Blue Ridge / PCT / Acorn Trail

Hike

For the slow hikers only

  Everyone has heard of the PCT but have you heard of the Blue Ridge Trail or the Acorn Trail, probably not.  Most hikers bypass these trails for places like Baden Powel and it's a shame, or not!!  Personally I love the trails that are less traveled, I mean there's nothing worse than running into a meetup group with hordes of hikers.  This 9 mile +/- hike is exactly that, "the trail less traveled".

The Hike

First things first, this is a shuttle hike so we'll  meet at the end of the trail on Acorn Dr in the town of Wrightwood, then drive over to the Blue Ridge Trail-head next the old Big Pine Resort, original called Swarthout Valley Lodge.  This is a gem and worth checking out before we head out on our hike.  The dance hall built in 1924 is what's left of the resort after an arsonist burnt the lodge next door back in 1987.

Blue Ridge Trail

You know there's something to say about hiking up north face slopes under a canopy of conifers, therefore there's no reason to start this hike at the crack of dawn.  This section is 2 miles with a 1,000ft gain but ya won’t notice it because you'll be to busy enjoying the view, okay I lied, you will feel it!

PCT

 Unlike Blue Ridge and Acorn this is a wide open trail with incredible vistas.  We catch the PCT at the bottom of the Discovery Chair Lift of Mt High East just past the Blue Ridge Campground.  We parallel both the ski run and the fire road but that is not a distraction because of the view.  We soon pass the ski area and then head up to Blue Ridge which is the only section I have not hiked.  The PCT continues on past Guffy Campground (free btw and very nice if it's not windy) then on to the connecting Acorn Trail.  At this point we have an option on whether to continue another 1/3 of a mile or so to the top of Wright Mountain, another high point along the Blue Ridge or just head down the Acorn Trail.

ACORN TRAIL

This is just like the Blue Ridge Trail but in reverse and a little longer but every bit as pretty.

Facts:

Meeting Time: 10:00AM

Meeting Place: Acorn Dr (Google Map link)

Miles: 9 +/-

Elevation Gain: 1,897ft +/-

Difficulty: Intermediate

Dog Friendly: Yes

Final Note:

- If you are looking for a fast hike with fast hikers, this hike is not for you.

- If you have to be somewhere later in the day, this hike is not for you.

- If you don't like waiting for people who take lots of pic's, this hike is not for you.

- If you like hiking with hordes of people, then sign up for a meetup group.

-There is no water along the trail.

- Temperatures can change suddenly and the temps along the ridge can be effected by the wind so be prepared.

Links:

http://photosynth.net/view.aspx?cid=1860ff53-8e29-4fba-9155-0eeb8eda601a

http://photosynth.net/view.aspx?cid=3a90746b-e29f-4530-a9a8-8800887c3d6f

http://photosynth.net/view.aspx?cid=4e3e36a9-cbbf-4dd0-8550-7742e8bf5cb1

http://photosynth.net/view.aspx?cid=0a1979e9-3a87-48d3-b548-54add84effc8

http://photosynth.net/view.aspx?cid=2210a4d3-3777-4d5a-98e0-87f421949be8

http://photosynth.net/view.aspx?cid=bf462bcd-d046-47b0-82c9-62de95d3b92d

 http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/578450152owkejX