The small village of Wrightwood, about 80 miles east of Los Angeles, is located in the scenic San Gabriel mountain range, which borders the Mojave Desert.

This town of roughly 3,000 residents is famous for its four seasons. You can ski during the winter at Mountain High, traipse through the golden leaves in the fall, or go fishing during the summer at Jackson Lake. During the spring, the lilacs are spectacular — scenting the cool forest air with their sweet, floral scent.

Unlike Lake Arrowhead or Big Bear, Wrightwood is one of the few mountain resorts that doesn't have jaw-dropping cliffs along the way. The climb to the village is slow and easy, and four wheel drives are rarely needed.

Wrightwood's quaint country atmosphere makes it a great destination for families, whether you choose to dip into an old-fashioned ice cream or candy jar at Applewood Court, take a walk past the adorable Snow White Cottage on Twin Lakes Road, or enjoy a picnic lunch at Table Mountain Campground.

If you're here in the fall, don't miss the annual Parade of Lights, held the day after Thanksgiving. It's a fun and festive evening where the entire village is lit up with twinkling white lights, wandering carolers and plenty of wassail and hot cocoa to go around. The year-round Christmas Shop is a great place to stock up on new ornaments, and even Santa and Mrs. Claus pay a visit.

Few people know that Wrightwood is also home to the highest point of the San Andreas Fault — 6,874 ft to be exact. You can find the marker at the Big Pines Ranger Station, just outside Mountain High Ski Resort. 

Geology buffs can continue their fault tour on Lone Pine Canyon, where you may spot some dusty white fault flour along the way.  At the bottom of the road, you'll find the tilted strata of the Mormon Rocks, which are extremely popular with climbers during the cooler fall and springtime months.

Wrightwood's beautiful pine and oak forests are perfect for hiking, and the famous Pacific Crest Trail runs right through the main village. It's a popular stopping point for weary hikers traveling between Mexico and Canada. If you'd like to venture part of the PCT yourself, you can pick up a trail map at the Wrightwood Chamber of Commerce on the top of Park Drive or at Grassy Hollow Visitors Center, located about 5 miles north of the main village. 

Want to stay the weekend? The rustic Pines Motel and Cabins is the perfect spot to spend the night during an overnight stay in Wrightwood. It's also close to a children's park and some of the best dining in town, from the historic Blue Ridge Inn steakhouse, to the more casual Mexico Lindo, which is famous for its Cazadores margaritas and tongue-tingling salsa.