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First Water, Mt. Wilson Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 171 Google reviews · Running trail in Sierra Madre, California · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from First Water, Mt. Wilson Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Popular hiking area featuring waterfalls and a creek (and sometimes bears), with a trail park.
What runners say about First Water, Mt. Wilson Trail
“Wilson is a beautiful and relaxing experience.”
“It's best to get there super early in the morning or after 4 pm on Spring/Summer season, there's very little shade the first 1.”
“A great hike for those who enjoy open trails and a peaceful atmosphere!”
Parked in the residential area near trail park (public restrooms, playground) and walked up to the beginning of the trail. It is a popular hike even at 6:00 a.m. on a Saturday. It took us 2 hours roundtrip to First water. It is steep at times and narrow trails at times, but it's worth it!!!
This place is located 1.5 miles up from trailhead. It is nice place to take a break.
Great hiking trail, good for 2-3 hours work out about 4 miles round trip from sierra madre, find parking on the street, and ready to go!
What a beautiful, serene hiking trail. The views were so gorgeous and the sound of the small waterfall was very soothing. This trail had spectacular views of the mountains and the city. However, it's all uphill. It took us 3.8 miles out/back and I would rate this trail moderate.
Trail conditions & character
“There is a great waterfall here if you proceed straight through all of the junctions”
“The path is pretty narrow and steep, but everyone was wearing masks and very accommodating when trying to pass.”
“Great hiking trail, good for 2-3 hours work out about 4 miles round trip from sierra madre, find parking on the street, and ready to go!”
“It's best to get there super early in the morning or after 4 pm on Spring/Summer season, there's very little shade the first 1.”
“A great hike for those who enjoy open trails and a peaceful atmosphere!”
“Parked in the residential area near trail park (public restrooms, playground) and walked up to the beginning of the trail.”
Plan your run at First Water, Mt. Wilson Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Sierra Madre
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Jones Peak
4.7 ★★★★★ 80 reviews
Good for kids, this area is primarily categorized as a hiking spot.
Mt. Wilson Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 284 reviews
Hiking trail with views and a cafe on top of Mount Wilson.
Mount Wilson Trail Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 518 reviews
Picnicking, hiking, and a playground are offered at this spot with restrooms and views.
Lizzie’s Trail Inn and The Richardson House
4.7 ★★★★★ 37 reviews
Bailey Canyon Wilderness Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 435 reviews
Scenic park features hiking trails, interpretive signs, picnic spots & a native botanical area.