Elapsed Time: 8 hours
Distance: 14 miles
Route: Clockwise loop
Conditions: Trail is in excellent condition and mostly shaded by tall trees. Mostly uphill to Mt. Wilson, then strenuous downhill. Last 1/2 mile is uphill on paved road, but that actually feels good after so much down. Animals/Plants of Note: Lots of poison oak at edges of trail, but avoidable. Saw a deer, dying mouse, skink, flying insects (gnats & a few mosquitos), lots of bird life could be heard.
Trail traffic: Minimal (weekday)
Amenities: Camp bathrooms (only one open) at Chantry Flat trailhead parking lot. Bathrooms at Mt. Wilson. Water for bottle refill at Mt. Wilson. Cosmic Cafe closed on weekdays but they have a nice outdoor covered area with picnic tables. Take your lunch, you'll be hungry!

I found the downhill much harder than the uphill. It can be sandy and easy to lose footing. Definitely recommend hiking poles. The trail was so beautiful, though, stop and enjoy along the way!