I completed my first hike of the Six Pack of Peaks Challenge this week! I did the Mt. Wilson Loop, starting at Chantry Flats and taking Sturtevant Trail all the way up to Observatory, and the down Mt. Wilson Road to Mt. Wilson trail to Winter Creek Trail. The first couple miles of this trail are easy but confusing… I had trouble following Sturtevant Trail to the top of Sturtevant Falls, and instead went directly to the falls and had to back track to continue on the trail. Maybe I overlooked a sign but to me it isn't very clear. Once you get above the falls, more confusion ensues. I had to back track a few times, as it is easy to lose the trail as you wind through a creek bed. I was frustrated to say the least. But at about mile 4 you begin to pick up momentum and it's smooth sailing from there; at least navigation wise. This is when the trail gets HARD. It is a slow and very steady incline for about 5 miles until you summit. There are no plateaus or declines until you summit at the observatory. But this makes it all the more rewarding. Once you summit, it's a nice and steady decline back to the flats.

The trail conditions were good for the most part. In the first few miles, there was some plant overgrowth that I think contributed to the confusion. But the weather was perfect. It was a little cooler at the summit… maybe 50 degrees, and probably high 60s for the rest of it. A long sleeve and light jacked were perfect for it.

As a beginner hiker, this was just the right amount of challenging for me. I plan on doing a few shorter hikes for the next couple weeks before doing Cucamonga Peak. Looking forward to it!