Angeles National Forest offers a winter wonderland for snow enthusiasts near Los Angeles. With designated snow play areas, tubing options, and scenic landscapes, it’s a perfect destination for winter recreation. This guide covers the best spots for snow play, including Yeti’s Snow Play at Mountain High, Mount Baldy Snow Play Area, and Wrightwood Snow Play Areas, providing essential information on amenities, parking, and activities.
Where Can I Find the Best Snow Play Areas in Angeles National Forest?
Angeles National Forest boasts several excellent snow play areas, each offering unique experiences for winter enthusiasts. Here are the top locations:
Yeti’s Snow Play at Mountain High
- Location: Mountain High’s East Resort, approximately 1.5 hours from downtown Los Angeles
- Amenities:
- Tubing
- Sledding
- Snow play
- Scenic sky chair rides
- Dining at Grand View Lodge
- Parking: $20 daily fee
- Tip: Arrive early for the best experience
Mount Baldy Snow Play Area
- Location: Manker Campground, 7980 Mt Baldy Rd, Mt Baldy, CA 91759 (about an hour from Los Angeles)
- Features:
- Large snow play area
- Flat ground and hills for various snow activities
- Suitable for sledding
- Parking:
- Designated spots on both sides of the road
- Requires National Forest Adventure Pass ($5) or America the Beautiful Interagency National Park Pass
Wrightwood Snow Play Areas
- Location: Multiple areas along Highway 2, before and after Wrightwood town
- Amenities:
- Public areas for snow play
- Fields and slopes for various activities
- Some campgrounds with restrooms
- Nearby town with restaurants
- Parking: Small areas available, but can get crowded
What Snow Tubing Options Are Available in Angeles National Forest?
Snow tubing is a popular activity in Angeles National Forest, with organized options available at certain locations:
Yeti’s Snow Play at Mountain High
- Rental Costs: Included in all-day activity tickets
- $79 for all activities including scenic sky chair
- $59 for all activities excluding scenic sky chair
- Hours: Generally 10am to 3pm on weekends and holidays (check official website for current hours)
- Requirements:
- Tickets necessary, can be reserved in advance
- Children 36\” and taller can tube independently
- Children 32-36\” must accompany a paid parent in a separate tube
Mount Baldy and Wrightwood
These areas focus more on sledding and general snow play. Visitors should bring their own sleds as there are no organized tubing rentals available.
Are There Winter Hiking Trails in Angeles National Forest?
Angeles National Forest offers various winter hiking opportunities, though specific trail information is limited. Here’s what we know:
- Popular winter activities include:
- Cross-country skiing
- Winter camping
- Hiking on snow-covered trails
For detailed trail information, lengths, difficulty levels, and current snow conditions, it’s best to:
1. Contact the forest service directly
2. Check their official website for up-to-date information
3. Consult local hiking groups or forums for recent trail reports
What Scheduled Events or Organized Activities Are Available for Snow Play?
The main organized snow play activities in Angeles National Forest are centered around Yeti’s Snow Play at Mountain High:
Yeti’s Snow Play Season
- Dates: Opens November 29th to December 1st, then runs through mid-March
- Costs:
- All-day activity tickets: $59 to $79
- Scenic sky chair rides (separate purchase): $35
- Registration:
- Advance reservations recommended
- Early arrival suggested due to limited space
| Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| All activities (incl. sky chair) | $79 |
| All activities (excl. sky chair) | $59 |
| Scenic sky chair ride only | $35 |
For Mount Baldy and Wrightwood areas, there are no specific scheduled events mentioned beyond the general availability of snow play areas.
What Should I Know Before Visiting Angeles National Forest for Snow Play?
Before heading out for snow play in Angeles National Forest, keep these important points in mind:
- Weather Conditions: Always check current weather and road conditions before your trip.
- Parking Passes: Ensure you have the required parking passes for your chosen location.
- Arrive Early: Popular snow play areas can get crowded, especially on weekends and holidays.
- Bring Proper Gear: Dress in warm, waterproof layers and bring appropriate snow play equipment.
- Leave No Trace: Respect the environment by taking all trash with you and following park rules.
- Safety First: Be aware of your surroundings and potential hazards in snowy conditions.
- Cell Phone Coverage: Be prepared for limited or no cell phone service in some areas.
By following these guidelines and planning ahead, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable snow play experience in Angeles National Forest.