Mount Wilson Trail
Mount Wilson Trail
4.5
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A full-day hike takes hikers up 7,000 feet.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.


4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles40 reviews
Excellent
29
Very good
10
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
0

Lady Gigglemug
Monrovia, CA2,541 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2021 • Friends
This trail definitely made it into my top 5 for the area! Yeah it packs quite an incline on the way up - but it’s no worse than Echo Mountain. Actually might be slightly less than Echo. We just did the First Water Trail and ended up at 4.4 miles and had gained 1180+ feet - but the incline is all on the way in and downhill all the way out, which is how I like it! I’d call this trail moderate.

There’s a split off about halfway with a sign - go left for “Charlie’s New Trail” or right for the “Old Mt Wilson” trail. We were feeling adventurous and explored Charlie’s New Trail!! It was awesome - waaaaayyy less traffic - the regular trail was packed - but it was Sunday morning so no surprise there. We took the Old Mt Wilson trail back down. I think Charlie’s New Trail may be just a tad longer but the inclines seemed similar.

There’s also another fork in the road at the end of this First Water trail - go left for Orchard Camp or right for “First Water” where you’ll find a nice bench and a lovely area with lots of small falls and pools, tons of trees and shade and boulders - and if you’re brave and venture to the left past the falls, the trail is just like a fairy land! I loved it! Peaceful and serene! Great place to take pics too.

The trail is pretty narrow and can be rocky. We didn’t use any poles - but I highly recommend decent hiking shoes. It’s well marked so you won’t get lost. There are some steep drops in places so just be aware of your footing and of passing trail runners. There’s some shade in places, especially at the start and at the First Water area - but you’ll for sure need sunscreen - I’d say the trail has about 30-35% shade overall.

Parking is street parking in the residential area and gets super busy - I highly recommend you come early. We got there before 8am Sunday and had to park waaaay down. There is a bathroom in the city park nearby but it was out of order on our visit this past Sunday (1/31/21). Looks like there’s a couple of cute museums near the city park part by the trailhead too!
Written 4 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Sreng L
South El Monte, CA121 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2020
Sunday hiking @ mt.wilson early morning. I started off at 9 AM and got to the top of the mt. at 3 pm; and I got to spend an hour up there, while everything closed, include an observatory, restroom, and cafe shop. All in all Great Experience, friendly people, and beautiful nature views ......
#sundayfunday😎 #morninghikes #afternoonhike🍁🍂 #waterfallsofinstagram #antennas #summitwilson #mt.wilson #angelesnationalforest🌲 #meditateeveryday #inclinenojoke #legsdays #2020goals
Written 14 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

missecho
Los Angeles, CA49 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2019
Several of the photos posted supposedly from Mt Wilson seem to actually be of places in Arizona or Utah. Not Mt. Wilson. That being said, it is scenic.
Written 19 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

chloe damm
Shorewood, WI38 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2018 • Family
Mt. Wilson trail is sooooooooooooper pretty. (pro tip: use the word soooooooooooooper-it grabs the attention and is a mix between so and super) There are a lot of pretty waterfalls and pools tucked away that you can stop at and there are gorgeous views of the city. It is also really close to Sierra Madre, so you can get a spot of lunch if you are hungry afterward. I would highly recommend bringing snacks on the hike with you, it is high altitude and there are a few uphills. A good snack is a pita pocket sandwich- I myself made the mistake of not bringing one, but some people we walked past did and I could not stop thinking about eating them for the rest of the hike. They are delicious! Other than that, there are a few spots on the hike where it would be really easy to take a tumble that leads to your death, but otherwise, I would highly recommend!!😁
Written 13 December 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jim V
201 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2018 • Couples
A strenuous climb up the historic trail rewards you with a mile high vista of Southern California and views through the historic telescope delivered by mule way back in 1900.
Bring lots of sunscreen and water for this exposed trail.
Written 24 August 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

mark112018
Newington, CT8 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2018 • Family
This is a fantastic spot to go see. Very interesting drive through mountains. Your at 5713 feet at top. Fairly easy trails around the observatory. Great for taking pictures. Make sure you get parking pass if you leave your car in lot at top.
Written 24 August 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Robert L
Pasadena, CA737 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2018 • Family
I keep thinking I want to make it to the top but keep heading out that way on hot days. This is a real nice get away from the busy busy busy Los Angeles Basin.
Take at least one bottle of water for every hour you plan to hike and make sure to take your first hike in cool weather and remember to wear a hat.
Written 1 May 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

buffalojim67
Lawrence, KS1,282 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2018 • Solo
The Mount Wilson Trail on Mira Monte Avenue in Pasadena is a very sceinc way to see some of the area and get some good exercise, too.
Written 8 April 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

seetheworld010
Sedona, AZ1,146 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2017 • Couples
Right from the start. We huffed and puffed for over two hours until we ran out of steam. We were on Wilson Mountain South Trail. I will say the views from up top were incredible and worth the climb.
Written 26 September 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

LifeIsGoodGuy
Sedona, AZ141 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2017 • Solo
The view at the top is worth the hike but what a hike. 10 miles round trip over perhaps the rockiest trail in all of Sedona. Pick a perfect day, not too hot, not too cool, some clouds but no rain. Trail is exposed. And bring Lots Of Water. And it is Wilson Mountain. Not Mount Wilson.
Written 16 September 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Mount Wilson Trail - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Frequently Asked Questions about Mount Wilson Trail