Last Call for Snow

It may be 80 degrees down in the Valley, but up above in the Angeles National Forest, there's still snow... for now. Given these temps, I can't imagine it will be around much longer.

That's why you oughta drive up there in the next few days. If you want to get in some sledding or a good snowball fight, act now, before winter is officially history.

We got quite a bit of reaction from our last visit up into the mountains a few weeks ago. When I tell people of how we "drove up to the snow," and suggest they do the same, everyone assumes we were talking about Big Bear.

Too far, and too much traffic, they said.

Exactly. That's why you should be heading up the Angeles Crest Highway -- also known as the 2 -- instead. From our home in Glendale to the snow, it's about a 45 minute drive. That's it.

On Saturday, we recruited a few family members -- including two of Evan's cousins -- to once again hit the snow. After lunch at Newcomb's Ranch (the only restaurant up there; review to come), we still found huge hillsides full of snow.



A lot of snow has definitely disappeared since our last visit; but seeing how it was several feet in places back then, there's still plenty to go around.

This time, we came prepared: Container tops that doubled as sleds. Ski pants. Gloves. It may be 60 degrees up there, but the snow itself is still cold.



A few tips, if you're gonna head up there in the next few days:

-- It's warm up there right now, so light jackets are fine. Perhaps ski pants and gloves, since you'll still be playing in the snow. Bring snow toys, such as a sled. And your camera, to send shots of you frolicking in the snow under 70 degree temps for your unbelieving friends and family.

-- Fill the tank and bring a few snacks. You're driving into the forest, and there are no gas stations or stores, save the Newcomb's Ranch restaurant.

-- From L.A., take the 2 freeway north to the 210 east. Get off on the first exit, the one that reads "Angeles Crest Highway." Take a left on to the Angeles Crest -- and that's it. You'll be driving straight up into the mountains. Once you pass La Canada Flintridge into the mountains, it's a curvy drive the entire way.

-- Purchase a $5 parking pass at the ranger station you encounter about 20 minutes in; this is at the one fork in the road, where you have an option to drive to Palmdale. (Don't drive to Palmdale.) The pass allows you to park anywhere in the Angeles National Forest. Also, for peace of mind, ask the ranger if there's snow up above.



-- Keep driving, even as you start to see snow on the ground. For the ultimate experience, you want to drive above 7,000 feet, where the snow (at this moment, at least) remains plentiful. How will you know you've made it? Once you pass the Mt. Waterman ski resort, which is still bustling with snow play. At that point, keep your eyes peeled for relatively flat breaks in the hills, and parking on the side of the road. Yes, this is D.I.Y. snow play.

-- Marvel at how you left your house at noon, drove up to the mountain and spent an hour in the snow, and were still back home by 3.