updated 10/25/23
Prayer podcasts: for the city | for the officials
A small mountain community located high in the San Gabriel Mountains, off of Interstate 15 take Highway 138 to Highway 2 (the Angeles Crest Highway) until you reach Wrightwood central. The region brings tourists from all over the world to enjoy the snow, Pacific Crest trail and Jackson Lake to name a few.
Demographics: Estimated population [2023] 4,568. 83% white, 1% African American, 1% Native American; 1% Asian, 11% Hispanic; and 3% other. Overall crime grade is B- [see below for more details.]
The Serrano (Mountaineers) Indians (aka Yuharetum or the People of the Pines) lived there at first. After Spaniards came to the area, they took the Indians to San Bernardino, taught them their ways and customs in exchange for how they lived in the mountains. Considered self-sufficient hearty people. Known to say, "From the day the Creator placed us on Mother Earth we have lived in harmony with all living things and the spirit world our connection to the Great Mystery." Many of the Indians died from smallpox but were awarded San Manuel reservation and now reside there.
After the Mexicans took over the area, Spaniards left, and then followed Nathan and Truman Swarthout, Mormons who ranched the area and left to return to Utah. The Swarthout valley is named after their pioneer time. Afterwards, the Wrights came to have ranches and sell apples. This is how the name Wrightwood came to be. Then the city became a destination for Southern Californians, especially in the winter months when there is snow.
“Popular recreational destination for hiking, snow activities, camping, motorcycling and more. Can enjoy with families in the San Gabriel Mountains. Unwind and experience the majestic beauty.”
Location of Wrightwood in SBC
Specific Prayer Points
Spiritual issues: Ministers would pray together for the town and people; local believers would share their faith with boldness; lives shackled by drugs or alcohol would be set free; reformation begins in the hearts of the people, conviction of sin and repentance that leads to transformed lives, intercessors to arise to pray for this city, revival and an awakening
Environmental issues: drought, snow, flooding, rockslides, road closures
Safety issues: vehicle & motorcycle accidents, on Highway 2, 138 and Interstate 15; many locals commute to work; hikers lost or hurt
Poverty rate: 12%; poorest are 12-17 at 20%; 18-59 at 13%; children under 6 at 12%
Crime issues: [2022] A crime occurs every 2 days 22 hours (on average) in Wrightwood; overall crime grade is A; violent crime is B; property crime is B+ and other crime is A; top crime issues are drug crimes and burglary at 5%.
Governed by: 1st District San Bernardino County & Wrightwood Community Services District
School district: Snowline
Points of interest: Mountain High Snow resort; Mountain Biking; Pacific Crest Trail; Wrightwood Friends of the Library; Wrightwood Historical Society; Sambridge Vineyards; Wrightwood Arts Center
Churches
Community United Methodist – Pastor David Conrad
Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Church - Fr. Joachim
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints– town history began with Mormons
Camps
Camp Wrightwood – any faith can use the facilities
Mount Kare Camp - enabling people to experience the truth of the Gospel and the loving kindness of Jesus in an environment where the still small voice of God can be heard
Camp Edward L Kopszywa - YMCA
Lions Camps at Teresita Pines - to provide beautiful mountain facilities for group camping, emphasizing the needs of the disabled.
AYF Camp Big Pines - established to provide an opportunity for Armenian youth living in the Diaspora to learn their history, reconnect with their heritage and foster life-long friendships
New Journey Camp & Retreat Center - Hawthorne Youth Camp - a Christian camp, and one of our goals is to provide a phenomenal camping experience for everyone. It is our aim to create a safe environment in which campers can experience God's love and respond to His call upon their lives.