Mount Wilson Observatory

Nice and quiet. We went for a talk which was very good. Walked around the observatory. Caution: on your way up you will lose cell reception m. So download driving instructions.

We went up after the Altadena fire to see the damage from above. Words can be described but won't be allowed here. The observatory is a must-see and very informative. Take food and drink, a hat. There are restrooms. There are signs warning of the effect of radio signals on key fobs and wireless. It's true. Parking away from the towers is a good idea. Take your time going up. Take your time going down.

The Mount Wilson Observatory is certainly one of the most famous in the world, as it is so scientifically historic, a trip to Southern California is really complete with quick visit here. I took the scenic Mt Wilson Red Box Rd to the parking lot just beyond the big antennas. After placing my adventure pass in the window, I went to the Mount Wilson Skyline Park for a picnic and then walked up the road, not much more than 10 minutes towards the white observatory domes. First off, I hardly saw anyone, as it’s very quiet and unlike the Griffith Observatory, which is in Los Angeles and usually always crowded, In total there were only five other people out and about besides me. I saw employees and of course, the researchers with whom I joined in fascination! Signage is helpful to know which scope was used for its particular purposes. The Mount Wilson Historical Museum is dedicated to showing exhibits and giving information on the historical use of this great facility. There’s no admission, though the museum does have a donation box with which we can show our appreciation and support!

Lovely area to explore in and out of the observatory. Despite how hot it was that day, the chill winds gave it the perfect weather to enjoy the hike even more.

Rich history with beautiful views. This is a gated area so you’ll only get the sunset and night views of the city during the winter time. If you’re planning to come here for sunrise, don’t! The gates are closed. There’s a nice little museum as well. Cloudy days are great to come here, you might get lucky and get above the clouds for some stunning views. Ample parking available with multiple relatively short train to explore different telescopes.

To think that such an incredible space is just an hour away from Downtown Los Angeles is crazy. We went to "Matinee at Mount Wilson" to watch "Contact" inside their auditorium. We walked around afterwards. Didn't know you can access trails from up there as well. Definitely recommend.

This is a nice observatory with rich history, self-guided museums and a large telescope. This place is the summit of Mt Wilson, and it has amazing views. This place is also not crowded.

Great place to visit! We attended a wonderful art opening. Had never been to the Observatory - a real treat, and a beautiful drive with great views. The Observatory itself is fascinating! And the people working at the Cosmic Cafe who sold us our Adventure Pass for parking - required - were so friendly and welcoming. Next time, we’ll go up there and hike.

On a clear day you can see all the way from Downtown LA to Catalina. Views are spectacular! Most trails are relatively easy but can be narrow. There is a lot of informative history is here to explain the making and reason for the large telescopes. A great day trip from the surrounding LA, Ventura and Orange Counties. If it's really cold, you might see some snow or ice on the ground!

This is a way overdue review, but I came here for a very special wedding for a close friend of mine. I had no idea the journey it would take to get here by car. It's a bit of a windy road, and it takes a bit (although on GPS it says it'll be fast). It gets steep quick too! Once you reached your destination, you'll be wowed by the observatory. The views are just unreal. We were able to go inside the observatory, but unfortunately, due to visibility, we weren't able to use the telescope. However, I'm going to have to make it back here one day to see through that telescope. They also have shows during the summer here, which is found on their site. Definitely a must see if you're looking for an out of the box attraction in LA.

Come up here on a weekend for a tour of this historic place. Do not miss the 100" telescope plus a the complex of buildings. This is where history was made. Einstein and Stephen Hawking both were here.

tl,dr: Beautiful summit past a strenuous hike. The observatory's p nice too. Likes: + When I stepped into the Snow Solar station and all I said was "Hello?", the nice dog-owner lady took the time to deliver me a presentation on the historical impact Mt Wilson and its scientists had on astronomy. xD I liked the spectograph. Wanted to ask about it and play with it more, but she was busy. + I also like that lil quiet museum with the sunlit portraits. Non-likes: - The tour guide man told me two conflicting things: you need to sign up for the tour to check out the interior of the 100-inch telescope, and I can just go in check it out without a tour. I guess I should've asked him to repeat that slower. - The 100-inch telescope front door was closed in the middle of the day, but a sign somewhere around there said it'd be open. - Past this area, both additional trails (after finishing Mt Wilson hike) were closed: Sturtevant Trail & Rim Trail due to risk of falling tree branches from the wind. bummer

COVID-19 Review / 3.6.21: In case you're wondering, Mt. Wilson Observatory is NOT open yet and is closed to the public. If you drive up to the skyline park, you'll find the gates are closed. But, if you're really bored and want a cool, literal bird's eye view of Los Angeles, Mt. Wilson Red Box Rd is open up till the gate to the park/observatory, and you can still park on the side around Circle Road (put in KNBC-TV transmit on Google maps to find approximate location) to get a great, free view. I saw plenty of people parked around the bottom to hike up here, which is fine considering there aren't many cars coming up for the time being. For a short hike, you could put in Eaton Saddle Trailhead (which also has a great viewpoint of the mountains) and walk up to this area. Looking forward to when this place does open up again. I was here a few years ago and it was pretty cool to see the telescope up close and enjoyed walking around the park. It's a great hidden gem if you don't mind a windy drive up (which isn't too terrible and pretty well paved most of the way).

This is a treasure and well worth the drive. It is mostly self -guided, but plenty to see and learn. Views are fantastic. Makes you a little sad though to see what LA use to be capable of and how far the city has fallen.

Great spot for a a little celestial navigation and on a clear day you can see forever!

I realize COVID-19 has affected the whole world, but why did it close Mount Wilson access? Maybe the crowds were a problem, or liability of illness or injury, but I can't help feeling sorry for driving up the 9 miles of twisty turns and rock laden road to find the gates locked and no access. Fortunately, some hikers opened the gate from the back and at least I was able to see the wonderful view of the valley. I wish the Forrest Service would open the gate for hikers, or just keep the entry gate closed at the base of the mountain. In any event, I was happy to at least see the views from a distance.

This place looks like the set of a season of Stranger Things. High above the clouds, we couldn't see the city the entire time we were there. Super cool, even if there was no view. We started hiking but here were tons of bugs so we did the loop trail around the telescopes and took some pictures. Pretty great Saturday morning an hour out of the city!

This is my favorite hidden gem in LA. If I've brought you here, you're special. Standing 5,000 above LA lies the beautiful mount Wilson observatory. This is where the speed of light was calculated for the first time. Can you wrap your head around that?! What a timeless piece of history. Not only is there a museum and observatory at the peak but there's also a hidden swing if you can find it. When you drive up here, you can also find lots of hikers as it is the top of a peak included in the 6 pack of peaks. Not the coolest hike bc you see people in there cars but cool nonetheless lol

We came here yesterday to explore the observatory since they just opened back up to the public on 6/15/2021. The viewing gallery inside the 100-inch telescope was open, along with the museum and hiking trails. Fun to explore and perhaps we should come back for the night time viewing tours, although it'd be scary to drive through the winding roads in the dark!

Took a field trip at work here last week. It was a good change of scenery to see nothing but open mountains roads and vistas versus hectic, congested LA. On time of there it was only a week after that massive storm where they got 2 feet of snow so there were still a lot of snow on the ground. Total winter wonderland. Our volunteer told guide was great and you can tell how passionate he is with his job. He's very knowledgeable about the history of the observatory. We were able to go inside the two observatories but didn't get a chance to see the telescope in action. There's a small museum next to the Tower. Not much else to do there but a quiet, peaceful walk. And beautiful after a heavy snowfall.

I could write a review for Mount Wilson Observatory, but I don't have much more to add that has already been written by Michael S. on 11/5/2012. I don't think it is actively used for major purposes because there are so many other newer and more sophisticated telescopes around the world. I do think groups can rent them out for a half or full night. That might be fun to do. They are trying to raise some money with the Star Parties. When we drove up there they were just setting up for one. I wish we could have stayed, but we had a hungry dog waiting at home for his dinner. I also forgot to bring a coat and hat. It gets really cold up there even if it is warm down in La Canada. I would highly recommend driving up there and walking around the property. Just try to go before the end of November. I think they close the Cosmic Café and some other things the first quarter of the year. Here is a great article in LA Magazine about it: http://www.lamag.com/citythinkblog/discovering-mount-wilson-observatory/

This is truly a hidden gem above the clouds. Only a half hour or so from the bottom of Glendale. It's a beautiful drive! Great lookout spots along the way as well as hiking. The observatory is really nothing like the commercialized Griffith Park Observatory. (I love both, but this one is more of a working observatory). Drive up into the Angeles Crest, Hwy 2 and make a right towards Mt Wilson. At the top of the mountain you'll see two one way roads. Either one will get you there. The road that goes up will take you in between all the radio towers. (Really cool) and the one to the right will take you to the rim. (Also very cool). Both end up at the gates of the observatory. NOTE: they are not opened year round so check their website for current days and times. You'll see a big black rot iron gate. Drive in and park. There are signs to follow to get to the different telescopes. They do offer small tours for under $10 each, with discounts for children and seniors. I have not taken this tour yet but have seen a group that was able to go inside and stand under the big telescope where Hubble once sat. There is quite a few stairs you need to climb to get up inside and it's not handicap accessible. You are behind glass and they have an audio that explains what you are looking at. My favorite here is the views. Take a hike and venture the many trails they have through the big pines. YOU MUST BUY AN ADVENTURE PASS for parking here or anywhere on the Angeles Crest drive. You can buy one at the bottom of the hill at a sporting good store (most carry them. $30 for a year $5 for a second car, and I think it's $8 for a day pass) or just as you enter the park there is a ranger station. (But can't guarantee they are always open). And there is a concession stand that generally is opening at the observatory, called the Cosmic Cafe, as well that sells them. Proceeds help fund the State Parks so please look at it as helping our community and parks. Rangers will ticket. Again this place is beautiful. Go up for a late lunch, take a hike, watch the sunset and enjoy a little piece of heaven above the clouds. The Cosmic Cafe is inexpensive and yummy. Basic comfort foods, hot cider, hot chocolate, etc. Stop in and say hi. It's outdoors and weather teens to be 15-20 degrees colder up here so dress in layers and most certainly bring a jacket. Enjoy!!!

Can't think of a better way to spend a clear night in Los Angeles. To see the universe through the 100 inch telescope is something that I will always remember, and not just because it makes you realize just how small and insignificant this blue green planet is (Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy reference) The people that work here or volunteer will be able to answer any questions you have and you'll leave smarter then when you arrived.

Now here we have a hidden gem in LA. It is a bit far from the city but still LA County (north of La Canada Flintridge). One of my friends who lives in the city took me up here one time a few years ago and I was blown away. It doesn't even look real that's how insane the views are up there. There are many different hiking trails all over the Angeles Forest. If you visit Los Angeles you gotta check out the mountains, especially Mt. Wilson! Foot traffic is almost nonexistent on most trails so you feel like you are alone in the wilderness (a lot of the times you in fact are the only human for miles haha).

Just wanted to say a huge thank you to Mr. Van Webster who went out of his way to provide such an excellent and informative tour to our group (which included two Ukrainian college students, whose families are currently displaced by the war). Mr. Webster took his time to make sure no stone was left unturned for us and we could not be more grateful! We learned so much - and what a thrill to be standing in the place where man's whole concept of the universe changed - where he realized that we were not, indeed, the center of it - but just a speck of cosmic dust in something so much bigger and greater than we could ever conceive of. On behalf of Vlad, Alina, and myself - thank you!

What a treat to visit on a Saturday Afternoon. Angels crest highway is a byway utilized by both tourists and Moto enthusiasts alike. Offers a pleasant drive with panorama views of LA and Pasadena. The observatory welcomes you with a small cafe before ascending upon the trail heads and telescope viewing. Quiet and uncrowded this mountain excursion is easily accessible without 4wd. A short loop hike makes visiting with little ones feasible. For the more advanced the rim trail can be found right off the observation area. Beware that cell service limits and key fob issues may be found in the parking lot due to radio waves and frequencies they forewarned but I didn't have an issue. A wonderful treat above the city and a cool Sunday drive

This place is awesome, rich in nature and beautiful view from pine of mountain. Most interested me was the tour just only for $15 for all history and knowledge. I like the tour guy , He was in to it when he explained. After tour time we we walk around and there are a lot of trail, surrounds with tree. Love this place, definitely will be back. Please if you can make donations, this historical place income is only from public events.

Best views for meteor showers here! Be careful driving up the mountains though at night. Narrow roads. Very scenic drive and seeing the magical skies and city lights! Cell or gps might get cut off. At least for me. Bring a picnic and nice blanket. Lots of nature to enjoy with your boo or family! I was here from 2-5am watching the Aquariids! Coming back soon! Definitely thought about mountain lions but that didn't scare me. Yah... just be aware you are in nature so bring bug spray just in case.

OK.... I'm rating this a 5star, but I will have to say, this kicked my ass. I have been working up to this hike for some time. Training 2-3 times per week, I thought I was ready to hit the summit of this monsterous peak..... well boy oh boy, was I in for a surprise. In the midst of being treated for upper respiratory infection, it probably wasn't the best idea to schedule a hike on this given day... but that's what we nurses do. We ventured to the top via Chantry Flats. The hike is absolutely beautiful, lots of water along the way (you know we Californians get excited at the sight of water). The incline is steady, and sometimes treacherous, but it is doable. We hiked for approximately 6hours before getting to the top. We did have a quick stop at Sturtevant Camp, took some photos and swung on the swing before continuing on. It was very foggy or maybe we were in a cloud. Once we got to the top, most of us lost battery life of our phones, but in reality, they were just too cold and shut off on their own. We trekked Champagne with us to the top so that we could pop some bubbly to celebrate our victory march. Our hands were so cold, we barely could open our bottles. I'm definitely a novice hiker, as I took out my rain jacket and gloves from my backpack prior to the hike... knowing that I needed room for my gourmet cheeses, crackers, and champagne. Huge mistake. My hands were so cold, my head was too. It started to drizzle up there, again, unprepared and longing for my jacket that I left on the kitchen table. There is a cute little museum up at the top of Mount Wilson Observatory. Doors were open and we gladly went in. Great little place for history of this magnificent gem in our backyards. Cosmic Cafe was naturally closed as it was a weekday. Wonderful bathrooms with ice cold running water to wash your cold hands with. We took an alternate route down which met up with the trail that we started at. This hike is a must do if you live in the area. Even if you don't, give it a try.

The trail is great well maintained. Great shade all the way to the top but dogs not on the leash and barking at people and defecate everywhere and horses too is just gross. So I wish the rangers start a hot line that people can report and they can fine who is not taking care of the park and or charging for dogs and horses to beat the park. And start to charge for the campsites bc the condition of the bathroom around then is just unacceptable if they don't keep clean they should be charge for the rangers have money to do is so.

I love everything about this place. The drive, the views, the staff, everything! Check it out, it's fricking awesome!!!

One time, I got a star chart app on my phone, and started seeing the planets and stars, the sun and the moon, in relation to where I stood. I saw the constellations, the paths of satellites and comets. I saw as many stars under my feet as above my head. I understood, in that moment, the vertigo of hurtling through the universe on a tiny spinning marble, and I had to sit down. When recently five planets were in alignment, I pulled out that app again, and in the wee hours of the morning, I could kinda see two from my bedroom window, and the other three when I ran around to the back porch. Suffice it to say, my house is no observatory. While the Mount Wilson Observatory may not be as accessible or famous as its kid sister in Griffith Park, let's not forget it was this location that made Griffith J Griffith exclaim: "If all mankind could look through that telescope, it would change the world." As we took the winding drive out into the hills, I wondered about the folks who picked this perfect spot from which to gander and ponder the universe. In the early 1900s, this was no easy feat. Today, there's also an impressive array of TV towers that grace the hill. More windows to and from the world. The place is chock-full of historicity and scientification, if you're inclined to learn. Tours are offered mid-day on the weekends, and you can even rent the place and an operator/guide to the stars for a full- or half-night if you've got a cool grand to spare. From these hills, the views of the San Gabriel valley are expansive and lovely, and available trails are as easy or as hard as you want them to be. During the late spring and summer, the Cosmic Cafe / concession stand offers some space-themed snacks, in a covered picnic shelter area which is open year-round if, upon taking it all in, you (like me), just need to sit down.

Last Thursday (March 24), I drove down to the Mt. Wilson Observatory to check out the telescope that astronomer Edwin Hubble used in the late 1920s to discover that the Universe is expanding. While the observatory is only 17-plus miles from where I live, it took more than an hour and a distance of 50-plus miles to reach the summit of Mt. Wilson...due to the long winding road through Angeles National Forest in the San Gabriel Mountains. The ride was pretty fun and definitely worth it, seeing as how this is the only working observatory near Los Angeles (Griffith Park Observatory near Hollywood is more of a tourist attraction)...and the closest one after that is the Palomar Observatory (home to the 200-inch Hale Telescope) near San Diego. Along with checking out the historic 100-inch Hooker Telescope (which Hubble used to make his discovery about the Universe's expansion, which he confirmed in 1929), I also took pics of the domes housing the 60-inch telescope, the two 150-foot-tall solar telescopes and the various domes housing the CHARA array interferometers that began operational use by Georgia State University in 2004. Also a sight to see is the "antenna farm"...which consists of several giant radio and TV antennas that were constructed as far back as 1947. The largest radio tower on Mt. Wilson today is a mast that is owned by Richland Towers. It stands at 972 feet-tall. This trip marked the second time I drove up to Mt. Wilson...the first time being in the summer of 2004 (though the observatory was already closed that day since I traveled there in the late afternoon). Would I drive up to this historic site again in the future, you ask? You bet! Hikers and astronomy buffs alike will appreciate Mt. Wilson Observatory and its surroundings. This is a great place to take kids to if you want them to learn about Mother Nature and the Universe in general. Plus, it's definitely an ideal location to go to if you want to get some exercise. The walk from the parking lot to the observatory alone is quite a workout! Have a wonderful day!

We checked the hours at the Mount Wilson Observatory opening hours at the yelp.com site before driving up to the Observatory which is 30 miles away and at an altitude of over 5000 feet. It was around 11 am in the morning. We thought we needed to purchase the U.S. Forest Service Adventure Pass which is required to park at the Observatory. When we got there, the cafe was closed. No one was around to answer any questions. We were not sure what to do and who to ask. The path leading down to the Observatory was not handicapped friendly. One person in our group had to walk with a cane. She barely could make it to the bottom and found out the Observatory and museum were closed. She had a terrible time to walk back to the parking lot. Another person had trouble breathing because of the thin air. The third person was able to walk half of the way down and had terrible time in walking up. So all of you are warned of the facility. Then we saw the sign posted saying something like Cosmic Cafe opens on: "SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS, 10 AM - 5 PM, APRIL THROUGH NOVEMBER" Later we checked the website, https://www.mtwilson.edu/, and had to click through the site in order to get the information. The up-to-date information about the observatory and museum opening should be displayed on the first page and be clear about what and where opens. So that out-of-state visitors will not waste a trip of at least two hour drive up the 5000 ft and find out facilities are closed. Another advice: if you have the "National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands senior pass", bring it with you.

Was an amazing experience for my brother and I. Can't wait to hike with other ppl. Uphill a challenge for me but never gave up.

What a drive to get to this place, but, you will absolutely be amazed at the astounding panoramic view from atop this peak. Nestled above the City of Pasadena, Mt. Wilson provides a 360 degree view of spectacular scenery. On a clear day, you can actually see Catalina Island. In the winter time the snow gives that good Christmas feeling...but bring plenty of blankets, thermals, sweaters, thermal gloves, thermal socks and heavy jackets if you plan to be up here and outside for awhile. You can see all of the San Gabriel Valley, the San Fernando Valley and as far as the eye can see. Be very careful come up the Mt. Wilson Road since some areas are very narrow and have plenty of curves and you could go over the side with those icy conditions. It's a good 400 feet or more down the side of the mountain. You are almost guaranteed to see some wildlife and their is some campsites at the bottom of Mt. Wilson Road.

After hiking 7 miles from the Mt. Wilson trail this was a well needed and deserved meal. They serve sandwiches, hot dogs, cold/hot drinks, chips, candy, and ice cream bars. I ordered the turkey sandwich with avocado. The sandwich was plentiful and they don't skimp out on the avocado. All sandwiches come with coleslaw and it's fresh and tasty! My friends had fritos covered in chili and cheese they said it was good but I didn't try it. The workers are very friendly and although they sell bottled water they were refiling everyone's empty bottles for free. Obviously it's tap but still nice of them to do. Definitely a great place to relax before heading back down the trail. Or you could plan ahead and have one car waiting for you at the top in the parking lot. I wish we did this instead!

I enjoyed my trip to the Mt Wilson Observatory. In hindsight I wish I hadn't done the docent guided tour only because I went with my young kids and it didn't keep their attention. I didn't realize until after I checked the web site that children under age 6 are not permitted. The cashier at the Cosmic Cafe never warned me. The tour lasted 2 hours. It was somewhat dry and technical and it definitely did not keep their attention. For adults it was informative and interesting but I think that you could get similar insight by reading the well written Wikipedia page on the Mt Wilson Observatory combined with a self-guided tour. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Wilson_Observatory Skipping the tour will also save you some money. To me $10.00 for adults and $8.00 for children is a little pricey. If you're a hiker then I would suggest trying out the nearby Mount Lowe Road to Inspiration Point trail. At 7.25 miles (out and back) it's a lot more doable hike then the 15 mile Mt. Wilson trail. There's a great summary of the trail on hikespeak: http://www.hikespeak.com/trails/inspiration-point-mount-lowe-road-hike-mount-lowe-trail-camp/ I find it fascinating that there used to be a railway that took people up to the peaks of the San Gabriel Mountains to a 70-room Victorian Hotel called the Echo Mountain House. Apparently, it was a very popular activity back in the 1800s. The railway and the hotel were destroyed by fires and floods but you can still view some of the relics on the trail. There are more than a dozen historical markers on the trail that detail the history of the railway. There is also a tunnel and a collection of sighting tubes at Inspiration Point.

I have seen the best and worst of this location. In agreement with the Yelper below, do not even think about going up Mount Wilson on a dirty air day. It is one of the scariest sights to view LA absolutely obscured by filthy air. But on a good day you will be blown away by the views and stunning natural setting. I would recommend the day after a big rainstorm. Take the steps inside the largest telescope and listen to the old-fashioned recording tell you all about the wondrous discoveries made here relating to our universe. The whole place is charming, quaint and romantic. But with killer views.

What a disappointment. I drove up there early for the 11:30am tour. Got there and the cosmic cafe, where you're suppose to meet up for the tour, was closed. I waited for almost 2 hours for the tour and nothing. I am very disappointed that no one was there and to waste my time and money. Was not informed of and closures or rescheduling.

Looks like according to the mount Wilson observatory website... 4/3/2012 - The Observatory's Cosmic Cafe is now open Friday through Sunday, 10 am until 5 pm. Our program of 1 pm guided tours is once again underway on Saturdays and Sundays. This place is awesome, and I love it! It's cool to come up and check out the docent tours, and and checking out the grounds. Albert Einstein used to come up here for research, which is super amazing because I have seen his pictures in peoples homes in the Pasadena area near cal tech. Meeting friendly folks along the way, there is quite a few. :) I highly recommend the hot dog! I've been ordering this quite frequently and it taste really good and the buns are fresh. Quite honestly, anything on the menu is good, I often hear "delicious" from the other tables. If you ever meet the observatory grounds director Hal himself , you'll be in for a real super treat. Really friendly guy. The snack bar has been completely redone and complies with Health department regulations. Equipment looks shiny new. And super clean. My understanding is, they operate the snack bar to raise funds for a new visitor center for the public. They have limited hours, weekends only. Also there is a winter closure. I wish they have an iphone recharge station :( I'll be more than happy to pay a few bucks! Yearly winter closure for 2012 starts on December 3rd Monday. Reopening sometime in 2013. Oh man, the view from up here is spectacular. I'm really glad the cafe is up and running by super chatty people too.

This place has changed since I was younger. I love being able to see those telescopes up close and personal. I even did the tour inside one of the telescopes,150 ,and it was amazing. This is a great place to hike and take the family or just to get away and think. The drive up is good if no one is trying to go fast by you up those curves. Cosmic cafe is there and open seasonal but great place to buy healthy snacks and your park pass.

Really I can't explain how much I love that this cafe is at the top of Wilson- after a long hike this is the best treat I recently tried the frito pie which is basically frito chips topped with chili cheese and I have to say it probably totally negates at least part if not the entire 7 miles up but it's so delicious when you worked so hard to get up there!

If you are into fitness, hiking and running are good to do here going up to the mountains. Nice view where you might be. Highly recommended

One of best kept secrets in L.A.. If you are weary of the crowd and showbiz hubbub at the Griffith Observatory, Mt. Wilson is the antidote, a tranquil nature getaway 5700 feet above City of Los Angeles. Plan a whole day of picnic and nature walk/hiking, but check the weather closure information prior to departure. The winding roads traverse through some spectacular scenery of the San Gabriel Mountains and the valley below. Make sure your car is up to the challenge!

* Ding * Wanna Get Away? Mount Wilson Observatory is an under-appreciated 1-hour getaway from Los Angeles. It never fails to help me leave the stress of the city below. The drive up Angeles Crest Highway & Red Box Road to the summit from Pasadena/La Canada Flintridge is full of scenic views and pull-outs. * At 5715 feet above LA, the air, sky, & weather are different. 3 reasons to go!! * Between April 1 - November 30, the free observatory is open 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. * Weather like snow, ice, etc. will force the closure of the entrance to Skyline Park. * U.S. Forest Service Adventure Pass is required for parking ($5/day or $30/year) * You can buy Adventure Passes online or at stores before driving up * On weekends, you can also buy a pass at the Cosmic Cafe at the summit * Mount Wilson is the one with all the TV/Radio towers. Parking is next to the towers. * Open weekends only, Cosmic Cafe is convenient for sandwiches, but so-so. * A better option is having your own picnic in the pavilion or a nearby picnic table. * Besides food, bring water, sunscreen, and a jacket. * The 60-in Hale Telescope made Mt. Wilson famous in 1908. * The 100-in Hooker Telescope was the largest in the world from 1917 - 1948. * The Hooker Telescope is visible from an open visitors gallery in the dome. * Mt. Wilson is still serving research like the 150-ft UCLA Solar Tower since 1912 * The paved trail from the parking lot to the observatory is about 10-15 minutes * There are other trails for hiking/exploring, too. * 2-hour walking tours led by docents Sat./Sun. at 1:00 pm ($10/adult; $8/child) * The free small Astronomical Museum has some cool old photos and info. * Group night tours (max 25 people) are available ($1700/night or $900 1/2 night) * Check out the Webcam on the Solar Tower Telescope (updated every 4 minutes). If you are a fan of astronomy, enjoy hiking, or just want to get away from Los Angeles for some cleaner air, clearer skies, & cooler weather then the Mount Wilson Observatory is waiting just an hour away.

We came here to see the Perseids meteor shower last night, although no "shower" was seen by us, we did see total about 15 different sizes and shapes of meteors. It was so peaceful and quite here at night, all we could hear were the crickets, oh, I missed this so much! The bats came flapping about, the fireflies flickered here and there, I was so mesmerized by the stars and the peaceful soundings. What a good break this is from the hustle and bustle down below?! A few more groups showed up later, now we have a party, woohoo! It was just the right temperature for laying on the blanket and starring in the sky, but patience and concentration are a must for the big reward! (hmm, why this sentence doesn't quite convey my meaning and looks grammatically unsound?) Anyway, I looked at a passing car, and missed a big one.

IMPORTANT TIP- Don't be dumb dodos like us and make a spur-of-the-moment road trip up there without clicking on this Yelp page's official link to the observatory and looking up pertinent information such as whether or not they're open, road conditions, etc. O_o

I'd give Mt. Wilson Observatory 10 stars if Yelp would let me! THIS PLACE IS AWESOME!!!!!!!!!! Probably THE most fun I've had in SoCal in the 35 years I've lived here. First of all, the drive through the mountains is absolutely gorgeous - even the areas burned by the Station Fire are starting to make a comeback. I had to use Big Tujunga to get there, but the Mt. Wilson website gave me VERY detailed instructions - turn by turn. ( http://www.mtwilson.edu ). The scenery, the smell and the drive were all worth the trip. As I got to the observatory, there were several places to park. I parked below an area called "The Pavilion". Located in the pavilion were to outstanding items worth the drive alone: the view of the Los Angeles Basin and the "Cosmic Cafe". First, the view. I got there early enough to see the basin completely covered over in a blanket of clouds - an awesome sight that I only get to see from an airplane. It was clear, cool and absolutely refreshing there that morning. This is definitely THE place to hang out when it's 100+ degrees in LA. Anyway, the air was...wait for it...CLEAN! No pollution - just the smell of pine and green forest. Luckily, the Station Fire never touched this place. I enjoyed an INCREDIBLE roast beef sandwich at the Cosmic Cafe. Fresh ingredients on a hoagie roll; no "store-bough" roast beef here. This place knows how to make a sandwich! My wife had the hummus & avocado sandwich, and I have to say that when she ordered it, I wasn't too impressed...until I had a bite. Her sandwich was EXCELLENT!!! Both sandwiches were served with freshly-made cole slaw, but you can also get potato chips with your order. Then came the piece d' resistance: the tour(s). I enjoyed the first one so much that I took another one immediately following the first one! Our first tour was lead by a man named "Gale" who knew all about the observatory. We got to see exterior of the telescopes, instruments and experiments that were explained in language that was devoid of "nerd-speak". Everyone on the tour was impressed that Gale never launched into technical jargon, and the group understood everything he as saying. After returning from that tour, I took a second tour with a guy named "Michael". Michael also added other things that Gale didn't, and best off all, we were treated to an "enhanced" tour by the superintendent of the Observatory - Dave Jurasevich - who proceeded to take us into the 150-foot Solar Telescope, the 60-inch Telescope, and finally, a VERY detailed tour of the 100-inch Telescope. I was amazed at how much history had been made "on the mountain" - and I even got to touch the same instrument that Dr. Edwin Hubble used (yeah - that's right - the same guy they named the Hubble Space Telescope after). In the 150-foot Solar Telescope, I got to look through the same eyepiece as Albert Einstein. I instantly felt smarter! ;) What a place! It was like Disneyland for me. I can't find anything negative to say about Mt. Wilson...except maybe that they don't have a hotel there - otherwise I'd be there just about every day!

this is an awesome place for the following reasons: the visiting area is at the summit of mount wilson, just above pasadena, at an altitude of 5715 feet. it's a great place to have a picnic and have an amazing view of the city. with two touring areas of the observatory, you can get your geek on visiting the 100 inch telescope, called the hooker, after john, d. hooker, (oh, god, i just know where everyone is going to go with a name like that.....*braces*) who funded the purchase of the telescope. from 1917 to 1948 it was the largest telescope in the world. there is also the astronomical museum but unlike other museums, this one steps back in time to display the general knowledge of space as it was in the 1930's. and lastly, there are amazing hiking trails in and around the observatory. beats the gym's treadmill for great exercise with an amazing view. just make sure to get a parking permit, or forest service adventure pass if you're going to hike around the trails. you can get them at sport chalet on foothill blvd just east of angeles crest highway or at jay's shell station on angeles crest (Hwy 2) just south of I-210. you will get cited if you park for a long period of time and do not display the permit. there are walking tours available on the weekends from 1pm to 4pm and are able accommodate large special tours upon contact but bring your own food and plenty of water please. there are no easily accessible sites for either. oh, and a walking stick wouldn't hurt either if you're going to be hiking the trails. for more information visit: http://www.mtwilson.edu/index.php. enjoy!

i love this place and at just an hour outside los angeles, it's ideal for a quick respite from the city. there are breathtaking views from the top of mount wilson but be sure to bring bug repellent, in addition to sunscreen, because my boyfriend and i were being eaten alive by a menagerie of flying insects up there. the weather is also much cooler than the city, by a good ten to twenty degrees, so it's a wise idea to dress in layers. to get to the observatory you need to drive up, and up, and up a long winding highway through the angeles crest forest. the last stretch, where you detour off onto red box road, can be precarious but it's also really fun to drive, requiring some serious manuvering through tight hairpin curves and alongside sheer cliffs. do not drink and drive! not only do you have to deal with possible altitude sickness, you're going to need all your wits about you to make it up and down the mountain alive. at the summit of mount wilson, on the observatory grounds, you'll find hiking trails abound, some lovely public art, a little cafe, and a quaint astronomy museum. i highly recommend visiting on a weekend because they offer a walking tour that costs only ten dollars for two hours packed with information about the mountain's history and the observatory, and you get to go into several of the buildings, including the planetarium that holds the gigantic one hundred inch hooker telescope. but don't stray from the paths! there are these trees all around which have pinecones that can weigh as much as ten to twenty pounds. colloquially, they're called widow-makers because a falling one can kill you. so don't stray... or you may pay. finally, the observatory is only open to the public from april 1 through november 30, so don't make the trek up there off-season or you'll end up disappointed. the grounds are also closed to the public if there is ice or snow so it's best to check their website to make sure weather conditions are favorable before visiting.

I used to make a 10-12 hour drive to school from LA to Humboldt...and oh how I miss those winding roads of the 299 and the rock slide area known as 'confusion hill' of the 101...I'm telling you the Angeles Crest Highway brought back a lot of memories. Although the vegetation was quite different and you ascend about 5000ish feet in like 30-40 minutes. The highway climbs up in to the very geologically young San Gabriel mountains. Follow signs for Mt. Wilson. You turn off the Angeles Crest Highway on to Mt. Wilson Red box Road. The whole drive consists of snaking past a few ranger outposts, harrowing drops, view spots and picnic areas and then finally, you get a glimpse of the observatory. Just past the colony of antennas, (that on a clear day you can see from my place in Marina Del Rey), there's a gigantic lot. I suggest parking in this lot and wandering around (although we came on a Monday and I imagine weekends are busier) Of course on a clear day one would be astounded by the view. Unfortunately I went on one of the view-less days. Since I could only see the foothills, I was more impressed with the sheerness of the peaks. This is the a great place to take someone who needs a reality check about air quality in LA. But it was still a great drive, and relatively quiet, (cept for the strange humming noise coming from the colony). Apparently they give tours of the actual observatory on Saturdays and Sundays, or so the posted signs said around the grounds. We didn't wander towards the observatory on account of we were being eaten by flies! (I've concluded that spring must be bug season, based on previous experiences at this time of year around Southern California) Luckily for us the weather was sunny and breezy, and perfect. I bet it's kind of miserable on a hot or foggy day. I really recommend checking out this place. It's amazing to think that you can get so high up so quickly, and so close to civilization. The cool thing about it is that there are so many other turns and spots to check out along the way too, you can really make a mini road trip through the San Gabriels. PS. A good read about the San Gabriels--------- http://www.johnmcphee.com/controlofnature.htm

Leaving from the Sierra Madre trailhead at 7:40 am we made it to the peak (7.5 miles from the bottom). Being the last week of March the Cosmic Cafe wasn't open but we were prepared with our own sandwiches to enjoy the view. After resting for 15 minutes we explored the sprawling campus and actually met "Steve", a scientist who allowed us to come in to the Solar Observatory. He was very nice and informative, showing us sunspots, but man, is that equipment outdated... Im talking 50 years outdated. I don't think without any major grants Mt. Wilson Observatory will be around much longer. With most technology now being applied by satellites and no money from NASA, this 1960s era observatory may not make it. We hiked down back to Sierra Madre (off the hill by 3 after spending 45 minutes at the peak) and had a great day. Warning, this hike is NOT for beginners or the out of shape. It IS demanding, and as someone who hikes a lot, I want to warn you, bring LOTS of water (at least 3 liters), food and a first aid kit. You WILL get blisters.

I'm not going to talk about the Observatory, but the actually hike up to it is excellent. 7.5 mile hike with ~ 4500 ft elevation. An excellent half day / day hike away from any signs of civilisation. I like

Cosmic Cafe at Mt. Wilson Observatory is another great stop in the Angeles National Forest. If you bike, motorcycle, drive or hike, you have a place to get a snack. The prices are more than reasonable. The view is great. The food stand is in the middle of a large open building and there are picnic tables all around. You can get a hot dog for $3.75 and a soda for $1.50. The fresh made sandwiches are more, but again, reasonable. They have chips, candy and ice cream. You can also get a coffee if it's a cold day. While we were there a helicopter was flying back and forth with construction items, but that is a temporary annoyance. The large parking area is fenced off during construction, but there is still some parking to be had. Please be aware that getting to Mt. Wilson at this time is done by taking a circuitous route through the mountains. Much of the Angeles Crest Highway has been damaged by the Station Fire and has been closed. There is an alternate route that is still a beautiful drive. You can find a link to the alternate route on the Mt. Wilson website under the tours and visiting information heading. Motorcyclists beware: There is a lot of gravel and rocks on the road that have come down off the mountain. All drivers beware: There are bicyclists on this road. They show up suddenly on blind curves.

How long was that hike up again? and how steep? If I had to go 15 minutes more, I would have been hating life. It was rough (in non-hiker standards) The menu isnt big, but variety wasn't lacking. Plus, after a gruesome hike, your sense of pickiness tends to just turn into "GIMME FOOD NOW." This is not to knock Cosmic's menu or taste. Just mentioning my state of mind when I approached that food counter. Chili cheese hot dog. Yes I got it. I was ready to order an healthier sandwich option such as a turkey wrap or vegetarian hummus plate when i overheard my friend say "chili cheese blah blah blah". No convincing needed. I'm gonna burn all those calories going back down that mountain. There are two ways to get up here. By car or hike up. I saw plenty of patrons take that easier route as they too enjoyed a leisurely lunch with the rest of us ready for survival challenge backpacker. Please learn to appreciate this cafe. I can see even daily operations to transport the food up to the top can be a logistic challenge. Thanks for feeding my tummy Cosmic Cafe.

We drove up the Big Tujunga canyon Road, since the 2 Fwy (Angeles crest fwy) was closed. It was a long 40-mile, 1.5 hour drive from Sunland exit off 210. The drive was OK - nothing great. Was surprised to see that the observatory was literally deserted on a Saturday afternoon, 60 deg F. We were lucky to join the 1 PM guided tour, which had only 4 ppl including the guide. The guide Nik Adorovich (dont think I got the last name right) was very good in explaining some science and a good amount of history behind the solar telescopes. We were also lucky to be taken inside the 200-ft solar telescope and saw live images of the sun. The astronomer working there, Steve, was also good in explaining how the study the sun spots and magnetic fields, even though a little bit more excitement from him could have helped! (Maybe he already had a tough week with Sun not showing any spots/variations!) Then we got to see a dome of the CHARA interferometer. The grand finale was the 200-inch reflecting telescope. Since we were only a group of 5, Nik took us inside the observatory room. This telescope helped Hubble make his important discovery about our expanding universe (thereby validating Einstein's general relativity) and also about the position of the solar system within milky way. The stories Nik told were quite good. I thought Nik was an astronomer/physicist working at Mt. Wilson, but he told he is a professional photographer working there as a volunteer! That was a total surprise to me! I am giving a 3-rating though, bcos this place is not a recreational picnic spot. Also you cannot learn much here about astronomy via this guided tour. Griffith may be better for teaching astronomy to kids and learning some basics. For nerds like me, this place could be fun. The views from the top are OK - even on a day with clear sky it was quite hazy. If you are looking for a romantic picnic spot, this is not it :-). The hike may be more fun as others have commented here!