Mt “What Are You Made Of” Wilson

Peak	Mt Wilson
Group	N/A
Trailhead	Chantry Flats

Finally got started on my challenge with Mt Wilson. Been hiking more this year and so didn’t expect the challenge that this hike would present. Gonna have to get out here even more.

Arrived after 6am and parking lot was already full so had to park a little down the hill. On the trail just before 7am. Had my friend Mike with me for company. It was his first time in the canyon so we made the side trip to check out Sturtevant Falls. I’ve never been to the falls with so few people. Doubled back and took the Gabrielino Low Trail up to Spruce Grove Campground and on to Sturtevant Campground. At this point we were feeling pretty good, making good time and the bugs were only just starting. From Sturtevant Campground up to Echo Rock Trail was a grind. I knew we would be gaining elevation but it took more out of me than I expected. (Side note, bug nets for the win! Saved us the annoyance of the bugs surrounding us.) I do have to say though, I didn’t expect to be under the canopy as much as we were. It made for an unexpected yet enjoyable experience.

Finally at the top we spent some time wandering around, checking out the observatory, and looking for the USGS benchmark. (Never found it, where is it?) So off to Cosmic Cafe just in time for the lunch rush. A lot of friendly folks out hiking Sunday.

We made much better time heading down the Mt Wilson Trail to Winter Creek Trail to Upper Winter Creek Trail. Opted for the upper trail because our legs were pretty done at this point. Although we kinda felt like the initial climb on the upper trail is about the same as the end of the lower trail so we may have just added distance and not saved climbing. Gonna have to go back and compare. The Upper Winter Creek Trail is a very pretty trail.

Because our pace was slower than expected when we got back to Chantry Flats we skipped the Pack Station and headed straight for the Jeep. We were happy and tired from a challenging and yet enjoyable stroll through the Angeles National Forest to the top of Mt Wilson.

Notes:
Currently, BUG NETS. Worth repeating, BUG NETS. It seemed silly to me but then I was there and glad I had brought one.
LOTS of poison oak going up and back down, take precautions. Went straight to shower and laundry once home and I’m fine.
While it isn’t an easy climb, it is fun and worth it. Throw out your clock and enjoy yourself.

Glad to finally have starting my adventure with Six Pack Of Peaks. Looking forward to the next 5!