Portion of Highway 2 to Wrightwood, Mountain High reopens after storm damage
The main road into Wrightwood and to Mountain High resort has reopened to again allow visitors back into the popular mountain town.
Highway 2 – from Highway 138 in San Bernardino County to west of Mountain High – reopened Tuesday, Jan. 6, the Wrightwood Chamber of Commerce announced. It’s welcome news as the town struggles to repair following devastating floods on Christmas Eve.
“After a period of limited access, our town is excited to see guests return.” an announcement from Chamber president Janice Quick says. She encourages visitors to come experience “the small-town charm” of Wrightwood.
The main artery into town near Mountain High resort was damaged during winter storms that brought more than 16 inches of rain into the tourist town. Caltrans says Highway 2 will remain closed from Big Pines Highway to Glenwood Camp Road in Los Angeles County.
While it’s unknown exactly how many homes and businesses were impacted, news reports estimated at least 50 structures buried in several feet of mud.
While residents have been able to access the area in recent days, tourists were kept while repair work took place.
Mountain High, which also was damaged when rivers of water eroded the slopes, is not yet open, but most of the repair work has been completed, said John McColly, vice president of marketing for the resort.
They hope temperatures will drop in coming days, enough to make man-made snow so skiers and snowboarders can return, he said.
Meanwhile, local businesses are open and ready to serve, Quick said.
“Whether planning a weekend getaway or a longer stay, now is the perfect time to come spend time in Wrightwood, relax, and reconnect with nature and community,” she said.
The San Bernardino County Office of Emergency Services is opening a center where residents in Wrightwood, Lytle Creek, Phelan, Piñon Hills and Hesperia who were impacted by the storms can received support and assistance. The center will be open from Jan. 8 through Jan. 10 and transportation will be provided to those who need it.
RELATED: Storm recovery center opening for Wrightwood, Lytle Creek residents
“We’re focused on two things: keeping people safe and helping communities recover,” First District Supervisor Col. Paul Cook said. “As response crews continue clearing roads and addressing storm damage, Local Assistance Centers will provide in-person support for residents navigating recovery needs.”
A local emergency for San Bernardino County was declared on Dec. 25, a day earlier a state of emergency was declared by Gov. Gavin Newsom, actions that make the county and its residents eligible for additional aid and can help connect residents with available local, state, federal and nonprofit recovery resources and guidance.
Representatives from the county, state and non-government organizations will be available to answer questions and connect people with services.
People who might have lost their jobs or had their businesses impacted can receive help. There will also be help for people dealing with their insurance companies, or for hiring a licensed contractor to repair or rebuild their homes.
The center is located at the Rick Novack Community Center, 13558 Palm St., Hesperia. Hours will be from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 8 and Friday, Jan. 9, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
Shuttle transportation to and from Care and Reception Centers to the assistance center will be available. Return transportation shuttle service is scheduled every 1–2 hours. Care and Reception Center pick-up locations are: 1275 CA-2, Wrightwood; 497 Lytle Creek Road, Lytle Creek, and 4176 Warbler Road, Phelan.
Information: prepare.sbcounty.gov/recoveryresources/