6 Peak Challenge #4: Mt Wilson

IMPORTANT NOTES:

• THIS IS AN INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCE LEVEL HIKE. THIS HIKE IS NOT FOR BEGINNERS. THERE WILL BE NO "PLUS ONES" ALLOWED TO ATTEND THIS HIKE. IF YOU HAVE SOMEONE THAT REALLY WANTS TO GO ON THIS HIKE, HAVE THAT PERSON SIGN UP SO HE/SHE CAN READ THE HIKE DESCRIPTION AND THE WAIVER OF LIABILITY.

• This is the fourth hike in our 2016 Six Peak Challenge. If you are signing up for this one, then you should be planning to sign up for the other five. Mt Wilson is usually the first hike in the Challenge, but we postponed it so we can have lunch at the Cosmic Cafe (http://www.mtwilson.edu/cafe.html).

• RAIN OR SNOW CANCELS THIS HIKE

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/a/7/a/5/600_446922917.jpeg

HIKE DESCRIPTION:

From the Chantry Flat parking lot we will head down a paved road for a while towards Sturtevant Falls. Enjoy the descent but keep in mind that every step downhill will need to be made up when we start our climb!

We will follow the trail to the waterfall, which is about a 1 mile detour, but a very worthwhile photo-op. From there we backtrack to the Gabrelino trail which will take us to Spruce Grove Campground where we will regroup before heading on toward Sturtevant Camp.

http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/a/7/c/1/600_446922945.jpeg

The trail becomes much steeper after Sturtevent Camp, and the bugs - especially after a rain - become much more of a nuisance. A head net is highly recommended just in case - otherwise you will be eating and breathing gnats for the next couple of miles.

The gnats die down (hopefully) and the trail gets drier and steeper, as you approach the summit. The secret to this part of the trail is taking comfort in the knowledge that the top of the trail will surprise you -- meaning, all of the sudden you are done!

When you reach the top, and see the level ground leading off to the west towards the buildings, it is easy to focus on this little bit of nirvana. But don't! Look back and to your right for a little trail that leads you to Echo Rock - an amazing little vista point that should not be missed.

http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/a/7/d/7/600_446922967.jpeg

It is also where you can bag that super-cool picture of the survey marker you have always wanted...

http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/a/7/e/9/600_446922985.jpeg

The top of Mt Wilson is a collection of telescopes and other random buildings. If you go as far as you can to the west you will find the Cosmic Cafe where we will enjoy a lunch before starting our descent. Your lunch can be as healthy or as decadent as you like, so just remember you have another 7 miles or so to hike! You can also refill your water here, and there is free wifi in case someone somewhere absolutely must see some of the pics you took on the way up RIGHT NOW!

http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/a/7/f/9/600_446923001.jpeg

After lunch, and I know your lunch involved chili and something, we head down the other side of the mountain via fire road and the Upper Winter Creek trail.

It is important to point out that when you get to Hogee's camp you can actually take either the Upper or Lower Winter Creek trail. Upper sounds worse, and does involve an initial climb, but it ends above the parking lot. The Lower trail is easier initially and maybe even a little shorter and all downhill -- until the last half mile where you have to climb the steep paved road you descended on at the beginning of the hike -- back up to the parking lot. Trust me, Upper Winter Creek is the way to go!

WHAT TO BRING:

• Adventure Pass

• Dress prepared for the weather: layers, jacket, etc.

• Hat

• Sunblock

• Hiking shoes or boots

• At least 3 liters of water

• Energy snacks and lunch

• Hiking poles are strongly recommended

• Mosquito net for your head

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/a/3/d/0/600_446921936.jpeg

HIKE STATS:

• Distance: 14 miles (loop)

• Elevation: 5,710 feet

• Vertical gain: 4,200 feet

• Difficulty: Strenuous

• Hiking time at moderate pace: 6 to 8 hours

http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/a/3/e/2/600_446921954.jpeg

DIRECTIONS:

From the 210 freeway, take Santa Anita Blvd north towards the mountains. After a few miles it becomes a service road that will lead you to the Chantry Flat parking area. Plan on arriving early to get a parking spot, otherwise you will be stuck parking somewhere along the road leading up to the lot.

WAIVER OF LIABILITY:

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING BEFORE SIGNING UP FOR THIS HIKE: BY SIGNING UP AND ATTENDING THIS HIKE YOU AGREE TO NOT HOLD THESE ORGANIZERS LIABLE FOR ANY HARM/INJURIES THAT YOU MAY INCUR FROM THIS EVENT. THESE ORGANIZERS ARE NOT TRAINED TO HANDLE MEDICAL EMERGENCIES. EVERYONE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR CARRYING THEIR OWN PERSONAL EMERGENCY MEDICAL KIT AND PERSONAL MEDICATION THEY MAY NEED. YOU ARE ALSO RESPONSIBLE FOR KNOWING IF YOU HAVE THE ABILITY TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS ACTIVITY. HIKING IS AS INHERENTLY DANGEROUS ACTIVITY THAT CAN LEAD TO SERIOUS INJURIES INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO SLIP AND FALL INJURIES, HEAD TRAUMA, FRACTURES, BLEEDING, SNAKEBITES, HEAT STROKE/EXHAUSTION AND FROSTBITE. ALWAYS REMEMBER TO STAY ON THE TRAIL, LET YOUR HIKE ORGANIZER KNOW IF YOU ARE LEAVING THE GROUP, NEVER HIKE ALONE AND USE YOUR COMMON SENSE.