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Orchard Camp
4.6 ★★★★★ 69 Google reviews · Running trail in Sierra Madre, California · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
We have not been able to confirm the surface, distance or shape of Orchard Camp yet from its own listing, the park's website or runner reviews — so those cells stay blank rather than guess. What is below comes straight from the listing and from reviewers' own words. 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.
What runners say about Orchard Camp
“It was our final destination due to time, but the hike up was well maintained, with minor washout areas.”
Good, strenuous hike. It's a 7 mile round trip hike and the camp is at an altitude of 2,960 ft. It's located at a very peaceful, yet lively area. I spotted what I think was a bobcat near the camp site.
Great place to rest if your going to Mt.Wilson and your not much of a hiker
Orchard Camp. via Mt Wilson trail 7 miles out & back Challenging hike and very well kept. Free street parking. Make sure to take plenty of water with snacks, sunscreen, a hat (it is a fully exposed trail for the first 2 miles), wear shoes with good grip.
For novice hikers this is where you stop on mt wilson trail and turn around. Orchard camp to manzanita ridge is by far the toughest stretch of the trail and I dont believe for a second its 1.9 miles. Its closer to double that.
Trail conditions & character
“Gorgeous valley views with a river running hundreds of feet below”
“Now the real challenge starts when you hike up to Manzanita ridge get yourself ready for a very steep steady climb”
Plan your run at Orchard Camp
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- 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.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
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.
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Gabrielino Trail Eastern Trailhead
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Mt. Wilson Trailhead
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Hiking trail with views and a cafe on top of Mount Wilson.