Mt. Wilson via Chantry Flats

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Difficulty: Difficult
Length: 12.6 miles / 20.3 km
Duration: Full day

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Overview: Standing prominently above Pasadena, Mount Wilson is a Southern California landmark. The 5,710 foot summit is home for an observatory responsible for the most detailed photos of Mars as well a vast array of antennae for local LA radio and television stations. While the summit is steeped in astronomical wonder and tremendous views of Los Angeles, the trails are the real beauty of this hike.

There are several trails you can take to the top of Mt. Wilson, but this challenging 13 mile loop is the most beautiful. It starts at the Chantry Flats trailhead above Arcadia, and includes a one mile detour to view the beautiful Sturtevant Falls before climbing 4,200' to the top of Mt. Wilson.

This is the first of six southern California summits in the 6-Pack of Peaks bundle. Done in sequence, they provide great training anyone preparing for bigger hikes such as Mt. Whitney or Half Dome. Each hike in the 6-Pack is progressively higher in altitude, and all have respectable distance and vertical elevation gain.

Tips: Parking requires a National Forest Adventure Pass. You can purchase a pass at the pack station. This is a popular trailhead and the parking fills up quickly, often by 7:00 AM. Plan to start early or you may end up parking quite far from the trailhead.

The segment to Sturtevant Falls is family-friendly, but does include a few boulder-hopping stream crossings. Trekking poles come in handy, as do shoes with good tread.

Some sections of these trails are shared with horses and mountain bikes. Be alert and courteous.

When you get back to the trailhead, stop by the general store at the pack station for a cold drink and a snack. Sometimes on the weekends they fire up the BBQ!

Points of Interest

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Trailhead to Sturtevant Falls

The first .5 miles is a paved trail that descends down Santa Anita Canyon. You'll find the trailhead just down the stairs to the right of the restroom next to the parking lot.

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Bridge over Winter Creek

Once you cross this bridge, your initial downhill comes to and end and you begin the gentle climb to Sturtevant Falls.

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[JCT] Junction with the Gabrielino Trail

The Gabrielino trail has two branches that head up the hill. Make a note of this junction, as you will return here after visiting the Sturtevant Falls. When you do, you'll take the more scenic Lower Gabrieleno Trail.

Here is when we had to cross the creek the first time, kind of tricky with my 5 year old daughter. Photo

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Sturtevant Falls

This 50 foot waterfall is worth the brief detour. It makes a perfect spot to take photos and gives your legs a chance to warm up for the climb to Mt. Wilson.

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Spruce Grove Campground

There are chemical toilets here, and a few backpacker campsites. This makes a good spot for a breather.

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Switchbacks

This final climb is a steep one, but it's made a little easier by a multitude of switchbacks. As you get closer, the views over Santa Anita and beyond begin to unfold.

The trail can be very dry away from the streams Photo

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Water

There is tap water available here near the footbridge. The only chance to refill your water bottles!

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Mt. Wilson

The "summit" of Mt. Wilson is rather anti-climatic. It's a broad area with no well-defined peak. There are several telescopes and a large number of television and radio antennae. Really I would describe this as more of the Mt. Wilson "complex," complete with roads, cars, and buildings.

It can be tricky to find your way through the complex. Follow the road that dissects the facility, heading west. You'll find the old visitor center and the broad gravel lot where the real trail resumes.

Array of telecommunications towers Photo

Information at the top of Mt. Wilson Photo

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Mt. Wilson Visitors Center

The visitors center is currently closed (including the restrooms), but there is a covered area with picnic tables that make a good spot for a lunch break. There are plans to construct a new-and-improved visitor center, so expect some construction and potential detours through this area.

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Trailhead

Pick up the trail back down and the far west side of the gravel lot. As of May 2010, this area was fenced off, but you can hike around the perimeter to the trailhead.

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Old Toll Road

You'll join a gravel road known as the Old Toll Road and follow it downhill for about .5 miles. Your next trail junction will be on your left.

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[JCT] Watch for the sign for Winter Creek

This trail head left away from the gravel road. Watch for the sign -- it is weathered and you could miss it if you're not paying attention!

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[JCT] Upper Winter Creek Trail

At this junction, you bear to the left for Hoegee Camp and the scenic Winter Creek.

As an option, you can take the Upper Winter Creek trail back to the parking lot. It's about a mile longer, but downhill all the way.

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Hoegee Campground

Another backpacker's campground. Not an ideal getaway, as it's right off the trail, but might be a nice introduction to backpacking for someone new.

It's worth noting that there are bears in the San Gabriel mountains.

Bears (Mount Wilson, California, United States) Photo

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[JCT] Across Winter Creek

You'll recognize this bridge. It's the same one you crossed earlier today. Now you hike back up the paved trail to your cars. Be sure to stop in at the general store at Adams Pack Station before you leave and enjoy a treat. You earned it!

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Restroom

The facilities at the trailhead get a lot of use. There are cleaner toilets just up the hill in the middle of the picnic area.

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Parking

A National Forest Adventure Pass is required for parking. This lot fills up early, often by 7am. Overflow parking is available at the Chantry Flats Pack Station for a fee.

Pictures in this guide taken by: jeffhester, kylehayes, evergiron, Joren

How does this work?

Completed solo, but it would have been more fun with friends to share it with. It was challenging, but definitely worth it. At the Mt. Wilson observatory, there is a cafeteria, "Cosmic Cafe", where you can get sandwiches and snacks (reasonably priced too) and covered area with nice views.
Bathroom is open and they kept it very clean. Started at Chantry flat at 8am and returned at 4pm with 1.5 hr lunch break at Mt. Wilson. Warning: Lots of bugs up there make sure you use plenty of DEET. Thank you Jeffhester for the guide. You inspired me !!
Visited on Sep 11, 2011

by thx123 on Sep 13, 2011 at 09:53:30 pm