🌤 Trail Weather — Plan Your Hike
Updated every 6 hrs · Trailhead coords
🟡
High Heat — Plan Around It
Start by 7am. Carry 3+ liters. Avoid exposed ridgelines after 10am. Watch for heat exhaustion.
💨 Wind
2 mph E
Gusts to 14 mph
💧 Humidity
18%
Dry — drink before thirsty
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi
Good visibility
☁️ Cloud Cover
0%
Clear — full sun exposure
🌅 Sunrise
6:58 am
Ideal start time
🌇 Sunset
6:17 pm
Off trail by this
Today — 3-Hour Intervals
8 pm
🌙
88°
Feels 85°
💨 7/19
11 pm
🌙
83°
Feels 81°
💨 8/21
5-Day Forecast
💧 Humidity
25% Dry — drink before thirsty
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
0% Clear — full sun exposure
🟡
Warm & Humid — Extra Water
💧 Humidity
47% Comfortable
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
9% Clear — full sun exposure
✅
Good Conditions — Go Hike
☁️
Sun, Oct 18
Broken Clouds
💧 Humidity
39% Comfortable
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
65% Mostly cloudy
✅
Good Conditions — Go Hike
💧 Humidity
39% Comfortable
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
0% Clear — full sun exposure
✅
Good Conditions — Go Hike
💧 Humidity
45% Comfortable
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
2% Clear — full sun exposure
✅
Good Conditions — Go Hike
Trailhead elevation only. Conditions change at altitude. Check weather.gov before heading out.
Oct 16, 6:11 pm
The historic granddaddy of San Gabriel front-country climbs. Starting from Sierra Madre, 4,700 feet of vertical gain through exposed canyon walls and forested slopes leads to the world-renowned Mount Wilson Observatory summit.
Trail Overview
This is a serious mountain. 4,700 feet of gain in 6.75 miles means you are climbing hard all day. The trail is historic — this route predates most LA infrastructure — and the payoff at the observatory is genuinely satisfying. Resupply point at Manzanita Trail Camp partway up. Do not attempt this in summer heat without a very early start and significant water.
This Hike Is For You If…
Experienced fit hikers comfortable with big elevation days. Anyone training for a Whitney attempt. This is a legitimate benchmark hike for the San Gabriels.
Skip This Hike If…
Skip in summer without a 5:30am start. Skip if you have not regularly done 8+ mile hikes with significant elevation. This trail does not forgive underpreparation.
What to Expect on Trail
Terrain: Well-maintained historical trail. Steep throughout. Some rocky technical sections in upper canyon.
Shade: Partial
Water: Seasonal. Seasonal creek crossings on lower trail. Manzanita Trail Camp has water. Carry 3 liters minimum.
Views: Outstanding
Crowds: Length keeps crowds manageable. Summit area gets day-trippers via Skyline Park road.
Dogs: Yes, dogs are welcome on this trail.
Best Arrival: Before 7am for a summit attempt in shoulder season. This is a long day.
This is a Tier 1 sourced review. Trail information is based on published sources and research. Andrew has not personally hiked this trail yet. Photos and firsthand sensory detail will be added when upgraded to Tier 2.
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13.5 miRound Trip
4700 ftElev. Gain
StrenuousDifficulty
7-9 hoursEst. Time
5710 ftHighest Point
Out-and-BackRoute Type
YesDogs
NonePermit
Trailhead & Logistics
Address: Mount Wilson Trailhead, Mira Monte Avenue, Sierra Madre, CA 91024
Parking: Street parking near trailhead on Mira Monte Ave. Free. No Adventure Pass required at this trailhead.
Bathroom: None
Cell Service: Good
Best Arrival: Before 7am for a summit attempt in shoulder season. This is a long day.
Trail Reality Check
This is a serious mountain. 4,700 feet of gain in 6.75 miles means you are climbing hard all day. The trail is historic — this route predates most LA infrastructure — and the payoff at the observatory is genuinely satisfying. Resupply point at Manzanita Trail Camp partway up. Do not attempt this in summer heat without a very early start and significant water.
Terrain: Well-maintained historical trail. Steep throughout. Some rocky technical sections in upper canyon.
Shade: Partial
Water: Seasonal — Seasonal creek crossings on lower trail. Manzanita Trail Camp has water. Carry 3 liters minimum.
Views: Outstanding
Crowds: Moderate — Length keeps crowds manageable. Summit area gets day-trippers via Skyline Park road.
Who should do this: Experienced fit hikers comfortable with big elevation days. Anyone training for a Whitney attempt. This is a legitimate benchmark hike for the San Gabriels.
Who should skip this: Skip in summer without a 5:30am start. Skip if you have not regularly done 8+ mile hikes with significant elevation. This trail does not forgive underpreparation.
