Directions: Map will get you to the location without issue. However, Mitchell is right about the difficulty in finding an appropriate turnout.
Date: September, 2010.
Notes: There is an additional collection area south of the Inspiration Point turn out. Take the Blue Ridge Truck Trail from the southern side of the turnout approximately six miles to the campgrounds. From there, take the hiking trail leading out of the campground approximately 9/10ths of a mile. I did not have time to examine this location – it was relayed to me by another rock hound so I cannot verify the exact directions. If we head back there, I’ll try and get better directions.
The Blue Ridge Truck Trail is partially paved and most vehicles will have no problem using it although it will be a long six miles since your overall speed will be around 10 mph. Be careful as it is a single lane and is utilized by vehicles, mountain bikers, hikers, and ATVs. It was busier than I had anticipated.
We stopped in Wrightwood itself and found some actinolite (and other items we’ll need identified). This was in the (at the time) dry stream bed that intersects Highway 2 on the east side of Wrightwood between Sheep Creek Drive and Dump Road. We parked on the north side of Highway 2 just east of the bridge where the stream crosses under the highway. In 30 minutes of walking along the streambed and examining the rocks, we pulled up two large pieces (2″ diameter) of actinolite and several smaller (nickle-sized) pieces. Obviously, this works only during the dry season. Do not try this during rainy weather or during the wet season! The stream shows a violent amount of tumbling action. The green actinolite stands out in comparison to the gray gravel. I also did a quick inspection of the area and did not see any “No Trespassing” signs.
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