Epic Mt Wilson: An Inspiring SoCal Six Pack of Peaks Hike
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This Memorial Day, I tackled my third hike in the SoCal Six Pack of Peaks Challenge by conquering Mt Wilson in Los Angeles. The journey was filled with steep ascents, breathtaking views, and unforgettable moments. Join me as I recount the highs and lows of this thrilling adventure, sharing the beauty and challenges of hiking one of LA’s most iconic peaks.
About Mt Wilson
Mt. Wilson is famous for several key features that make it a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts:
- Mt. Wilson Observatory: The mountain is home to the historic Mt. Wilson Observatory, which played a crucial role in early 20th-century astronomy. It houses the 100-inch Hooker telescope, once the largest in the world, and is where Edwin Hubble made significant discoveries about the expanding universe.
- Scenic Views: The summit of Mt. Wilson offers stunning panoramic views of the Los Angeles Basin, the San Gabriel Valley, and, on clear days, even out to the Pacific Ocean. The vistas are particularly breathtaking at sunrise and sunset.
- Challenging Hikes: The trails leading to Mt. Wilson, including the Mount Wilson via Little Santa Anita Canyon route, are known for their rigorous climbs and scenic beauty. These trails attract hikers looking for both a physical challenge and the reward of incredible natural landscapes.
- Flora and Fauna: The mountain is rich in biodiversity, featuring a variety of plant and animal species. Hikers often enjoy the lush forests, seasonal wildflowers, and occasional wildlife sightings.
- Broadcast Towers: The peak of Mt. Wilson is also dotted with numerous broadcast towers, which serve as a major transmission hub for radio and television stations in the greater Los Angeles area.
These features combine to make Mt. Wilson a significant and intriguing destination for both scientific exploration and outdoor recreation.
About Mt Wilson Trail
The trail I chose for this hike was Mount Wilson via the Little Santa Anita Canyon route. Spanning 14.2 miles out and back, this path is renowned for its challenging yet rewarding nature. With an elevation gain of 4,852 feet, the route offered a mix of steep climbs and more moderate stretches, all set against lush canyon scenery. The trail winds through dense forests, along rocky ridges, and past stunning viewpoints, making every step a new adventure. Whether navigating switchbacks or pausing to admire the cascading streams, the Little Santa Anita Canyon route encapsulates the diverse beauty and demanding terrain that Mt. Wilson is famous for. Keep in mind that if you choose to take your photo with the wooden sign, that adds an extra mile to your hike.
Free on-street parking is available near the trailhead.
Gear Recommendation for your Mt Wilson hike
Hiking Mt Wilson from Sierra Madre
The Ascent to Mt Wilson
Starting the Hike
I started my hike at 8:40 am after driving up from San Diego. The trailhead is marked with a wooden gate, which makes a great photo opportunity! It also comes with several warning signs related to heat danger. The first part of the hike is very exposed, so carry enough water and know your limits. Reaching the top is not worth compromising your health. There is also a sign that the trail is dog-friendly but requires dogs to always be on a leash. However, I noticed that the people I saw on Monday did not comply with that rule!
Trail Description
The ascent is a steady uphill, with seldom flats and downhills. Don’t be fooled by the occasional flat stretch; a steeper uphill usually follows! It’s quite a brutal 7.1-mile climb to the top.
Shade and Scenery
Despite the trail’s reputation for being exposed, I was surprised by how much shade was available. I could always find a stump or rock to rest on in the shade when I needed it. Much of the trail is in the forest, surrounded by trees. Of course, since you’re outdoors, there is some exposure to the elements, but it’s not in the sun the whole way up.
Stream Crossings, waterfalls, and scenic views
I encountered two stream crossings and saw three waterfalls.
As you climb, the views get better and better. You’ll see LA, but then you’ll start seeing Santiago Peak, Hot Springs Mountain, and High Point.
Santiago Peak was sticking out above the clouds on the day I went, which was quite scenic. Higher up, you’ll start seeing San Jacinto, Baldy, San Gorgonio, Mount Baden-Powell, and more. I can only imagine how even more picturesque it must be when these are all covered in snow, but even in spring, the views were worth the hike.
The Final Stretch
The last two miles were the most grueling for me. I felt like they were never-ending. As a typical sunset hiker, I’m not too fond of morning hikes due to the food intake early in the day. This one was tough towards the end, but after 4h 35mins, I cannot express how accomplished I felt when I finally reached the parking lot at the top of the trail! Many summit visitors who drove up were amazed by the hikers who walked up. It was a great feeling.
The Summit at Mt Wilson
You arrive from the trail into a large parking lot with beautiful views over the city. Just a few steps away, you’ll find the Cosmic Cafe, closed when I visited. There is also a water refill station and a large picnic area with many tables available in both the shade and the sun. Many bugs were around the picnic area; a bug net is highly recommended!
Facilities
One of the highlights of reaching the summit was discovering the real (and clean!!) toilets. These restrooms have disposable toilet seat covers, toilet paper, hot water, and soap. It might sound silly, but this was quite the treat! Having such amenities on top of a summit after a tough climb was a luxury. The only thing that could have made it better would have been the cafe being open to enjoy a cool drink or ice cream.
Exploring the Summit
After enjoying lunch at a picnic table, I explored the summit and looked for the wooden sign for my obligatory summit photo. If you want to take your picture with the wooden sign, head to the observatory and follow the signs to “Echo Park.” This adds another mile for the return trip, but it’s totally worth it for the great views of the San Gabriel and San Bernardino Mountain ranges.
On my way to the observatory, I also came across the Astronomical Museum. This single-room museum features historical photographs taken by the Mount Wilson telescopes, as well as photographic histories of the observatory and vignettes of current research programs.
The Descent
The descent back to Sierra Madre was easy peasy and a lot more pleasant than the ascent! During the ascent, I thought I might regret not having my trekking poles with me, but I was actually completely fine without them.
Of course, I was wearing my new-ish Lone Peak 8, so I had a good grip on my soles. That accounts for a lot! Some areas can be sketchy, and I still would recommend bringing trekking poles if you prefer extra stability.
After 2 hours and 20 minutes, I was back down at my car and ready to drive home after many stretches!!!
Wildlife Encounters
One of the highlights of my hike was the diverse wildlife I encountered along the way.
While taking a break on a stump, I had an eerie feeling of being watched. When I looked to my left, I was delighted to see two deer a few yards up the trail, calmly observing me. I managed to capture this serene moment on film.
Later, after crossing the second stream, I spotted a snake slithering across the trail. This sighting made me jumpy for the rest of the hike, as every rustling lizard had me bracing for another snake.
On my way back down, I encountered the most charming squirrel, who graciously posed for a photo and a short video, adding a delightful end to my wildlife sightings.
My Stats
I completed my hike from Sierra Madre to Mt. Wilson in 6 hours and 8 minutes of moving time. The ascent took approximately 4 hours and 35 minutes, while the descent took about 2 hours and 20 minutes. I did not record the additional mile round trip to the wooden sign for my photo, which also added some elevation gain.
Relive my hike to Mt Wilson
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Final thoughts on hiking Mt Wilson
Hiking Mt. Wilson was my hardest hike this year, yet I consider it one of the ‘easiest’ in the original SoCal Six Pack of Peaks challenge. This means I have a lot to look forward to. The unexpected wildlife encounters, especially seeing deer in LA, made my day. Although I could have done without seeing the snake, it was still a great adventure. Holiday traffic in LA made the experience more pleasant, easing my 4-hour round-trip drive to the trailhead. If you love hiking and are looking for a new challenge, I highly recommend tackling the SoCal Six Pack of Peaks. Share your own hiking experiences and tips in the comments below—I’d love to hear your stories!
Post originally published on June 5, 2024, and last updated on November 13, 2024.
