State: California
Location: Angeles National Forest
Length, Round Trip: 9 miles
Trail Type: Out and Back
Elevation Change: 2600 feet
Best Season: Summer, Fall
Difficulty: Moderate
Usage: Moderate
Queen Mary, docked in California
Trail Information
This is a beautiful, mostly forested trail with oaks, Manzanita and chaparral along its lower portion and Alder, California Laurel and Big Leaf Maple trees where the trail follows and crosses Strains Canyon. There is cool water in this little stream except during the driest months. Higher, the trail switches back and forth through one of the finest stands of Big Cone Spruce (also known as Big Cone Douglas Fir) on the Forest. Near the top, some Ponderosa, Jeffrey and Sugar Pines may be seen with oaks predominating along the final stretch. From this upper portion, just below the summit (el. 5710′), is a fine view of the Mt. Wilson Observatory and the higher peaks of the San Gabriel range, including the highest, Mt. San Antonio (Mt. Baldy), at 10,064 ft. elevation. Along the last upper stretch of the trail is the site of an important scientific milestone. During the 1920’s, Professor Michaelson made the first precise measurement of the speed of light. This was done by an instrument installed beside this trail and a mirror device set on Mt. Baldy some 20 air miles to the east. The foundation for this instrument was visible beside the trail for many years, but is now either hidden by growth of chaparral or has been removed.
After visiting the mountain top and enjoying the views of the Los Angeles basin and several islands out in the ocean - all depending on the local atmospheric conditions - return by the same route. A round-trip may be made by hiking 3 miles west toward Red Box along the Mt. Wilson Road to Eaton Canyon Saddle and taking the Valley Forge trail back down into the West Fork to the Gabrielino Trail, then east to your starting point. It is 4 1/2 miles to Mt. Wilson from West Fork Campground. Approximately 9 miles to Mt. Wilson from Red Box Divide - Hwy. 2.
Directions
From La Canada:
Take the Angeles Crest Highway to Red Box Divide. Take the Gabrielino Trail approximately five miles to the trail sign.
A National Forest Adventure Pass is required for vehicles parked at the Trailhead.
