Overview
Mount Wilson and the Mount Wilson Observatory make a great day trip out of the city. The parking lot at the top of Mount Wilson offers amazing views of the city and is a great place to take LA photos. Along with the views, the observatory is world-renowned in astronomy and offers daily tours.
Adventure
Mount Wilson is a 5,710 feet peak located in Angeles National Forest. It offers awesome views of the Los Angeles basin and the surrounding peaks. On top of Mount Wilson is the Mount Wilson Observatory which is an important astronomical facility in Southern California. Mount Wilson is well worth the short drive out of the city and if you are really adventurous, try cycling to the top.
Mt. Wilson Observatory
The Observatory offers tours of its main telescopes and provides a fascinating history of the observatory. It has a 60-inch and 100-inch telescope for viewing the night sky. They offer weekend public tours of the facility but you can do a self-guided tour.
Tickets are $15 (adults) and $13 (ages 12 and under & 62 and older). Tour tickets are available for same-day purchase at the Cosmic Café
Visit: Mount Wilson Observatory
Hiking
Mount Wilson is a great place to explore the hiking trails that lead up to the peak. If you are up for a challenge, the Mount Wilson trail will lead you down the mountain in 7 miles. Just make sure you have enough energy to hike back up. Along with the Mount Wilson trail, there are a few others trails that take you to nearby peaks.
Mountain Biking
Mountain Biking down Mt. Wilson is a popular experience that I recommend if you are into mountain biking. There are so many trails that go down the mountain ranging from beginner to single-track expert. There is a shuttle service that will take you and your bike up Mt. Wilson so you can ride down. See link below.
Visit: Best Mountain Biking Parks and Shuttle Adventures in SoCal
Directions
Take the 210 Fwy to Route 2. Drive on Route 2 for about 10 minutes and turn right onto Mount Wilson Red Box Road. Then drive to the observatory parking lot.
References and Other Adventures
- Website: Mount Wilson Observatory
Best Mountain Biking Parks and Shuttle Adventures in SoCal
Southern California is one of the best locations in the country for Mountain Biking. You can ride every type of terrain here, including mountains, bike
Bridge to Nowhere
Hiking to the Bridge to Nowhere is a fantastic option for van or RV nomads wishing to get out of the city and see a genuinely one-of-a-kind Los Angeles landmark in the San Gabriel Mountains. The East Fork Trail is a popular loop that passes by a waterfall and requires hikers to cross the river several times on their way to the bridge. Bungee jumping off the bridge is an option as well.
