Mt. Wilson
With only minor topographical prominence the peak is not naturally noticeable from a distance, although it is easily identifiable due to the large number of antennas near its summit. It is a subsidiary peak of nearby San Gabriel Peak. It is the location of the Mount Wilson Observatory, which is an important astronomical facility in Southern California with historic 60-inch (1,524 mm) and 100-inch (2,540 mm) telescopes, and 60-foot (18.3 m) and 150-foot (45.7 m) solar towers. The newer CHARA Array, run by Georgia State University, is also sited there and does important interferometric stellar research.
Trek Details:
DIFFICULTY: Difficult to Advanced
DISTANCE: ~ 12 miles (RT) (19.3km)
TIME: ~ 5 hours
ELEVATION GAIN: ~ 6,594’ (2009 m)
For ultralight hikers and trail runners
(Not Recommended for beginner hikers)
Where to Meet Up
Trail head
– Find us around the Mount Wilson Trail Park on the corner of E. Mira Monte Ave & Mt. Wilson Trail Rd.
Facilities:
– Restrooms can be found at Mount Wilson Trail Park at 190 E. Mira Monte Ave.
Parking:
– In Google Maps:
Look up 189 E Mira Monte Ave, Sierra Madre, CA 91024
– Additional Parking Further down the street on the corner of N. Baldwin Ave.
Details:
DIFFICULTY: Difficult to Advanced
DISTANCE: ~ 12 miles (RT) (19.3km)
TIME: ~ 5 hours
ELEVATION GAIN: ~ 6,594’ (2009 m)
For ultralight hikers and trail runners
(Not Recommended for beginner hikers)
THE PLAN:
Plan for a 5 hour hike, 12 miles out and back.
Ascent Route:
– Mt. Wilson Trail from Sierra Madre to the summit.
Descent Route 1:
– Out n Back, down the way we came.
Descent Route 2:
– For Peak Baggers:
using a diversion on a firebreak, bagging 3 additional peaks on the way down; Mt. Harvard, Mt. Yale, and Jones Peak.
Descent Route 1
Out N Back
Descent Route 2
for peak Baggers
What to Bring
Gear List:
Running Vest:
– Best pack option for going light and fast.
– With hydration bladder or bottles.
Footwear:
– Well broken in trail runners or lightweight hiking boots (Trail runners work well on this trail) – (sneakers are ok for this trail too)
– Light-weight to Mid-weight socks … (be familiar with the brand/style)
– Gators are ‘optional’ for the descent which can get loose and gravelly. Your choice.
– (NO BRAND NEW FOOTWEAR)
Sun Protection:
– Hat (cap or wide brim hat) – Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
– Chapstick or Carmex
– Buff / Bandanna
– Sunglasses
Pocket Calories:
– Trail treats… Things that can fit in your pockets but won’t melt:
-Energy Gels
– Starburst
– Tic Tacs
– Whatever you bring on a race… bring that!
Clothing:
– Sports shirt (moisture wicking) … it will get sweaty.
Trekking Poles:
– Personal choice, Not a requirement, but may help, especially on the downhill.
Pack List:
Pack/Vest:
– A trail running vest works best if you want to go fast and light (just minimize bulky contents to bare minimum)
If bringing a pack, try and go as small and tight as possible (no rope style straps)
Water:
– .75 to 1.5 liters
– Gatorade (full sugar) can take care of most your water and glucose needs.
Food:
– Bring a snack like a granola bar
– There’s a small cafe near the summit, bring a little cash.
– (optional extras) like trail mix or cookies, something with high calories …. but keep it small
– Pack extra emergency glucose, like gels, glucose tabs, or candy that won’t melt in the heat.
Winter Layers: (winter only)
– Wind jacket
– Beanie
– Light gloves
– Mid-layer (anything with long sleeves will work, just nothing too bulky) – Extra pair of socks (light weight)
It might be windy and chilly at the summit. We can add or subtract layers as needed.
Other Pack Essentials:
(Not required, but Just to be safe… )
– Headlamp
– Batteries
– Antacid
– Camera
– Glucose meter + strips
– CGM backup
– Emergency insulin (in cooling pack like a frio) either pen or vial+syringe
At least 1 person in the party should carry: – First Aid Kit (small)
– Blister Treatment
– Phone
– Charger+Cords
– GPS
– Satellite Communicator
– Map
– Emergency glucose
Picture By:
Other Stuff:
LNT:
We will be traveling in an urban forest/national forest ecosystem, so we will practice Minimal Impact Principles.
Whatever we pack in, we will be packing out.
Feel free to bring an extra ZipLoc bag for litter.
Leave rocks, trees, wildlife undisturbed.
For more info or questions: email:
info@typeoneoutdoors.com