Got to Chantry Flats road area at 5:50 AM. Road was closed; rumor has it there was a recent brush fire. Waited until 6:10 AM to be certain. After a park vehicle went up and closed the gate behind it, truly realized it was fruitless. Quick google search and found the alternate trail to summit Mr Wilson — the Mt Wilson Park Trailhead only 1.5 miles away. Arrived shortly after and began our trek just after 6:30 AM. (Park’s flush bathroom was in a decent state, btw. Would recommend.) we had not prepared to hike this trail so we took a few quick screenshots of Hiking Guy’s directions on our phones. While the morning was cloudy and overcast, it was incredibly humid. We were sweating through our pants within the hour. Took breaks at the Orchard Camp, the bench, and a quick sit down below the last leg to eat an apple. Why was this hike so much harder than I remembered it? Made it to the observatory and summit at 11:09 AM. Actual hike time (not counting breaks) was 3 hours, 39 minutes to the top. Cosmic Cafe was closed, as well as bathrooms. Water is still available. Took the opportunity to eat lunch and rest at the benches to the side of the cafe. Took photos and then headed down at 12:40 pm. Watch died after the first 3 miles (damn!). Hit up the same stops going down to take short breaks for sunscreen application. By midday, the sun had come out in full force. While not hot, it was sunny and humid and I kept sweating off all my sunscreen. Made it back to the car at 3:40 pm. Immediately found the nearest 7-eleven and rewarded myself with a slurpee. Quite a few bugs, but nothing outrageous. Biggest concern was the amount of poison oak growing on the trail – BEWARE!