Spend A Day In the Mountains at the Mount Wilson Observatory
When you think of visiting the Angeles National Forest above Los Angeles, you’d probably expect a day of hiking. Along these forested mountains are scenic trails, picnic areas, and various grand viewpoints of the valley below.
If you’re looking for an excursion which includes all of this plus astronomical science, then the Mount Wilson Observatory is the place to go. Outside of astronomy, the observatory grounds has numerous things to see and explore.
Below we cover the 6 best things to do at the Mount Wilson Observatory.
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This observatory is located at the very top of Mount Wilson in the Angeles National Forest just outside of Los Angeles.
Luckily we live not too far from the Angeles National Forest, but if you’re visiting from out of town we highly recommend camping up in these beautiful mountains! If camping isn’t your thing, you can find affordable nightly accommodation in the nearby charming city of Pasadena. One of my favorite cities in the Los Angeles area that has great food and a lovely historic downtown.
To reach the observatory, take Highway 2 from Glendale deep into the mountains until you turn right onto Mt. Wilson Red Box Road. From here, you’ll drive about 5 miles up a windy road, passing by a couple radio stations, until you reach the Mount Wilson Observatory parking lot.
You can park in the first lower (and larger) lot or head up the road a bit more to reach the smaller second lot. The second lot is closer to the entrance of the observatory. You need to display a Forest Adventure Pass to park in either of these lots. (we discuss this later)
To reach Mount Wilson Observatory, follow the small trail at the end of the second lot that points to the observatory. It’s a quick 6 minute walk down a short slope and up a small hill to reach the grounds.
What Is The Mount Wilson Observatory and What’s It Doing Here?
Founded in 1904 by George Ellery Hale, the observatory sits atop Mt. Wilson, a mountain standing 5,710 feet above sea level. He brought the Snow Solar Telescope from the Yerkes Observatory in Wisconsin to continue his studies of the sun from a more sunny location.
From gathering a small team of scientists and engineers, Hale and his colleagues started the world’s foremost astronomical research facility.
In the beginning, research mainly revolved around solar study which lead to the observatory being originally named the Mount Wilson Solar Observatory. It held this name for the first 15 years.
In 1919, the largest telescope in the world was placed here which lead into photographing more stars and nebula’s. Overtime, the name “solar” was removed from the name. This large 100-inch telescope lead directly to our current understandings of popular concepts such as the Big Bang Theory.
The scientific exploration of astronomy at Mount Wilson Observatory did not stop here and continues to be researched to this day. As a working laboratory, the grounds are open for visitors to roam and to learn more about the fascinating astronomical findings made over time.
6 THINGS TO DO AT THE MOUNT WILSON OBSERVATORY
Things to Know:
- Open M-F, 10:00am – 5:00pm and Sat-Sun, 8:30am-5:00pm
- Free of Charge to visit the Observatory during the day
- Must display a U.S. Forest Adventure Pass to park at the observatory or a $5 day pass from the Cosmic Cafe on weekends
- You can purchase an Adventure Pass before heading up the mountain at many locations in Los Angeles
- Night Time Visits – purchase “Public Night” tickets to observe the the telescopes in action
Read more info on Public Night tickets here on the Mount Wilson Observatory website.
This is a quick list (in no particular order) of our favorite things to do at the observatory.
1. Check Out The Mt. Wilson Observatory Museum
As you first step onto the grounds, you quickly come up on the Mt. Wilson Observatory Museum. The museum is one large room with informational exhibits along the walls and through the center of the room.
We only spent around 10-15 minutes here. Honestly, a lot of the the information and charts are a little hard to understand if you don’t have a strong background in astronomy. I’m not familiar with all the astronomical jargon, which is why I practically breezed over most of the information.
Despite this, we still had fun attempting to read our way through the museum. We can see science enthusiasts spending a lot of time here soaking up all the informative exhibits.
2. Gaze Upon The Massive Solar Towers
There are two large solar towers located at the observatory – the tallest is 150-ft while the shorter one is 60-ft
The 150-ft Solar Tower
The 150 ft solar tower is located right outside of the museum which we headed to next. Built in 1910, this solar tower remained the largest in the world until 1962. Today, the instrument is used primarily for recording the magnetic field distribution across the sun’s face several times a day.
This is definitely the tallest structure you will see at the observatory. Not hard to miss as you’re approaching the grounds.
The 60-ft Solar Tower
Just down the path you will come across the second solar tower, about half the size of the other. Still, 60 feet appears very tall especially when standing next to it!
Built in 1908, it was used by Hale to discover magnetic fields in sunspots. Today, it is used for studies of Helioseismology, to improve our understanding of the interiors of the sun.
3. The Hooker 100-inch Telescope (My Favorite Part)
After passing the closed off 60-inch telescope and the chara telescopes, you reach the main courtyard of the observatory. There are few picnic benches here along with a water fountain. Walk up the small footbridge until you reach the large building that holds the 100-inch telescope.
This was my favorite part of the observatory since we could actually walk inside to view the telescope. All the other telescopes on the grounds are closed to the public unless you’re on a guided tour.
Walk inside the building and up a few flight of stairs to a small viewing room, called the Visitor’s Gallery. From here you can see through the glass to the massive telescope inside the dome.
The Hooker telescope was created in 1917 and was the largest in the world until 1948. Amazingly, this telescope has been used in all kinds of research like the study of stars, nebulae, galaxies, planets, and satellites.
It was truly incredible to see such a large telescope in person. Although not currently in action, seeing the complexity and the scale of it was worth the visit alone.
4. Learn More at the Chara Exhibit Hall
Similar to the Mt. Wilson Observatory museum, the Chara Exhibit Hall offers informational displays along the walls and the world’s first stellar interferometer. The Chara Exhibit Hall is just outside the dome that holds the Hooker Telescope.
Just like before, we couldn’t fully understand all the terminology, but we still made the effort to learn!
5. Enjoy The View from Echo Rock at the Top of Mount Wilson
As huge nature lovers, we were stoked to discover right next to the observatory grounds a beautiful view from atop Mount Wilson. You can already see an incredible view just from standing on the eastern side of the observatory grounds.
Although for a closer look, take a short 3 minute walk to Echo Rock from the Studervant Trail.
The trail starts on the observatory grounds a little ways down from the 100-inch telescope. This short little trail takes you along the backside of the facility. Stay left when the trail splits to reach Echo Rock. Within minutes you’ll find yourself immediately on top of the mountainside.
Wow the view from up here is amazing! We’re so happy to have ventured a bit further off the premises.
At the end of the short trail, you’re walking on a small platform surrounded by a metal railing (for your safety). Apparently this is the top of Mount Wilson at 5,710 elevation!
Obviously this view point would have been a lot more rewarding if we actually hiked this trail from the bottom to the top. Nonetheless, we were grateful to see such a beautiful view with virtually no effort at all.
If you wish to hike the full trail to the top, expect around 11.7 miles with an elevation gain of 4,379 feet!
Woah, that’s definitely an extreme trail if you ask me.
If you’re up for the challenge, reference our list of top 10 hiking essentials to be fully prepared for this type of hike. Also, bring enough water to stay hydrated!
Safe to say, I probably won’t be completing this trail anytime soon. (sorry Nathan!)
6. Eat at the Cosmic Cafe
If you’re hungry after roaming the observatory, grab a bite to eat at the Cosmic Cafe.
The cafe is located back outside the way you came, near the two parking lots at the entrance. Food options and prices are pretty standard offering sandwiches, hot dogs, chips and the sort. The main perk of eating at the Cosmic Cafe would be enjoying a meal with lovely views of the valley below.
Rather than eating inside, all the tables are outside on the patio deck. Or you can take your food and sit along the many other gorgeous spots that offer picnic benches.
To save money, we opted for packable food which we brought before we headed up the mountain.
Tour Information at the Mount Wilson Observatory
If you want more detailed information and an inside look at more of the telescopes, take one of the weekend guided tours!
- Purchase tour tickets at the Cosmic Cafe
- $15 (adults) and $13 (ages 12 and under & 62 and older) – children under age 6 are not permitted
- 2 hours long
- Available on weekends only
- Tours start at the Cosmic Cafe
○ May 26 to September 30, 11:30am and 1pm
○ After October 6, 1pm Only
Above all, these tours are a much more immersive experience. Your guide will take you through the telescope floor of the 100-inch telescope, grant you access to the 60-inch telescope, and take you behind the doors of 150 ft solar tower.
In contrast to a self guided tour, you get a crash course on the history of the Mt. Wilson Observatory along with a wealth of knowledge in astronomy.
After a tour, you could probably understand a grip of the exhibits, you know, the ones we involuntarily breezed over.
While we did not take a tour, we still felt completely satisfied with our self guided visit. It isn’t a huge necessity to purchase a tour unless you’re looking for a more engaging and informative experience.
Visit The Mount Wilson Observatory for a Stellar Time in the Mountains
If you’re wanting a break from the city but don’t want to hike, head up to the Mount Wilson Observatory for the perfect mix of nature and astronomy. Enjoy wandering the grounds for free or with a guided tour to learn about the incredible discoveries made over the years in astronomical history.
Two hours spent here was just enough for us to feel refreshed with lessons of technology and history along with endless views. Certainly a unique outing that satisfies the nature craving without the added exercise of hiking.
Just one of many exciting things to do in and around the Los Angeles area!
If you’re craving hiking in the Angeles National Forest, be sure to check out Windy Gap Trail at Crystal Lake Recreation Area. A rewarding 5 mile hike with endless views and beautiful scenery. Only 1 hour from Mount Wilson Observatory!
Have you visited any observatories before? Which ones did you like? Share with us in the comments below!
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