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Do you wanna build a snowman?
Because there’s lots of snow up in the mountains, near Los Angeles! This past weekend we ventured up for some Snow Play in Wrightwood and had the BEST TIME. If you’re in the SoCal area, its a must-visit with the kids. The last time I was up there, was a couple of years ago with Danny on a Mountain Hight Resort day date.
Since this was our first time taking the kids to play in the snow, I wanted to share our experience so you too, can have a memorable time. Definitely PIN this for later.
Snow Play in Wrightwood
When traveling with kids, definitely do your research (that’s why you’re here) and be prepared with the right gear and lots of snacks! Just know, after a rainstorm, people will be flocking towards the mountains, especially on the weekends. So if you’re able to take a day off during the week while the kids play hooky…DO IT…I won’t judge.
Wrightwood
If you’re not familiar with Wrightwood, its a SoCal community located in the San Gabriel Mountains, about 90 minutes away from Los Angeles. But if everyone is headed there (especially after the rain), it will take longer to get to and from the area. I was actually nervous about driving up after hearing reports that people were stuck up there for hours trying to leave! But I had planned on getting there early. OH boy, did we leave early and managed to get there by 9am! It was so worth it.
Where To Go
Be sure to follow Wrightwood Snowplay on Facebook for updates and information – it’s managed by Mountain Hardware. That’s the location you’ll enter on your GPS: 1390 Angeles Crest Hwy, Wrightwood, California 92397. Mountain Hardware is where you’ll buy the Adventure Pass, which is required to park in the San Gabriel Mountains. Plus they’ve got free maps of the snow play areas. I had intended to go to Grassy Hollow Visitor Area but when we arrived to Mountain Hardware, they informed us about the snow removal blocking the roads. We luckily found this spot…away from the highway!
*Please, when you go to Wrightwood, don’t park on the side of the hwy and block traffic. It’s so dangerous for others and creates unnecessary traffic. Also it’s not safe to have kids sled by the highway – it was crazy to see them play so close to the cars as we were driving back home! AND please, don’t forget to take your trash!
What to Bring
Be sure to check the weather! It was 43 degrees and Sunny for us. We brought our sleds, snow pants and jackets, snow gloves, boots, blankets (just because) and a change of clothes.
If you’re missing any winter gear, you can try to get last minute items at the hardware store. Tire chains weren’t necessary during our visit but we like to bring them, just in case. Definitely check reports if they’re needed, you will be turned away if you don’t have them.
I also went crazy on food and water. With my hungry boys I came prepared as if we were going to be stuck for hours on the road. Luckily that wasn’t the case for us!
I hope this post helped you plan your snow play trip! Let me know.
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