If you’ve been around Wrightwood the past month, you’ve probably noticed an influx of Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) hikers passing through town as they make the long journey from Mexico to Canada. They’re easy to spot with their large backpacks, brimmed hats, and hiking poles. You might even catch a whiff of them before you see them standing behind you in line at the market.
But have you noticed something else? Many of these hikers are wandering around town in whimsical pajamas. This unique trend is thanks to Wrightwood local Arlene Corte and her property management team at Wrightwood Getaway home rentals (wrightwoodgetaway.com). Any PCT hikers who book a stay in one of Arlene’s cozy mountain homes can choose from a rack of fun footie pajamas and gowns, which offer a much-needed break from their trail-worn hiking gear.
“The hikers are just happy to put something on that’s not their hiking clothes,” says Arlene, who has been managing short-term rentals in Wrightwood since 2011.
After years of hosting hikers, Arlene realized they were eager to do laundry but had nothing else to wear while their clothes dried. Instead of having them wait around in towels, she began offering comfy onesies and nightgowns to the travelers. The soft, loose-fitting garments provide comfort and relief, with many hikers wearing them out of the house and into town. Perhaps you’ve spotted someone in a pink elephant pajama set at the Village Grind. That’s one of Arlene’s playful PJs, and it’s an all-time favorite among the hikers.
“I look for them at yard sales, and many have been donated by residents, but they have to be fun!” Arlene explains. Her pajama collection now includes more than 60 pairs, ranging from granny gowns to colorful bright prints, and has rightfully earned the nickname Pajama Mama. Each of her rentals is stocked with a rack of pajamas, reflecting Wrightwood’s warm, hometown hospitality.
Arlene is one of many locals who go out of their way to help PCT hikers during the spring hiking season. This year, hikers have had to bypass some sections of the PCT in Wrightwood due to closures from the Bridge Fire. As a result, many are detouring through Lone Pine Canyon Road to reach town. Residents have been offering rides to hikers hitchhiking along that stretch. If you decide to pick someone up, be sure to point them toward Mountain Hardware, a must-stop for any PCT hiker. The store offers gear, supplies and a “Welcome to Wrightwood” guide book that lists places to stay and contact numbers for locals willing to help give rides out.
Here are a few more local spots that go the extra mile for PCT hikers:
- Love Roots Yoga Shala, 1329 Hwy. 2, Wrightwood
Offers one free class to PCT hikers looking to stretch and relax. Weekly schedules are available at loverootsyogashala.com. - Wrightwood Library, 6011 Pine St., Wrightwood
Provides internet access and air conditioning. Hikers may take one free paperback from the Friends of the Library bookstore. The library is closed on Fridays and Sundays. - Evergreen Café, 1269 Evergreen Rd., Wrightwood
Offers a 10% discount to PCT hikers. Open daily. - Traded Threads, 6020 Park Dr., Suite 5, Wrightwood
Located above the Village Grind, this secondhand store offers affordable clothing and even helps patch tents and sew up hiking gear for PCT hikers. Open Thursday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Whether it’s a ride up the mountain, a hot meal or a cozy pajama set, Wrightwood welcomes hikers each year and continues to be a memorable stop on the PCT.
