| Historic Mount Wilson Observatory is an astronomical research facility located in the San Gabriel Mountains of Southern California. Located on the summit of Mount Wilson above Pasadena at an altitude of 5715 feet (1742 meters), the observatory is visible from much of the Los Angeles area. Visitors can view the historic Hooker 100-inch telescope from the Visitors' Gallery inside the dome. There is also a small astronomical museum on the observatory grounds. Picnic tables are available at the Pavilion near the main parking lot where a commanding view of the Los Angeles basin is seen on clear days. Note that due to continuing fire danger smoking is not permitted on the observatory grounds except inside closed vehicles. | ||||
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Date and hours for visiting The observatory is open to visitors every day from 10 AM to 4 PM from the first weekend of April through the last weekend of November, weather permitting. The gate into Skyline Park and the observatory's buildings are closed to the public the rest of the year (December 1 through March 31 in 2008), although special group tours can still be requested (see below). The observatory may be closed at other times after heavy snowfalls, when dangerous icy conditions exist or during times of high fire danger. Please check here again just before your visit for the observatory's current visiting status. Current status: The observatory is open to visitors according to its normal schedule. |
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Weekend Walking Tours Walking tours of the observatory are led by docents provided by the Mount Wilson Observatory Association at 1 PM on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from the first weekend of April through the last weekend of November, weather permitting. Tours begin at the Pavilion above the large parking lot. |
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Self-guided tour brochure and map Print your own brochure for a self-guided tour and map of Mount Wilson here. You will need the free Adobe Acrobat Reader. |
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Special group tours Special group tours are led by docents of the Mount Wilson Observatory Association. These group tours must be arranged in advance, and there is a modest per-person fee charged. Contact Mr. Gale Gant for more information or a group tour request form. Group tours are held in the daytime only and do not include looking through a telescope. |
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Directions to Mount Wilson To visit Mount Wilson Observatory, follow CA Route 2 (Angeles Crest Highway) out of La Caņada/Flintridge into the San Gabriel Mountains for 14 miles to Red Box Road; turn right, and go another 5 miles to the Observatory gate. Parking is available in a large lot just beyond the front gate. No private vehicles are allowed beyond the parking lots. Click here for a map to Mount Wilson. Because the observatory is located in the Angeles National Forest be sure to purchase a Forest Service Adventure Pass before visiting. Cars stopped in the Forest that don't show an Adventure Pass may be cited by the Forest Service. Adventure Passes valid for one day for $5 and annual passes valid anywhere in the Forest for $30 are available at two locations just off the I-210 freeway at the bottom of Angeles Crest Highway: Sport Chalet on Foothill Blvd. just east of Angeles Crest Highway and Jay's Shell Station on Angeles Crest (Hwy 2) just south of I-210. There is no food available on the mountain but picnic tables are available for visitors' use. Drinking water is available on the observatory grounds far from the visitors' parking lot. Visitors are strongly advised to bring their own drinking water. Angeles Crest Highway has been designated by the California Highway Patrol as a "special enforcement zone". Daylight headlights are required on the road from just above La Canada all the way to Angeles Forest Highway. The requirement is rigorously enforced and the ticket is over $180. |
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Weather Weather conditions in the mountains can vary greatly and change suddenly. Be prepared for any weather conditions including snow and local dense fog. The weather is often much different on the mountain than in the city below. A live image from the observatory can be seen on the Towercam mounted at the top of the 150-foot solar tower telescope. The image is updated every four minutes and weather conditions are often posted on the Towercam page by the solar astronomers on duty. Remember that conditions on the mountain may change from what you see on the Towercam.
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Telescopes Public viewing through the 60-inch telescope is available to individuals and groups. Fee and scheduling information is available here. To read the information packet you will need the free Acrobat Reader. The observatory's other telescopes are dedicated to research only. Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles -- a landmark public observatory and planetarium since 1935 -- is available for free public viewing through telescopes. |
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Other activities on the mountain Hiking and cycling are popular activities on and around Mount Wilson. CORBA offers information about off-road cycling trails. The U.S. Forest Service can provide maps and information on hiking trails in the area. The mountain and surrounding areas are rugged and wild. Extreme care should be taken when venturing off the highway. |
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