An adventure-filled day trip, hiking and biking the Mt. Wilson Summit!

Duration

6 hours

About

This is one seriously adventure-packed day trip. We’ll start our day at the Mt. Wilson Trailhead in Sierra Madre. On our initial climb out, we’ll make our way up the shady Little Santa Anita Canyon, following the creek until we leave the canyon and head straight up the mountain. Passing our checkpoints of First Water, Second Water, and Orchard Camp, the climb kicks into the next gear as we start the switchbacks taking us to our final approach of the Mt. Wilson summit. Roughly four hours after departing Sierra Madre, we crest the top of historic Mount Wilson, formerly one of the most important astronomical observatories in the world. Mt Wilson’s 100 inch telescope was used in 1922 by Edwin Hubble to prove the existence of the universe beyond the Milky Way. Albert Einstein was a repeat visitor to the facility, there doing essential work on his theory of relativity.

At the top of Mt. Wilson, we will enjoy lunch and amazing sweeping views of Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Valley. Subject to seasonal availability, there is standard cafe fare available at the Cosmic Cafe and a staffed gallery detailing the site’s historic (and present) importance to astronomy. After a well-deserved break of 30-60 minutes, we are rested and prepared for our mountain bike ride back down the mountain. We’ll take wide dirt trails the whole way down, giving us lots of space to enjoy coming around sweeping turns and gorgeous vistas. Previous mountain bike experience is helpful but not essential; we go at YOUR pace and there is never any reason to rush. The bike ride down is only about 1 hour, giving us tons of time to take plenty of incredible pictures of views that will likely be your favorite memory of your visit to Los Angeles.

More Info

Meal: Provided upon request or available for purchase Apparel: Shorts and hiking shoes recommended. Sunglasses are essential. Supplies: Backpack & trekking poles are provided. Mountain bike, helmet, gloves are provided.

Meet at Mt. Wilson Trailhead in Sierra Madre, or ride with Dan from the Burbank shop.