Mount Wilson and I have some history together. When I first got into hiking (2 years ago) I attempted this hike via Sierra Madre. I was not prepared for the torture the hike would bring. Long story short, I summoned but had to hitchhike back to my car.

That first experience made me DREAD attempting it again. But, since I’ts part of the peaks I had no choice.

I started the hike at 6:15am and all seemed fine, until I got to mile 6. That’s when I started to feel the burn! Not a hard trail (compared to the rest of the peaks) but for whatever reason this trail kicked my butt. Tired and hungry I got to the top.

I completely missed the summit sign (for the pic) so I added an additional 1 mile having to backtrack to find it. Oh well right?

With food in my belly and a smile on my face I proceeded towards the descend. A few minutes later, a damn fly flew into my eyeball making it burn! ? A little annoyed, I continued. And then mile 14 comes along. It is then that the mountain decides to make me pay for my initial dislike towards it and so I slip on rocks and land on poison oak.

Overall, the hike was beautiful, a butt kicker and my hardest hike to date. Will I return? Probably not haha But I’m glad I can finally cross it off my list. 7 peaks done, 1 more to go. I’m sure my final peak (San Gorgonio) will bring me better luck.

Note: The wooden sign with the peak name and elevation is by Echo Mountain. If summitting from Sturtesvant trail, when you see the first white form building make a right (as the trail ends). You will see railing along side of a small path, it’s at the end of that path