Mount Wilson Toll Road

Mount Wilson Toll Road is an 18-mile out-and-back dirt road trail that climbs from Altadena, California up to the top of Mount Wilson. The trail is windy, long, and exposed with scenic views overlooking Los Angeles to the west and the San Gabriel Mountains to the east. Although the trail is not particularly steep, the length of it combined with the steady climbing and exposure to the sun makes for a long and tiring day. This is a popular trail, and area, for trail runners, hikers, and mountain bikers. Henninger Flats Campground, located after 3 miles, offers shade, benches, and a nice place to take a break. The campground is first-come, first-serve and has three tiers of campsites that are rarely all the way full. The summit of Mount Wilson is another 6 miles past Henninger Flats. At the top you will be rewarded by scenic views and the Cosmic Cafe which offers warm food, snacks, and drinks. The trail is accessible year round although the summit may get some snow in winter. WATERWater is unreliable and visitors should plan to bring and carry as much as they will need to reach the summit. Cosmic Cafe has potable water. PARKING AT THE TRAILHEADThere is usually parking in the neighborhood near the trailhead. Make sure to read the parking signs clearly and be respectful of the residents. ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONEaton Canyon: https://www.ecnca.org/. Angeles National Forest: https://www.fs.usda.gov/angeles. Mount Wilson Observatory: https://www.mtwilson.edu/.