Hikes/United States/California/Angeles National Forest

Mount Wilson via Little Santa Anita Canyon Hike

Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Hard
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
8-11.5h
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
23.3 km
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
1,492 m
User Ratings
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The Mount Wilson via Little Anita Canyon Hike is a challenging excursion in Southern California that will take you through the rugged terrain of the Angeles National Forest. While out on the trail, you will climb into the mountains above Sierra Madre, eventually arriving at the summit of Mount Wilson, next to the observatory. This trail passes through some unforgiving mountain terrain, so make sure that you come prepared with plenty of water, snacks, and the proper gear to undertake such a tough journey.

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Route Description for Mount Wilson via Little Santa Anita Canyon Hike

For those who like to test their physical limits while taking in the natural beauty of the mountains of Southern California, the Mount Wilson via Little Santa Anita Canyon Hike is the perfect route to do so. Be sure to purchase a valid adventure pass and display it in your vehicle prior to beginning your hike.

Setting out from the trailhead in Sierra Madre, you will follow the road north for a short distance, before branching off to the left on the Mount Wilson Trail. Here, you will keep right along the trail as it traverses the canyon landscape to the north, skirting around the slopes of Jones Peak, Lookout Point, and Mount Yale.

Here, the route will climb more sharply uphill past Mount Harvard, before continuing up to the summit of Mount Wilson for an incredible view of the surrounding landscape. After taking in the scenery and visiting the Mount Wilson observatory, carefully backtrack along the trail to return to your starting point.

Getting to the Mount Wilson via Little Santa Anita Canyon Hike Trailhead

The trailhead for this hike can be found next to Lizzie’s Trail Inn along E Miramonte Avenue in Sierra Madre.

Route Information

  • Backcountry Campground

    No

  • When to do

    Year-Round

  • Pets allowed

    Yes - On Leash

  • Family friendly

    No

  • Route Signage

    Average

  • Crowd Levels

    Low

  • Route Type

    Out and back

Mount Wilson via Little Santa Anita Canyon Hike Elevation Graph

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