Grassy Hollow Visitor Center Brochure

Grassy Hollow Visitor Center 

Grassy Hollow Visitor Center is located within the beautiful high country of the Big Pines Recreation Area near Inspiration Point. The Center is about six miles west of Wrightwood on the scenic Angeles Crest Highway (State Route 2).

Grassy Hollow Visitor Center was built to replace the Big Pines Visitor Center which was destroyed by arson fire in 1987. Because Big Pines is located at the intersection of two earthquake faults, the decision was made to rebuild the Visitor Center at Grassy Hollow.

The new Visitor Center at Grassy Hollow was opened in August of 1996. The spacious, open-beamed redwood building is surrounded by a deck from which visitors can experience panoramic views of the mountains and the valley below. A favorite of visitors is the southern portion of the deck which features a fully accessible bird viewing area that was designed with the help of the Audubon Society.

Grassy Hollow houses exhibits, including an extensive wildlife display, a gift shop and an information desk staffed by the Volunteers of the Angeles National Forest. The Center offers the visitor an engaging atmosphere in which to learn about the flora, fauna, and natural history of the San Gabriel Mountains.

At Grassy Hollow, visitors can also find information regarding nearby recreation opportunities. National Forest Adventure Passes, campfire permits, brochures, books, and various types of maps are available as well.

Surrounding the Visitor Center building is the Grassy Hollow picnic area where picnic tables, barbecues and restrooms provide a pleasant, relaxing atmosphere.  The Pacific Crest Trail is adjacent to the picnic grounds and Jackson Flat Group Campground is nearby.

Admission is free. The Center is open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. The Center may be open by appointment on weekdays for planned programs, hikes and picnics for various organizations such as schools and scout groups. The Volunteers staff the Center at these times. To arrange for group programs, visit the website at www.grassyhollow.net, or telephone the Center on weekends at (626) 821-6737.

From Memorial Day to Labor Day, Saturday programs are held each weekend for the public. Most programs are conducted at the Visitor Center but some originate from locations close by. Program topics have included birds, plants, mammals, reptiles, fire prevention and safety. Guided walks in the field have covered themes such as fire ecology, earthquakes and nature. 

The Volunteers also conduct snowshoe walks in the winter months. Program schedules are posted at Grassy Hollow Visitor Center, at Big Pines In formation Station and on the bulletin boards in the campgrounds. For more information, call the Big Pines Information Station at (760) 249-3504 or visit the website at www.grassyhollow.net.

Issued: 7/11