mount wilson observatory

mount wilson observatory印象

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  hollym874

  Who: A great daytrip for anyone in the Los Angeles area. Not suitable for young children, people with mobility issues, or people who have heart or breathing conditions and who might be more sensitive to the high altitude. Also not suitable for people with a fear of heights!What: Multiple telescopes (accessible only via paid walking tour), a small astronomical museum, café, vantage points, hiking trails.When: The observatory is open April 1st through November 30th (weather dependent). Best to avoid hot summer months. Later spring (May) and early fall (October) are good times to go. Does not get busy even on weekends. There is a two-hour, $10 walking tour of the grounds at 1pm on weekends, and the Cosmic Café at the entrance is open weekends 10am-4pm and sells sandwiches, snacks, beverages, and souvenirs. Where: The Angeles National Forest in the San Gabriel mountains. About an hour from La Canada-Flintridge at the base of the mountain. La Canada-Flintridge is about 25 minutes from Studio City and 45-50 minutes from Culver City on a weekend with no traffic.Why: Great opportunity to learn about astronomy and the region’s geographical history, and a good place to observe different kinds of plants and animals that can’t be found in the rest of Los Angeles County. Depending on visibility, a good place to get some views of the rest of the mountain range and LA county below. How: Must drive. Drive north on Angeles Crest Highway for 19 miles and then turn right at Red Box camping ground and follow the road for another 5 miles. Fill up gas tank before venturing up the mountain. Purchase $5 daily forest adventure pass from the Shell station in La Canada Flintridge or at the Cosmic Café at the observatory. Bottom Line: A must-see for anyone in the Los Angeles area who is physically able to go.

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  JohnEllis3

  This is a amazing but long hike to the top of Mt Wilson via Chantry Flats trail head. The first leg of the hike you go past many cabins nestled in the trees. A lot of this hike is in the canopy of the trees. It's a steady uphill climb, but worth it. The trail is beautiful as you make the summit you come up on the Observatory from the back side. During the spring and summer months the snack shop is open to buy lunch before you make your descent. Otherwise bring plenty of water and some food cause it's going to be a long day.

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  traceyb869

  Fascinating area. Lots of great hiking trails and scenery. The observatory and telescopes were very interesting. Our group spent the night in the 60inch observatory after a great tour of the property by Mike. Due to atmospheric conditions, the observing wasn't the best - but interesting none the less.

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  Seoh

  It's well worth scheduling a guided tour. The tour includes a visit to the solar observatory, which (logically) is the only telescope which works during the day. You also get to see the big 100-inch scope up close and personal. Our guide was knowledgeable and enthusiastic. This is a don't-miss attraction for anyone interested in the sciences. The drive up the mountain is long and scenic. The tour spends a fair amount of time outdoors in the sun. Remember that the sun is more intense at altitude and that you'll be above the clouds even on a cloudy day, so consider sunscreen.

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  Skytrekker

  I got up to Mount Wilson one afternoon and was able to take a quick self-guided tour of the observatory. What a historic, informative and naturally beautiful complex! I wish we had more time. We did not avail ourselves of the formal tour. I would still like to do that. We walked through a couple of the small museums and saw the 100 inch scope. The setting at the top of Mount Wilson is so beautiful. Views of the Los Angeles area are spectacular! A number of people came just to watch the sunset. Trails radiate from this area. There is a small outdoor, covered café where you can get snacks, which we didn't try. Remember though, the museums and other observatory facilities are closed from December 1 through the end of March.

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  CATTSAR

  This is a great place to visit! It is both interesting and educational. The view is spectacular and panoramic. The cut off road (Mt. Wilson Red Box Rd) from Angel Crest highway is a bit rough, narrow and curvy! That should not deter anyone. There are security areas and a fee to park anywhere for hiking or visiting. The tours this time of year are just on the weekend. Would definitely revisit during season to get a more comprehensive experience. Still enjoyed what was available!

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  micchio

  Taking the "2" up to Mt Wilson is such an amazing change from the LA freeways and surface streets. Beautiful views as you rise from the San Gabriel Valley, through the dry hills, and eventually reach cool, pine woodlands. The Observatory complex contains several exhibit areas, and will take about an hour to walk the complex, read the plaques, and listen the recorded presentation in the big telescope building. A short walk downhill from the telescope to Eagle View [?] provides super views.

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  F1shst1kz

  the drive there is pretty windy so try not to get carsick! the views are amazing. more naturey and green than the views from griffith observatory of course. i will definitely visit again, hopefully when there may be some snow up there.what sucks is that this place is only open from april to november... but it makes sense. they don't want visitors to risk the drive up during snowy conditions.

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  vkailash

  This place is rich with history. I missed the 1 PM tour, i suggest to take it. It is in forest area and there are nice paved roads, so it is really nice. you need a 5$ pass which you will get in most places. a must see place.

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  am_a_freethinker

  I can't believe that after 25 years in LA we hadn't been to Mt. Wilson Observatory. It only takes about 40 minutes to drive from Glendale/Pasadena. At the Observatory, you're at over 5700', so the views are spectacular (depending on the weather and smog). We decided to take the tour, which cost $10pp. It was worth it, mostly because it got us into one of the solar observatories and inside the big 100" telescope building. The tour is given by volunteer docents. Our docent was not the best, but, we got a fair amount of historic information in the 2-hour walk. If you decide not to spend the $10 for the tour, you can walk around most of the facility and see some exhibits that are setup around the telescopes. The walk is pretty easy. There are some up-hill sections. But, it's all paved, and mostly shaded by the pine and oak trees. It all seems to be wheelchair-accessible. The Cosmic Cafe is the only place to eat up there. The food is not that great, but not bad. Sandwiches, hotdogs, ice cream. Absolutely worth the drive.http://www.mtwilson.edu/