This wasn't the first time summiting Mt. Wilson but started in Mt. Wilson TH was the first and I think it's a game changer for me.  There's an actual sign that says Mt. Wilson Trail and has a choice to start early, although there's a gate I didn't notice if there's a time to open/close it. I hiked with a couple friends and since it was still dark, we just briskly hiked and reached about 3.5miles with a very decent time even with the incline. We were happy with the thought that probably we will be at the cafe when it's still close (wishful thinking)., hahaha… The hike between mile 4  and 5 was steeper and took our snail pace in this section and after that I'd say in less the half a mile we reached the bench and had our breakfast/snacks.

Continued on with the hike, we were at same  level as the clouds and the picturesque of the surroundings kept us to move faster as we've taken some photos of course! That point also where the cafe seemed so close but still far… 🙂

The last mile was a dragged for me, been in hiatus for over 4 months and I don't supposed to restart with a difficult trail… but then again, that's part of the challenge lol. As we were getting close to the parking lot, we had to make a very hard decision… should we eat first or walk straight to the sign??? we were succumbed by hunger despite the break we had (that was so over an hour ago), so we ordered some food. After some heart-ish meal, we went to the peak, where there should be a sign waiting for us for some obligatory photos. Unfortunately, no sign in sight, still not understand why there's some unscrupulous individuals that will steal those (sigh)…

Overall, I prefer this hiking experience from Mt. Wilson TH than the one from Chantry flat (which I believe was closed that time). Less people on the trail, thus, more quiet. It was overcast 90% of the time that made it more enjoyable.