Wrightwood is a census-designated place situated in San Bernardino County, California, within the United States. It rests at an elevation of 6,208 feet in a pine-covered valley of the San Gabriel Mountains. The community lies approximately 77 miles northeast of Los Angeles and serves as a residential hub for over 4,000 full-time residents.

The area was first developed in the nineteenth century by Nathan and Truman Swarthout as cattle ranches. Later, Sumner Wright’s main ranch was subdivided into residential and commercial lots, allowing a community to take root by the 1920s. Early ski enthusiasts discovered the north-facing slopes, with the area originally known as Big Pines becoming part of a Los Angeles County park until 1937.

The Pacific Crest Trail passes through Wrightwood, highlighting its outdoor character. Just west sits Big Pines, hosting Mountain High Resort, a popular ski and snowboard destination consisting of Three Mountains. The community also features Serrano High School in neighboring Phelan, which serves students from Wrightwood and Piñon Hills, alongside various local elementary and middle schools.

Wrightwood attracts visitors through its recreational opportunities, particularly skiing and hiking along the Pacific Crest Trail. The area has a history of outdoor enthusiasm, with early ski seasons opening in 1946–47 featuring new chairlifts and specialized ski schools. Its highland position moderates summer heat, while winter brings precipitation comparable to northern California areas, though snowpacks remain unstable due to daytime temperatures.

The population was 4,720 as of the 2020 census, up from 4,525 in 2010. The climate is Mediterranean, influenced by highland elevation, with dry summers and snowy winters exacerbated by orographic lift. Parks and wastewater are maintained by the Wrightwood community service district, and the area is accessible via highways connecting to major routes in Cajon Pass.