Hiking Snow-Covered Mount Wilson: A Rare Treat

Snowstorm after snowstorm has swept through Southern California this year, leaving grandiose amounts of ice and snow on select mountaintops in the San Gabriel Mountains. Recently, I was able to enjoy a hike on Mount Wilson through the snow and ice and it reframed my perspective on Mount Wilson.

I met my friend Jason at Chantry Flats at 7 a.m. We traveled the Sturtevant Camp Trail down the long driveway, across the Upper Falls Trail, and to Sturtevant Camp.

Jason and I, both, have spent large amounts of time hiking various routes up Mount Wilson but neither of us has ever encountered a large amount of snow on any of these hikes.

At about 4900’ in elevation, we began to see persistent snow hanging around the trail. As we continued our ascent, the snow depth increased, until we were in a solid half-foot of snow – an amount that mandated the use of crampons.

In case you are not a big winter hiker – crampons are spiky, claw-type platforms, which can be affixed to the bottom of a hiking boot or shoe. They provide increased grip and traction in slippery conditions, and thus make travel on snow and ice possible. Rarely are crampons necessary for hiking on Mount Wilson. Thus, we felt excited at this rare opportunity.

As we approached the summit, the snow and ice continued to increase in depth.   Parts of the summit actually have at least a couple feet of snow – once again, a rarity in April in Southern California. Jason and I explored the always-active summit of Mount Wilson before descending down the equally snowy Upper Wintercreek/Mount Wilson Trail, across Manzanita Ridge, and eventually to the parking lot.  

It was an amazing experience to see a different view of Mount Wilson through the lens of winter. In fact, Mount Wilson looked a bit closer to 10,000’ Mount Baldy than 5,000’ Mount Wilson. I would certainly recommend hiking Mount Wilson in the winter to a person who is up for a unique hiking challenge – but don’t forget those crampons.

(Sturtevant Trail –> Mount Wilson summit –> Upper Winter Creek loop)

Snow only occurs a couple times a year on Mount Wilson to where      crampons would be required. This year’s snow on Wilson may be over but people can plan for next year starting now.

Take the 210 to Santa Anita Avenue. Travel north on Santa Anita to where it ends at Chantry Flats. Park in the parking lot (which is often crowded on weekends) and display your Adventure Pass in your car.   If you do not have an Adventure Pass, you can get one at REI for $5 for a day or $30 for a year.