Mt Wilson Trail Guide

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There’s no missing the trailhead. Lots of signs tell you to be careful, be polite, and all that good stuff.

Shortly after walking up the road the ’trail’ trailhead is on your left.

Head onto Mt Wilson Trail (road) by Lizzie’s Trail Inn, which is right next to the Mt Wilson Trail Park.

Orchard Camp, at the halfway point on the hike, used to be a popular resort on the Mt Wilson Trail.

The route climbs Little Santa Anita Canyon past Orchard Camp, crosses Manzanita Ridge, then joins the Old Mt Wilson Toll Road for the final push to the Observatory.

Check the signs before you park, but there’s plenty of free street parking.

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Orchard Camp, at the halfway point on the hike, used to be a popular resort on the Mt Wilson Trail.

The trail climbs along Little Santa Anita Canyon until it gains Manzanita Ridge at the bench. From there it’s a short stretch to the old Mt Wilson Toll Road and then the summit.

The elevation profile is pretty straightforward, you go up. And up some more. The good news is that the downhill from Mt Wilson is easy peasy.

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There’s free street parking but you might have to walk a few minutes to the trailhead if you get here late and park farther away.

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