Sign at the beginning of Mount Wilson Trail shows all checkpoints along the route including distance and elevation gain (Photo – Daniel Peters)
Preservation efforts by countless volunteers have kept the historic Mount Wilson Trail in good condition for local and visiting hikers. With countless flora, wildlife, and scenic views, the trail is a go-to spot for all outdoor enthusiasts.
By Daniel Peters
Constructed by Benjamin D. Wilson in 1864, following an ancient Tongva footpath, the trail has seen a constant flow of hikers since its conception. In 1908, it saw the first-ever Mount Wilson Trail Race, and saw the race rejuvenated into an annual event in 1965. Since then, the 8.6-mile race up to Orchard Camp and back has become an annual event in Sierra Madre, with racers coming from as far as Alaska and South Carolina.
Besides the historical significance of Mount Wilson Trail, it also is home to multiple flora and wildlife species. Flora species include variations of wildflowers, sunflowers, nuts and berries, and even the state flower: the California Poppy. Wildlife on the trail includes different species of snakes, birds, coyotes, deer, and bears.
Volunteers go out every last Sunday of the month to clear up the trail, picking up trash or clearing overgrown plants to make the trail safer for hikers. After winter storms in 2022 washed out a portion of the trail, local volunteers installed a wooden bridge over the area to keep hikers safe and the trail accessible. Continuous donations and volunteer efforts have kept the 159-year-old trail in great condition.
While the trail seems daunting with its 7-mile distance to the summit and 5,710 ft. in elevation gain, it offers a variety of checkpoints that serve as good milestones for varied skilled hikers. Three spots along the trail serve as markers for anyone looking to cut the long trail into thirds.
- The first checkpoint hikers encounter is First Water at 1.5 miles into the trail. This spot offers a relaxing place for any needed breaks and brings meditational water-stream sounds for anyone looking to delve into nature. Hikers looking for a simple and short hike while still experiencing the beauty of the trail are best to mark First Water as a finish line.
- The next checkpoint is Orchard Camp, the halfway point of the trail and halfway point of the Mount Wilson Trail Race. During the event, runners reach this checkpoint and then begin descending the 2,960 ft. in elevation they had just climbed, and inevitably end up back in Kersting Court. For any regular hiker, this spot serves as a viable resting point to begin preparations for the final half of the trail. Those wishing to continue face another 3.5 miles to reach the summit.
- Finally, after 7 miles and roughly 4.5 hours, hikers can reach the top. Here are the most breathtaking views of the San Gabriel Valley, and those looking for a break can stop to refill their water bottles at the Cosmic Cafe. They can celebrate the accomplishment of completing one of the more well-known trails in all of California.
First Water on the Mount Wilson Trail marks the first checkpoint for hikers looking for a break in the shade (Photo – Daniel Peters)
The Mount Wilson Trail remains clean and accessible to hikers thanks to the work of countless volunteers (Photo – Daniel Peters)
Clivia Miniata, French Lavender, Blue Dawn Flower (considered invasive species), Pride of Madeira, and California Wild Lilac sprouting on the Mount Wilson Trail in Sierra Madre, California (Photos – Daniel Peters)
Leave a Reply