Mount Wilson Observatory — Attraction in Sierra Madre

REVIEW OF 100-INCH TELESCOPE PUBLIC TICKET NIGHT (READ BEFORE PURCHASING):

I don’t want to upset the staff with a low review here, my goal is just to get attention to some of the flaws of the program.

Mt. Wilson Observatory is a magical place, and looking through their historical 100-inch telescope is a privilege.

But tickets to this event are $235 each. If you’re not wealthy, and/or you work long hours during week, sadly this isn’t an event I would fully recommend. Here is why:

While very kind, the host made very little effort to explain what we were seeing. For example, they would say ‘this is a planetary nebula’ or ‘this is a carbon star’ but if you don’t know what those are, you’ll feel awkward soliciting the hosts for info.

From what I heard, none of the attendees were astronomy buffs. And of course we were all curious. Whoever programs this event needs to put more attention on keeping laypeople engaged and entertained. I know this isn’t Disneyland, but it takes a long time for each person to get a look at each object, and that time could easily be filled with engaging/charismatic explanations of astronomy. Putting complex science into layman’s terms is something you can always find easily from most tour guides. And this wasn’t $27 for a science center, this was $235 each. When we finally saw Saturn (the most interesting one by a mile) a lady asked the man “What is the ring made of? Ice?” and the host just said “Yeah, ice and debris.” Prepare a single interesting factoid about the ring for us! We paid more for this than most concert tickets!

With the time it takes to get up and down the mountain, this is really a 9-hour commitment. You are strictly instructed to be there by 6pm, but the event doesn’t actually start until about 7pm. (They expect you there until 1am for dark sky viewing.) They aren’t very clear in the emails that it’s such a late night event.

We left at 11pm after viewing Saturn and Neptune. Uranus is around 12:45am, which is hard to justify for most working people.

They were also not very clear how important it would be to bring your own food and drinks given the time frame. The ‘available refreshments’ are instant coffee, a couple cheap herbal teas, and the worst hot chocolate money can buy. If I’m paying $235, I think I could expect a couple more decent snacks. Even a bulk box of chips would go a long way during a 7-hour event, guys. Take an extra $100 out of the event budget and make your ticket holders a little more comfortable.

They were clear it would get cold (take that seriously) but on the long drive down after so many hours in the cold, having been unable to use your phone in the observatory because it disrupts peoples’ night vision and there’s no reception, having nothing to eat or drink besides hot chocolate and orange herbal tea, having spent $500, you do wonder if it was worth it. Overall, I think it was, but more attention these factors could have made it...

Overview Mt. Wilson is the first of the Six Peak Challenge. Wilson is considered the easiest entry while the latter peaks are considerably more challenging. At an elevation gain of approx 5,200 feet and nearly 15 miles, this first challenge isn't a cakewalk!

The 15 mile loop offers some great views of flowing water after rains, but definitely be cautious after heavy downpour. The biggest reward comes from hiking to the observatory and being able to see all of SGV, DTLA, and on clearer days, all the way to the ocean. The trail up is on a gradual and steady incline that will tire even the sturdiest of calves. Please don't come under prepared.

Completing the loop leads adventurers down for at least 2 hours of down hill slopes. This is where hiking sticks provide stability and ease pressure on the knees and joints. Having them during water crossings and up hill will help make your trek much doable. Trail runners can expect a fun challenge akin to a half marathon. Once you know you've accomplished peak 1, you'll definitely feel empowered and ready to take on Cucamonga Peak!

Other Details The cosmic cafe is only open from April to November, so don't go and expect food outside of those days. Be sure to carry your lunch and snacks just in case.

Beginners or campers wanting to get a taste of the trail can definitely explore portions of the trail and turn back as it is convenient. Doing the 14 mile loop in one day isn't recommended if you haven't already conditioned for longer distances.

I've hiked 26 miles across Catalina island before and I must say that the loop from Chantry Flat/Stutevart to Wilson and Chantry/Winter Creek is not for beginners. Beginner Backpackers used to long distance trails will find this challenging. Beginner hikers may not even finish at all, and that's ok because safety comes first.

Proper gear is essential to completing the full loop. Hiking sticks Comfortable shoes and socks Adequate water supply Food and electrolytes

There are: -plenty of shade -running water in the creek--though I would clean or filter this before drinking regardless -water fill station at the observatory -bathrooms along the way -signage to guide travelers on the right path

Final Words Be sure to carry all your trash out and try getting here earlier than 8 to find parking. Valet is available for $20 dollars.

Enjoying the full loop or even just parts of the trail make for an enjoyable experience if you come prepared and well researched. In case of emergency and you don't have signal, there are emergency phone booths that will call a Park ranger.

Mt. Wilson has many great features that make this the perfect entry in the SoCal 6 Peak Challenge, but may provide many warnings to you if you find this too much of a...

Heull Howser would be proud!

We visited Mount Wilson Observatory on a Sunday, and it was not crowded — a great time to explore this historic site. A few important notes for visitors:

Drive Carefully: The road up, especially Mount Wilson Red Box Road, can be hazardous. We saw several rocks that had recently fallen from the cliffs, and sadly quite a few run-over squirrels. Take your time and stay alert.

Accessibility: The facility does have wheelchair-accessible entrances and parking. However, the path from the lot to the 100" and 60" telescopes is a small hike, down and then back up a hill. This may be challenging for ADA needs and older visitors. Staff explained they will accommodate those with walkers or wheelchairs as best as possible.

Parking Pass: A sign at the parking lot entrance says to display a Daily Pass, but it doesn’t tell you where to get one. Passes cost $5 and are available at the Mt. Wilson Skyline Park Picnic Site, next to the Cosmic Café.

Restrooms: Google Maps currently says the restrooms are “Temporarily Closed,” but this wasn’t the case during our visit. The facilities were modest but clean and functional.

Overall, this is a fascinating and worthwhile destination — just prepare for the drive, the walk, and the parking pass details. The observatory’s history and the views from the mountain make it more than...