family on several trips in the months since I last posted.  We've been to Knott's, to Disneyland for Thanskgiving (we got drenched!), and to San Diego.  I was too busy to post a good summary/trip report, so I sort of let things slide.  But, for 2020, I want to change that.  I plan to do at least 1 new thing every month (here's hoping!).  So, we started today.  And wow, my writing has gotten sloppy since I've been taking a break the last few months.  Sorry.

I've been wanting to take my kids to play in the snow for some time.  But, I have this horrible fear of driving in snow, plus I don't own chains, which are typically required.  Recently, someone suggested going to Wrightwood, California, which is located in the mountains between the high desert and San Bernardino.  It turns out there's a really great Facebook page run by Mountain Hardware called Wrightwood Snowplay, which will tell you all you need to know about visiting for snowplay.  The people who run the page and work there are super kind and helpful.  I checked to see if they still had snow after the huge snowstorm that fell near Christmas, checked when the roads had been plowed with no chains required, stopped at the shop for a parking pass to park in the national forest for the day ($5), and got a map where they highlighted 3 great places to play in the snow. Within 20 minutes, we had found a great little spot at Grassy Hollow Visitor's Center to play in the snow. (Mountain Hardware also carries everything you'd need for a trip to the snow including plasic sleds). 

If you go when there's snow, get there early.  It's a popular place.  Typically, people park on the side of the road or at the vista lookouts, so trying to find parking and get around the tons of visitors is a bit challenging, especially as it gets later in the day.  We parked about a quarter mile from a good snowplay area and carried our saucers in.  Note to self (and all of you):  It's a high elevation.  Breathe deeply and slowly.  You might get lightheaded.

I also suggest bringing lots of food, water, and a thermos of your favorite warm beverage.  We brought snacks, but didn't realize the kids would enjoy it as much as they did.  We easily could have stayed a couple more hours if we had brought lunch and more water with us.  Also, there aren't that many restaurants nearby since the easiest route in takes you through the high desert and Wrightwood itself is a small town of less than 5,000 people.  So, make sure if you're considering this trip to plan around those ideas in your head.

Wrightwood snowplay makes for a great day trip if you live in the northern section of the greater Los Angeles area.  Honestly, my only complaint was the traffic/parking situation.  Walking down a narrow road with my kids while there was a ton of traffic was a little harrowing.  But, worth it.  Thankfully, everyone seemed to know to watch for pedestrians.