mount wilson observatory

I was there with a classmate of mine. He took me there, telling me a lot about it. At the site we saw a few Chinese people who even didn't go inside the museum. We took a self tour there, went up to the telescope. Nobody was there. Waited for some time and turned back. Einstein was among the founders and establishes of this observatory. Being high in the mountains it can see far away stars and constellations. It can survive under heavy snows (photo evidence is in the museum). Water reservoirs are to provide scientists and the staff with water.Too many squirrels here and there. Huge and fantastic trees. Be ready to walk for a while before you get the observatory. Wonderful view to LA and surroundings.It's free.

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.

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.

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.

My son is an astronomy buff and wanted to see the Palomar Observatory during our 10 day trip to the west coast but we were going to be in Los Angeles instead. Hence, we opted to go to the Mount Wilson Observatory instead, based on the positive comments made by others on this TripAdvisor site. I had read all of the reviews well in advance as well as read all the visitor info on the Mount Wilson Observatory's WEB site. We decided to head out there on a Sunday afternoon for the 1pm tour (you do not need to book in advance). This was in August 2014. The road trip from the interstate to the observatory is indeed very winding but not nearly as bad as others have indicated -- I encountered worse hair-pin turn driving while doing the Big Sur drive up Hwy 1 a few days later, or the drive down the mountain from Great Bear Lake in the mid 1990s (scary!). As indicated, you should allocate about 45mins to drive from the interstate to the park, as things get slower the closer you get to the observatory. You should also stop earlier on into the drive to photograph some of the vistas.We had a good dozen or so people on our tour which was lead by Barry Megdal (who I later found out was a lecturer for th engineering department of Caltech, and also one of the people who was involved with the Caltech Caper of 1975, where they had rigged the McDonalds sweepstakes). He has his own astronomy setup so this was not a tour from a park ranger... The tour took most of 2 hours and was well paced. We saw the outside + inside of the 150ft solar tower. We walked past the 60in telescope but got to go inside and view the 100in Hooker telescope. We also got to walk past one of the 1 meter telescopes of the newer Chara Array. The parking lot, beside the scopes, used to be a tourist hotel a hundred years go. Another hill top has all the TV and radio transmitters for the area.I had not realized it at the top, but the Mount Wilson Observatory is basically "jump up the hill" from downtown Pasadena. You can see it from most parts of the city. However, it is 5600ft up. A cable car would have got us there in a few minutes, but alas, it takes 45mins to drive indirectly via car via Hwy 2. All in all this was an interesting aspect of our 10 day trip and well worth it for anyone interested in astronomy.

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.

Prior to this very telescope astronomers thought that the Milky Way was the entire universe! So it is monumentially important to mankind.It pops up frequently in movies, many of which are my favorites.The drive up is scary but persevere as it is a great experience. Do check out the pictures of how the mirror came up the mountain.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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/

We took a day trip up Mt Wilson Observatory. We didn't know it was going to be that cold so we didn't dress for it. Beautiful scenic ride up and down.

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!

The tile tells you the highlights of this attraction! Give it try on a nice clear day. You will be unstressed! My husband did it a lot for free stress management!