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A long and steady grind up Mt. Wilson.


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Map Key

9.1

Miles

14.7

KM

Doubletrack

5,647' 1,721 m

High

1,256' 383 m

Low

4,405' 1,343 m

Up

87' 26 m

Down

9%

Avg Grade (5°)

21%

Max Grade (12°)

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Unknown

Family Friendly Wide easy trail with minimal exposure. It is a bit steep so does require low gearing and/or strong legs.

Description

This is a long fire road climb up to the top of Mt. Wilson. It just keeps going and going. The grade is pretty consistently around 10%. From the bottom up to Henninger Flats is about 2.5 miles of wide open fire road with no shade. When you reach Henninger Flats, you'll find some large trees, picnic tables, a water fountain, and the Henninger Flats Museum.

As you continue up, you'll find a split in the fire road. Keep right and climb. Near the top, you'll find a bit more shade in spots. The view is fantastic on a clear day as you come around to the south side of the ridge and climb the final section to the top.

At about 7.5 miles, you'll intersect with the Mt. Wilson Trail. Keep left and rejoin onto the Mt. Wilson Toll Road in about 0.5 mile.

There is a great lookout at the top. Be sure to check out the Mt. Wilson Observatory if you have time. Water fountain between Cosmic Cafe and bathrooms.

Contacts

Shared By:

Chris W with improvements by Doug E and 1 other

Trail Ratings

  4.1 from 27 votes

#1

in Altadena

#733

Overall
  4.1 from 27 votes
5 Star
41%
4 Star
37%
3 Star
15%
2 Star
7%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#1

in Altadena

#59

in California

#733

Overall
109 Views Last Month
18,188 Since Apr 16, 2014
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

4%
4%
16%
20%
52%
4%

Photos

At the foot of Mt Yale,Looking South East toward Jones Peak.
Jun 7, 2022 near Sierra…, CA
Drifting the dusty corners during sunset.
Sep 14, 2016 near Altadena, CA
Local flora.
Dec 8, 2014 near Sierra…, CA
Henninger Flats Sign
Jun 22, 2015 near Altadena, CA
Two days after a good snowfall.
Jan 12, 2016 near Sierra…, CA
Snow.
Jan 12, 2016 near Sierra…, CA
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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Minor Issues 3 days ago
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