Mt. Wilson was an all day outing with the WTC on January 24th. We were practicing using our navigation skills as well as testing our ability to make a correct trip profile. We meant in the morning at 7:30 am by Mt. Wilson park and parked within the local neighborhoods. After a quick check in, the leaders checked our gear and we were off. The trail conditions started off great! It was crisp in the morning and I quickly became warm as we began walking and had to remove some layers. We took various breaks on the trial to compare our map and trip profiles to the actual hike and see if we were off or not. On the helipad we practiced using the compass and finding our bearings. Then we continued back on the trail, the group divided into sections as we continued on the hike. There was faster past group up front, mid level, and a sweep in the back. I was somewhere in between and becoming quite sore as we continued to gain in miles and elevation. This was one of the first hikes I was using my new 32L pack on and had it quite heavy due to the amount of water I was carrying (I tend to drink A LOT) so I was always pack heavy. After a quick lunch break we had the option to hang out with the group who wasn't continuing on or go for the summit. I choose to go for the summit with the majority of our group. Once we got to the top… I had heard it was a parking lot but was shocked to see it was indeed a parking lot. We took some photos (posted below), refilled on water, and then were on our way back down. I loved the view of the city and observatory from the top (photos below.) Overall, this was a great conditioning hike for me with the WTC for at the time I had not been very active during the holidays. The weather was perfect, I felt sore but headed into town for pizza and beer with the group after which lead to a quick recovery. Although months have pasted I have been planning to conquer Mt. Wilson again for training and fun purposes. 🙂