The hike was great and challenging. We started from Chantry Flats, went to Sturtevant Falls, up Sturtevant Trail past Spruce Grove and Sturtevant Campgrounds, and finally up about 3 miles of tough switchbacks. There were a few tough spots due to rain/erosion, but otherwise the trail is in okay condition. Because of the side trips, slight detours, and sightseeing, it was 8.5 miles for us up to the summit.

As there were only a few folks on the trail on a Tuesday, we had trouble locating the trailhead down. We followed the signs, got directions from a biker, and then headed down…only to find out that we were on Mt. Wilson Road (not Mt. Wilson Trial or Mt. Wilson Toll/Fire Road) and ended up hiking 5 miles in the wrong direction before another hiker told us where we were! With little energy and daylight left, we did the only thing we could…we hitchhiked (with another couple that was lost!) and a wonderful trail angel picked us up, drove us off the mountain, and home to pick up another car so we could drive back to Chantry Flats and retrieve our cars before the gates locked. Great ending to the day!

Later that week I went to REI, got maps and fantastic advice (and was told that many people make that mistake and others even end up in Henninger Flats), and drove up to Mt. Wilson determined to find the trailhead….which is actually easy to find when you know where it is, but a little hard to determine because of the erosion due to fires and rain. So I got on the trail and hiked for an hours or so just to be sure.

So even though I have “done” this trail…more miles and adventure than most…I plan to do it again (only this time, no side trips and the right trail down) as it is truly beautiful and challenging.