Exploring the Mt Wilson Trail: Challenging Hike with Breathtaking Views

Exploring the Mt Wilson Trail: Challenging Hike with Breathtaking Views

Hiking the Historic Mt Wilson Trail

Step off the beaten path and venture onto the Mt Wilson Trail, the oldest and quietest route to the summit of Mt Wilson. This mellow trail offers a peaceful escape from the crowds and kid-filled waterfall treks of the popular Chantry Flat route. As you ascend the side of Little Santa Anita Canyon, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking vistas and a peek into the trail's storied past. If you've only hiked Mt Wilson from Chantry Flat, this lesser-known route is a must-try.

Navigate the Trail

Reaching the trailhead is a breeze. Park on the street (for free) around Mt Wilson Trail Park and walk a few minutes up the road to the actual trailhead. The address for your GPS is:

Mt Wilson Trail Park, 189 E Mira Monte Ave, Sierra Madre, CA 91024

The residential neighborhood is quiet, so be mindful and respectful, especially if you're an early riser. There are public restrooms in the park, but they can be locked, so plan accordingly. There are restrooms at the summit as well.

Osprey Hikelite 26 - My go-to daypack. Light, tough, and keeps my back dry with the trampoline mesh.

Prepare for the Journey

This challenging, lengthy hike requires the right gear to ensure a successful trek. Pack 3L of water, snacks, proper navigation equipment, and maybe some bug spray for good measure. At the summit, you can refill your water bottles and grab a bite to eat at the Cosmic Cafe (hours may vary, and it's seasonal).

Norda 001 - Like a monster truck and a comfy pillow had a featherweight baby, for your feet.

Here are some top-notch gear recommendations for the journey:

1. Osprey Hikelite 26 - My trusted daypack. It's lightweight, tough, and keeps my back dry with its trampoline mesh.
2. Norda 001 - Footwear that's like a monster truck and comfortable pillow rolled into one, ideal for your feet.
3. Garmin inReach Mini 2 - When I need 100% reliable SOS coverage in the backcountry, this is my go-to.
4. AllTrails Plus - (30% off link) Access up-to-date trip reports and enhance your hiking experience with offline maps, off-trail alerts, and Garmin sync.
5. Garmin Fenix 8 - After a few updates, it became my reliable companion for maps, tracking, and routing.

Garmin inReach Mini 2 - When I need 100% reliable SOS coverage, this is what I take in the backountry.

Mt Wilson Trail - More Than a Hike

The Mt Wilson Trail is steeped in history and local significance. Named after General Patton's grandfather, Benjamin Davis Wilson, a prominent figure in the 1800s, this trail follows the same route as the Native American Tongya who summit this peak.

AllTrails Plus - (30% off link) Up-to-date trip reports. Plus adds offline maps, off-trail alerts, and Garmin sync.

The Mount Wilson Observatory, which dates back to the early 1900s, can be found at the summit. Over time, the trail has hosted popular tourist attractions,such as First Water, a popular picnic spot and water refill station from the 1890s, the Quarter-Way House general store, Orchard Camp, and Lizzie's Trail Inn, all of which played a significant role in the trail's history.

Before the development of modern roads, the trail was the only access route to the summit, showcasing its historical significance. Unfortunately, the trail fell into disrepair in the 1950s, prompting the creation of the Sierra Madre Community Foundation to help restore the trail for all to enjoy.

Garmin Fenix 8 - Took a few updates to get right, but now it's rock solid for me. I use it for maps, tracking, and routing.

The Mt Wilson Trail has become much more than just a hiking route. It has a rich cultural history, including its role as the second oldest trail race in California, the Mount Wilson Trail Race, which brings together the community every year with training runs, a kids' fun run, Pasta Feed Dinner, and vendor booths.

For more detailed information on the trail's history, check out this excellent write-up here.

Conquer the Mt Wilson Trail - Hike Directions

Follow this guide to make the most of your trek:

1. Start at the Mt Wilson Trailhead (Mt Wilson Trail Park, 189 E Mira Monte Ave, Sierra Madre, CA 91024).
2. Follow the trail signs as you ascend Little Santa Anita Canyon, marveling at the stunning views and historical landmarks.
3. After trekking for a while, you'll encounter First Water, a popular picnic spot and water refill station from the 1890s.
4. Continue on the trail and pass by Orchard Camp, a resort from the 1890s to the 1930s, as well as the ruins of Quarter-Way House.
5. Take a moment to explore the Mount Wilson Observatory at the summit and catch your breath before the descent.
6. Refill your water bottles at the Cosmic Cafe (if open) and enjoy the journey down.

Fully prepared for the journey ahead, pack essentials such as water, snacks, navigation equipment, and perhaps some bug spray. With the Osprey Hikelite 26 as your daypack, ensure a comfortable and efficient carry, with its trampoline mesh keeping your back dry.

Wear footwear like the Norda 001, designed like a monster truck and comfy pillow, providing ideal support for the challenging hike.

Navigate the trail using reliable gear, including the Garmin inReach Mini 2 for SOS coverage in the backcountry and AllTrails Plus for up-to-date trip reports and offline maps.

Stepping off the beaten path, venture onto the Mt Wilson Trail, the oldest route to the summit of Mt Wilson, offering breathtaking vistas and an insight into its storied past. Hike the historic trail, ascending the side of Little Santa Anita Canyon, marveling at landmarks like First Water, Orchard Camp, and the Mount Wilson Observatory.

Once you reach the summit, soak in the views, refill your water bottles at the Cosmic Cafe, and embark on the descent, rewarding yourself for conquering the Mt Wilson Trail – more than just a hiking route, it's a journey steeped in history and local significance.

Read also: