Mount Wilson via Sierra Madre 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.
9-12.5h
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
24.0 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.
1,707 m
User Ratings
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
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Directions to Trailhead

The Mount Wilson via Sierra Madre Hike is a difficult undertaking in Southern California that will see you climb into the mountains of the Angeles National Forest. While out on the trail, you will steadily gain elevation through the steep undulating terrain, while taking in the stunning landscape views on the way to the summit of Mount Wilson. Be sure to spend some time exploring the Mount Wilson Observatory when you get to the end of the trail!

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Route Description for Mount Wilson via Sierra Madre Hike

Whether you are training for longer and more challenging hikes or you simply want to test your limits while taking in the natural beauty of the Southern California landscape, the Mount Wilson via Sierra Madre Hike is a fun, albeit tiring, option to explore. Make sure to display your adventure pass in your car prior to your hike.

Setting out from the trailhead, you will head north along the road for a short distance, before picking up the Mount Wilson Trail on your left. Here, you will continue on to the north while gaining elevation, as you climb through the rugged terrain of the mountains.

Eventually, the trail will turn slightly to the northwest to take you past Mount Yale and Mount Harvard, before arriving at the summit of Mount Wilson. After taking some time to explore the observatory and experience the views, head back along the same trail to begin the return leg of your lengthy adventure.

Shortly after passing Lookout Point, you will keep right to traverse Jones Peak and follow the trail downhill to the Bailey Canyon Debris Reservoir. From here, Follow W Carter Avenue as it heads east to arrive back at the trailhead.

Getting to the Mount Wilson via Sierra Madre Hike Trailhead

The starting point of this hike can be found next to Lizzies Trail Inn along E Miramonte Avenue in Sierra Madre, CA.

Route Information

  • Backcountry Campground

    No

  • When to do

    Year-Round

  • Pets allowed

    Yes - On Leash

  • Family friendly

    No

  • Route Signage

    Average

  • Crowd Levels

    Moderate

  • Route Type

    Lollipop

Mount Wilson via Sierra Madre Hike Elevation Graph

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