When I first signed up for the Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge hiking Mt Wilson on my birthday was a goal I set. Come hell or high water…or the rare SoCal rainy day, I was determined to do it.

The weather was overcast and cool when we started out after a brief detour to Sturtevant Falls, where there was a small crowd, we basically had this popular trail all to ourselves the entire day. On the climb up from Sturtevant Camp we did have some mist and a light drizzle, but I rather enjoyed the hike this way.

Once at the top we had hoped to take refuge at the Cosmic Cafe, but it appeared there had been a driving rain that made all the picnic tables and the floor soaking wet. So after a brief stop for a picture and a quick lunch we began our descent. We did encounter a short period of heavier rain, but again I really enjoyed the hike and the rare solitude of this trail.

Special thanks to my wife for dropping us off and picking us up at the trailhead, and for greeting us with hot coco to warm our weary bones.

Distance: 13.90 Miles

Elevation: 4127

Hiking time: 7 hours 19 minutes