The hike starts up a steep windy road, at a place called Chantry Flats. This sunny Sunday in February enticed a bunch of other hikers. It is great to see an appreciation for nature and recreation, however, it also means the only parking spot is a half a mile from the trail head. We could have sprung $20 for valet parking (the first time we've ever seen that at a trail head) but decided otherwise. From the road we descended about 1000 feet to the the floor of Big Santa Anita Canyon. We had no idea ahead of time, but this canyon is home to ~80 cabins built between 1890 to 1930, all privately owned today. In addition, there are a number of "hikers hotels" and check dams, making it an interesting hike. After the descent, we climbed the six miles to the top of the mountain.
Mount Wilson was unlike the other peaks we've climbed. You can drive to the top and there are a number of cool observatories there. There is also an Astronomical Museum and cosmic cafe which would have served hot dogs and coffee, had it been open. At the museum, we learned about the spectro helioscope. We also learned that Hubble and Einstein hung out there. The way down was long, really showing how far we had gone up.
