Summiting Mount Wilson via Little Santa Anita Canyon was a great experience!

There are two small streams that require crossings – I had on waterproof hiking boots on but saw plenty of other hikers cross the water with hiking shoes.

Portion between Orchard Camp (the halfway mark) and the bench at Manzanita Ridge was the section of the trail where I feel like the steepest grades were (I was most out of breath!).  And trekking poles came in handy.

Snow in the last 1-1.5 miles to the summit – most of it easy to cross with a slushy pathway through it from other hikers.  Other parts were a bit icy/slippery where there was steep grade.  I had microspikes (and brought crampons just in case) but don't think either are incredibly necessary if you have proper hiking shoes/boots but did find the microspikes helpful on the way down for certain parts.

Once you're at the summit, you pop out into a large parking lot with the Cosmic Cafe in front of you. Cosmic Cafe was closed on 4/8/2023 but there are picnic tables surrounding it that make for a nice rest area.  Bathrooms are open.  Also, note that if you want the photo with the elevation sign (who doesn't?!), you have to hike/walk a bit more.  Go beyond the bathrooms towards the Observatory (white buildings) and look for signs for “Echo Rock” – that is where the elevation sign is.