Whaddya mean the cafe’s closed?!

Hike through the forest was gorgeous, trail was shaded for 90% of the hike, which made it rather pleasant. However, the rumors about the last 3 miles being brutal are true; the switchbacks don’t let up. Coming down the Winter Creek Trail on the opposite end of the parking lot was a little harrowing; between the rains and the fires the steep downhill was sandy, likely moreso than usual.

Weirdly the peak doesn’t feel like a peak; it’s a sprawling, sort of flat area so it’s hard to convey in photos that you’ve reached the top. But there’s a lookout point near the cafe that looks out over Pasadena that looks amazing.

Side note: the cafe doesn’t open until April 1st so if you’re expecting a sandwich or some hot food save Mt Wilson til after then. The deck around it is nice, though.