Mount Wilson via Gabrielino and Upper Winter Creek Loop in Angeles National Forest, CA

Hike Mount Wilson via Gabrielino and Upper Winter Creek Loop Angeles National Forest, CA

Class 1 13.6 miles 4100 gain 6-8 hrs Loop May 16, 2017
Effort
Beauty
Personality
Solitude

Mount Wilson via Gabrielino and Upper Winter Creek Loop GPX Track

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A couple of years ago, I did Mt. Zion via the Santa Anita Canyon Loop and I loved the area. So, I decided to do a similar hike, but gaining a bunch more elevation up to Mt. Wilson Observatory. Starting from the Chantry Flats Parking Area, head down the paved road and past some homes until you get to the Gabrielino Trail which leads to a quick detour to Sturtevant Falls. After the falls, backtrack and continue along the Gabrielino/Sturtevant Trail to the Sturtevant Camp, where you continue up the Sturtevant Trail to the Mt. Wilson summit.

I got only fog on Mt. Wilson, but it was still a nice hike. Head down the southern ridge of Mt. Wilson on the Mt. Wilson Trail, and then continue along the Winter Creek Trail all the way back to the trailhead.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)
Peaks on hike
Elevation
Prominence
1
Mount Wilson
5710 ft
150 rise

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From the trailhead, the paved road goes into Santa Anita Canyon. It is pretty crowded for the beginning because of the very popular Sturtevant Falls.
From the trailhead, the paved road goes into Santa Anita Canyon. It is pretty crowded for the beginning because of the very popular Sturtevant Falls.
Pass a bunch of residences in the canyon, each house nestled nicely among ivy and other lush greenery.
Pass a bunch of residences in the canyon, each house nestled nicely among ivy and other lush greenery.
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This junction leads to Sturtevant Falls (right), and Mt Wilson (left).
This junction leads to Sturtevant Falls (right), and Mt Wilson (left).
Quick detour to Sturtevant Falls.
Quick detour to Sturtevant Falls.
Sturtevant Falls
Sturtevant Falls
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Back at the junction, headed along the Gabrielino Trail.
Back at the junction, headed along the Gabrielino Trail.
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At the top of Sturtevant Falls (right and below).
At the top of Sturtevant Falls (right and below).
Beautiful little canyon above Sturtevant Falls.
Beautiful little canyon above Sturtevant Falls.
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There are lots of dams like this all up Santa Anita Canyon.
There are lots of dams like this all up Santa Anita Canyon.
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Beautiful winding trail along the creek.
Beautiful winding trail along the creek.
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Little breaks from the forest for some nice views once in a while.
Little breaks from the forest for some nice views once in a while.
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Sturtevant's Camp. After this, the trail begins to steeply head to the Mt. Wilson summit.
Sturtevant's Camp. After this, the trail begins to steeply head to the Mt. Wilson summit.
Starting up toward Mt. Wilson. The fog came in for me around here.
Starting up toward Mt. Wilson. The fog came in for me around here.
I supposed you would get some n ice views at points along the way if there wasn't any fog?
I supposed you would get some n ice views at points along the way if there wasn't any fog?
Halfway marker.
Halfway marker.
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Another potentially nice view.
Another potentially nice view.
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At the summit!
At the summit!
150-ft Solar Telescope disappearing into the fog.
150-ft Solar Telescope disappearing into the fog.
At the top parking lot, practically empty. My route crossed the lot in order to make the day a loop.
At the top parking lot, practically empty. My route crossed the lot in order to make the day a loop.
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Briefly hike along an old washed-out fire road.
Briefly hike along an old washed-out fire road.
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Finally low enough to see some views!
Finally low enough to see some views!
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Almost back to the parking lot along the Upper Winter Creek Trail.
Almost back to the parking lot along the Upper Winter Creek Trail.

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Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!