Mt. Wilson- San Gabrielino and Rim Trails

7/1/15  Another trip to one of my favorite SoCal spots, the Gabrielino and Rim Trails on Mt. Wilson. This time as a hike with my Dad for over 21 miles and roughly 4,500' of gain.
DSC02367 Early July in a record dry year means Sturtevant Falls is almost dry. But the 80ft moss stripe is still pretty cool.
Early July in a record dry year means Sturtevant Falls is almost dry. But the 80ft moss stripe is still pretty cool.
photo2 Dad's picture of me as we head-up the trail from the falls.
Dad's picture of me as we head-up the trail from the falls.
DSC02370 I almost stepped on the rock right next to this guy's head. I couldn't see the rest of his body from the angle I approached, so I'm glad I saw him just in time.
I almost stepped on the rock right next to this guy's head. I couldn't see the rest of his body from the angle I approached, so I'm glad I saw him just in time.
DSC02371 One of my favorite areas of the trail.
One of my favorite areas of the trail.
DSC02373 Made it to Camp Sturtevant, a historic spot along the trail.
Made it to Camp Sturtevant, a historic spot along the trail.
DSC02375 I don't get a chance to get a picture of a still butterfly all too often. On a slightly negative critter note, we had gnat swarms most of the way, and I somehow...
I don't get a chance to get a picture of a still butterfly all too often. On a slightly negative critter note, we had gnat swarms most of the way, and I somehow…
DSC02376 Still some Spring color along the trail.
Still some Spring color along the trail.
DSC02377 Made it to Newcomb Pass and the junction with the Rim Trail. In my opinion, one of the best, practically unused, trails in all of SoCal.
Made it to Newcomb Pass and the junction with the Rim Trail. In my opinion, one of the best, practically unused, trails in all of SoCal.
DSC02379 Heading out on the Rim Trail.
Heading out on the Rim Trail.
DSC02381 Hmm, where are we?
Hmm, where are we?
DSC02383 I always love the unusual trees.
I always love the unusual trees.
DSC02387 More color along the trail.
More color along the trail.
DSC02389 Getting up to some great views of the San Gabriels from just below the summit.
Getting up to some great views of the San Gabriels from just below the summit.
DSC02390 A look South over the ridge to the city far below.
A look South over the ridge to the city far below.
DSC02393 Some awesome single track along the way. It gets pretty narrow and washed out in places. Just the way I like it!
Some awesome single track along the way. It gets pretty narrow and washed out in places. Just the way I like it!
DSC02396 Almost to the summit. This is one of my favorite views in the area. You can see all the way to Baldy, Gorgonio, and San Jacinto on a clear day.
Almost to the summit. This is one of my favorite views in the area. You can see all the way to Baldy, Gorgonio, and San Jacinto on a clear day.
DSC02398 Made it to the top and the 100
Made it to the top and the 100" telescope dome. You get an educational bonus when you summit Mt. Wilson!
DSC02399 I had never been to the observation deck in the 100
I had never been to the observation deck in the 100" dome before, but we went in this time. Fascinating stuff.
DSC02402 Dad reading the displays in one of the visitor centers.
Dad reading the displays in one of the visitor centers.
DSC02408 Starting the long trip back down. We made it to the trailhead right on schedule to end another great day in the San Gabriels.
Starting the long trip back down. We made it to the trailhead right on schedule to end another great day in the San Gabriels.