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Mt. Wilson Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 284 Google reviews · Running trail in Sierra Madre, California · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Mt. Wilson Trailhead'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.
Hiking trail with views and a cafe on top of Mount Wilson.
What runners say about Mt. Wilson Trailhead
“Wilson Trail offers a great workout and stunning scenery, making it a memorable adventure for those who are well-prepared.”
“The start time was late in my book since the heat picked up quickly and much of the intermediate hike is un-shaded.”
This is a extended full day hiking trip, it took me 12 hours to make it to the Summit of Mt. Wilson and to fully complete this adventure. I suggest bringing 1 full gallon of water per hiker, and there isn't any shame of only doing a portion of the hike and turning back. This is a 14 mile hike and is very difficult.
Beautiful hike but it's actually a little over 8 miles to the summit, not 7 as posted. Ran into a black bear cub while turning a blind corner on the way down...walked back up about 100 yards and took a 10 minute break. By that time the bear had gone on its way and I continued down.
Mt. Wilson via Little Santa Nita Canyon 4/27/2019 Parking is free and is on a residential street. There is a public restroom in the park. We arrived around 6:45 am and were able to grab a close spot Beautiful mostly covered trail that does feature a creek. The sound of running water is good for the soul.
The Mt. Wilson Trail is a challenging yet rewarding hike that requires careful preparation. We recently took on this trail, and it was quite an experience. The key to a successful hike here is to come prepared: bring plenty of water and electrolytes, as you'll need them to stay hydrated and energized.
Trail conditions & character
“We arrived around 6:45 am and were able to grab a close spot Beautiful mostly covered trail that does feature a creek.”
“Me and a friend got to the parking area on Saturday morning about 6:45 am, and there were already about a dozen people waiting in line for the one stall restroom.”
“elevation, pretty much from Orchard Camp to the summit, that once the sun comes out and it warms up a bit, there are tons of relentless black biting flies.”
“It’s pet friendly with dogs being required on leashes, but if it’s really well behaved I don’t think anyone has a problem with it being off leash.”
“Me and a friend got to the parking area on Saturday morning about 6:45 am, and there were already about a dozen people waiting in line for the one stall restroom.”
“The route we took was challenging with many Rocky areas with loose dirt.”
“The start time was late in my book since the heat picked up quickly and much of the intermediate hike is un-shaded.”
“The trail was a lot of fun, and doable for most people with a basic level of fitness.”
Plan your run at Mt. Wilson Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- 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, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
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.
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
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Bailey Canyon Trail
4.6 ★★★★★ 18 reviews
Bailey Canyon Wilderness Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 435 reviews
Scenic park features hiking trails, interpretive signs, picnic spots & a native botanical area.
Sierra Vista Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 100 reviews
Park offering sports facilities such as tennis courts and a baseball field, plus a playground.