Red Box Station to Mt. Wilson Observatory (and optional Observatory tour)

I have been on numerous hikes in this area, ascending to Mt. Wilson on three different trails from the southwest, south and southeast, but never descended from Red Box to the West Fork and then up to the Observatory from the northeast. Approximately 4 miles from Red Box Station along the shaded West Fork of the San Gabriel River to Strayn's Canyon and then approximately 3 miles up Strayn's Trail, described by John Robinson, author of Trails of the Angeles, as "one of the best trail trips in the San Gabriel Mountains despite the tortuous and coiling climb" up the canyon.

Not for beginners.

Given the logistical complications associated with this hike I am giving preference to those who have hiked with me before. Put yourself on the waiting list and I will start to change RSVPs to "yes" next week. If you have not hiked with me before, I will give second preference to hikers who frequently participate in LA Hiking Meetup events and who show up.

Returning to Red Station will require a car shuttle from Mt. Wilson, and I plan to stick around for a couple of hours to participate in the guided tour of the Observatory starting at 1 pm.

Promptly at 8:00 am, we will convoy from Red Box to Mt. Wilson, park half the vehicles at Mt. Wilson, and then drive back to Red Box in the remaining vehicles to start the hike at about 8:40 am. After the hike and the Observatory tour, we will drive in the vehicles parked at Mt. Wilson back to the rest of the vehicles parked at Red Box. If you want to skip the Observatory tour, let me know in advance, and I will arrange for those departing early to car shuttle as a group.

The walking tour is led by Mount Wilson Observatory docents, departing at 1:00 pm (meeting around 12:30) from the Cosmic Cafe located in the open-air Pavilion above the large parking lot at the entrance to the Observatory. A special feature of these tours is admission to the "bull ring" area directly beneath the 100-inch Telescope rather than a restricted view from the visitors gallery in the dome. Tour tickets are available for same-day purchase at the Cosmic Cafe. Ticket prices are $8 (adults). The approximately 2-hour tour involves another mile of walking and climbing some stairs.

Bring enough water for 4 hours of hiking and pack a lunch (unless you want to over pay for mediocre food at the Cosmic Cafe). Hats and sunscreen are optional. Most of the trail is under a canopy of trees and we are shaded by the canyonside until we climb up onto the pavement a half-mile from the Observatory parking lot. To reach the Cosmic Cafe in time to eat lunch and purchase tour tickets, we will need to maintain a steady pace with only a couple of brief stops along the 7-mile route.

To reach Red Box Station, exit I-210 in La Canada / Flintridge and proceed 14 miles north on Hwy 2 (the Angeles Crest Hwy) into the San Gabriel Mountains. Plan on a 25- to 30-minute drive from time you turn on Hwy 2 until you reach Red Box Station at the intersection of the Mt. Wilson Observatory Road. National Forest Parking Passes are required ($5 day passes can be purchased at REI, Sport Chalet and other sporting goods stores).

Let me know if you want to carpool and I will attempt to match you with someone driving from the same area. Keep in mind that we need enough cars at Red Box Station to make the car shuttle to Mt. Wilson.

My mobile number is 323-354-0168, but once we enter the Angeles National Forest reception is spotty at best.

Joining this hike is entirely voluntary and participants assume all associated risks. It is each hiker's responsibility to ensure that s/he is in sufficient fitness and health to participate, with appropriate provisions and equipment. The Los Angeles Hiking Meetup group and the hike organizer make no warranties about the safety or supervision of these activities.