Hours: 8 hours ( 14 miles out and back)
Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult, and this is not for the beginner. You have some experience to hike the summit.
Pet-Friendly: Dogs are allowed on leash. This is very long hike, and there is many turn around point if your dog gets too tired. Also be careful with wild animals. I have seen a bear on my hike. Also, you can drive to the summit and walk your dog and have fun.
Parking: Street parking available near Wilson Trail Park.
This is the longest and highest single hike ever in my life. I joined with a group of people and I saw many people running the trail. The hike start at the Mount Wilson Trailhead, and continue the trail toward Orchard Camp around 3.5 miles from the start. I encountered a wild bear here, and this is so exciting, also little scary moment. Fortunately, the bear went down to the valley and didn’t come to us. There is a couple junctions, and just follow where it is more well maintained road. From Orchard Camp, continue the trail toward a bench where you can take a rest. The other route from Chantry flats meet here, and the summit is close to see. About a half mile from the bench, you will see the last sign that show 1 and 3 quarters of mile to go. From there, it is much easier than your past route. Once you hit the peak, it has very large parking lot and Cosmic Cafe to the end. Enjoy the view and bite some foods there.
Second Visit: June 10, 2017
Almost a year last time I went here. I was able to remember some part of the trail. I am little worried because it was so cloudy and there is drizzle falling down. But, it was OK when I go up. The trail can divide three, trailhead to Orchard Camp, to the Bench, then to the Wilson summit. It was cloudy and shaded when out, and the view from the top was great. As usual, the Cosmic Cafe was little chilly.
