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4N56 Pinyon Ridge

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5/5 (6 reviews)
Wrightwood, California (Los Angeles County)
Last Updated: 09/15/2018

Trail Information

Highlights

4N56 Pinyon Ridge is in the Angeles National Forest. This trail is literally within two hours of all most anywhere in Southern California. The trail runs east to west offering fantastic views of the San Gabriels to the south with Mount Baden-Powell, at an elevation of 9,400 feet a prominent feature of the skyline. To the north is the High Desert 2000 feet below you with views to Pearblossom, Adelanto, Palmdale, and Lancaster. Close enough for a morning run and be home for lunch or pack your gear for a two-week campout at the Yellow Post Site. With five Animal Guzzlers (man-made water points) on this ridge, there are many prime locations to watch for bear, mountain lion, bobcat, deer, and other animals which come in for water.

Trail Difficulty and Assessment

Trail Navigation

Trail Reviews

5/5 (6)
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 02/11/2022
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

An easy side shoot from the Fenner trail. Speeds can be 20-30+ if comfortable. The end, as well as all of the side shoots, are fun for exploring. Wonderful views of the high desert and the San Gabriel Mountains. I still had a bit of snow, mostly mud, today. Look forward to dispersed camping here in the future. Mule deer are out as well, currently.
Trail Review: 4N56 Pinyon Ridge - Trenton Moore
Trail Review: 4N56 Pinyon Ridge - Trenton Moore
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400
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 11/20/2021
Difficulty Accuracy: Spot On

Fun, easy little trail. Doesn’t need 4wd
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 11/23/2018

Nice easy run without any challenges. There are a few good spots to camp or set up a picnic/hike in the shade. The road was wide once you are on the ridge and except for a couple of muddy/rutted spots that were totally avoidable, very easy. Nice views. We paired it with Fenner Saddle Road to Jackson Lake - Wrightwood, CA to make the run a little longer.
Trail Review: 4N56 Pinyon Ridge - Mike & Mary
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Official Crew
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19650
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 09/15/2018

My friend Robert was my trail backup when I lived in California. I’m now mapping trails in Idaho. Robert is doing an excellent job of running the trails and providing much-needed Trail Reviews, check out his review from 9/15/18
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Official Crew
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41500
Open
Rated 5/5
Visited: 09/15/2018

The Fenner Saddle Rd entrance on Hwy 2 leading to Pinyon was packed with cars on either side of the road probably for hikers on the Pacific Crest Trail. A windy narrow road leads to the ridge. When at the ridge the road is a wide flat ridge. No vehicles encounter but passed a couple hikers using the windy Fenner road approach to Pinyon. The hikers tended to wear earbuds so if approaching from behind be careful as they are not aware of you. The views were great out to Edwards Air base and beyond as this was a particularly clear day.

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