Mt. Wilson Loop – 1 of 6-Pack of Peaks Challenge

At the parking at 7:30am but full so head back down and u turn and park on the side about .5mi. down the hill. On Trial at 8:15 am and 38 degrees. .Trail starts at 1,752’ and going down a road into the canyon. At about 1 mile there is a fork and we stay right for about .7 miles where we took 1 mile detour (out and back) to Sturtevant Falls. It was ripping because of all the rain we had. Back on trail, lots of man-made falls / spill ways, half dozen little creeks to cross, and 90% of this hike is in the shade because of the high canopy. The next land mark is Sturtevant Camp at 4.3mi. There were cabins a big Hall indoor dining area empty – where you can help yourself to free coffee, Coco and Oatmeal. We sat outside on some chairs and took a short break. The trail from here is steeper and you start climbing so it is slower going for a good distance. At about 3,800’ we were in snow. Near the top I was thinking about putting on my cramp-on (others were doing the same) but decided not too – more firm to slush so my traction was ok and just took it easy where I needed to. At the top (7mi., 4 ½ hours, 5,668’) we ate lunch on a table that was snow capped. A good covering of snow up there but only 6” deep. We walked across the campus like setup of telescopes and antenna’s, Cosmic Café (closed but more free coffee if you want some) On the left side of the parking lot we found the Marker. We could see all the way to the ocean, South Bay, PV, the whole Island of Catalina, and even San Clemente Island.
We started the trail down to the right of the marker – less snow on this side and it was as usual – faster going – there was some water on the trail to deal with but nothing crazy. There is a fork 2.1miles from the parking lot that that we stayed right on to complete out loop. If we would have stayed left, it takes you down the canyon to were the 1st fork was on the way up (that we stayed right on.) making it a lolly pop trail. Took us 3 hours to get back to the trail head. For a 14.1 miles total.