Visit Mount Wilson Observatory
Hours: Daily 10AM-4PM
During the spring and summer the Observatory is open daily – this means the main gate is open 10AM-5PM, the Pavilion bathrooms are open, and the museum and 100-inch viewing gallery are open. During winter months the gate is open 10AM-4PM.
DIRECTIONS & PARKING
Access to Mount Wilson is via the Angeles Crest Highway (CA Hwy 2) from the 210 Freeway at La Canada Flintridge. A USFS Adventure pass is required to park at the Observatory.
TOURS
Docent-led walking tours of the Observatory are available every Saturday and Sunday at 11:30AM & 1PM during the spring and summer. There are limited public tours in the winter.
Also: Private Tours | Self-Guided Tours | Engineering Tours | STEM Tours
COSMIC CAFE
Come up the mountain for a wonderful lunch in an incomparable setting!
Open Weekends April-December.
Located on the summit of Mount Wilson above Pasadena at an altitude of 5715 feet, Mount Wilson Observatory is visible from much of the Los Angeles area.
FREE things to do at Mount Wilson Observatory during opening hours
Entrance to the Visitor’s Gallery inside the historic 100-inch telescope dome
Entrance to the Astronomical Museum
Entrance to the CHARA Interferometry Exhibit
Great hiking, picnic tables, and soaking up the atmosphere of history and science!
BE AWARE
The high elevation of the Observatory (5715 ft) and the change in elevation during the approximately one-mile and two-hour long tour are unsuitable for individuals with respiratory and heart problems or with limited mobility.
The century-old facilities are not ADA-compliant and, except for the Astronomical Museum and the Cosmic Cafe, offer no access to those who cannot climb multiple flights of stairs. Tours of the Observatory, either guided or unguided, are inappropriate for guests with limited mobility. Visitors should take these factors into consideration before touring the Observatory.
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.
Service Animals and Pets at Mount Wilson Observatory
Mount Wilson Observatory welcomes ADA-defined service animals—dogs individually trained to perform tasks for a person with a disability. Please note that emotional support animals, therapy animals, and pets are not considered service animals under the ADA and are not permitted inside Observatory buildings. When it is not apparent that a dog is a service animal, staff may ask the two questions permitted under the ADA.
Well-behaved dogs on leash are welcome on the grounds, but may not enter any Observatory structures, including telescope domes and exhibits.
For everyone’s safety and comfort, service animals and pets must remain under control at all times. Thank you for your cooperation!