As advertised, this is just a relentless trail through some spectacular canyon scenery.  For comparison’s sake, the South Kaibab Trail in the Grand Canyon is 7.1 miles long with an elevation change of 4,780 feet.  The Mt. Wilson Trail is 7.25 miles long and has an elevation change of 4,895 feet.  Though the peak elevation is about 1,400 feet less on Wilson, and of course there’s a ton of shade on this hike, it’s still about as long and possibly as steep as hiking the Grand Canyon.  Be advised.    

I started early, hitting the trail about 5:45 am.  I picked a great day, because there was high cloud cover all morning, which made for some spectacular skies and kept the morning temperatures down.  Though I did get a lot of direct sunlight in the afternoon on the return, temps were very manageable on the way up.  Little Santa Anita Canyon is just spectacular – so lush with pines, oaks, and sycamores, and even though it’s very dry in our current drought conditions, you can’t ask for a better example of a canyon microclimate. I saw deer, plenty of birds, a rattle snake high up near the summit, and some bear scat ont the trail.  Given the shade, you can and should expect plenty of gnats and midge flies – they’re almost as relentless as the elevation gain in places.  Also some poison oak along the trail – leaves of three… 

The trail is well-used, good signage, and well maintained.  I saw many trail runners in the first 3 miles, and all seemed to be heading up to or coming back from Orchard Camp, the halfway point on the trail.  It’s humbling to see so many people out running a trail I was simply trying to hike, but it’s also gratifying to see a community making good use of their proximity to such a beautiful space.  Once past the 2 mile mark, the other hikers thinned out; once past Orchard Camp, I didn’t see another hiker until I was on my way down. 

You have to respect a trail that tells you from the first mile what to expect.  This trail starts up, and with very few exceptions, just keeps on gaining altitude with every mile.  Only a few short descents into side canyons – like Decker Spring, the only water on this day, and a great place to dip your bandana/hat – breaks up the consistent steep climb.  Tough to say what is the toughest stretch… the first two miles are tough; the climb out of Orchard Camp is tough; the final climb from Last Water up to Manzanita Ridge is really tough.  Just expect to pace yourself and bring plenty of water.  I drank five liters of water total on this day, two each on both the ascent and descent, and another at the top.  Really glad there was water to refill up there.   

As this was my first time up Wilson, I was a bit confused when I hit the Wilson toll road.  Many guides suggest that you can take the toll road (which I did for its gentler grade), but the trail actually ascends a steeper, much shorter route to the top.  Though clearly visible, this turn is the only one without a clear sign.  This final approach is exposed at first, but shaded as you go up, and has the advantage of taking you straight to the parking lot beneath the Cosmic Cafe.  If you take the road, as I found out, you might find yourself locked out of the Skypark area until someone comes by.  Luckily for me, someone did.  Summited about 10:15.  

As I was literally the only person at the top, I did not find “the sign” for my summit pic, but managed to walk around the various telescopes and took more than enough pictures.  Pace yourself on the way down – my joints were screaming the final three miles, and I had to stop frequently to give them a rest.  Got back to the car at 2:45 – 8 hours of hiking with an hour stop at the peak.    Thanks for reading!