End of Year Hike at Mount Wilson

I didn’t think this hike was possible to complete after a few days of rain. Along with a friend, we started at Chantry Flat early and had one goal in mind: just reach the peak. It was chilly, it was muddy, and everything in between. On a personal level, I used the opportunity of climbing these peaks as an outlet for grieving and signed up for both SanFrancisco Bay Area and SoCal SPP Challenge. While I finished up north, I faced the challenge of limited options  late in the season with snow – I try not to hike in the snow for safety reasons. I’m glad we pushed for this hike especially on the occasion of the 17th year death anniversary of my Dad on December 26, leading to my Mom’s first year death anniversary in January 2026.

Overall, incredible views once the sun was up. It was clear skies and we were above the clouds at the Wilson peak. The cherry on top for me was the view of snow capped Baldy across the Mount Wilson Observatory.