Mt. Wilson Through the Back Door

Most hikers think of Mt. Wilson as the backdrop to Pasadena and the San Gabriel Valley. Almost always, we climb the mountain from the south following century-old routes, the Old Mt. Wilson Trail and the Old Mt. Wilson Toll Road.

Few hikers think of the other side--the north face of the mountain--where steep slopes cloaked in a magnificent forest await. Does this sound intriguing?

It is. But there’s a catch. Why else would nearly all hikers climb from the south?

The catch is that the trail for a northerly climb of Mt. Wilson starts from an unlikely place: the top of Mt. Wilson. To ascend the mountain on this side, you must first drive to the peak, then descend it. And it’s not a minor descent, but a steep, knee-jarring walk down to the west fork of the San Gabriel River. Then, of course, you must climb back to the summit, where you parked.

Longtime San Gabriel Mountains hikers know the reason for this awkward route. The Forest Service closed the road that leads from California 2 (Angeles Crest Highway) to West Fork Campground years ago. When or whether this road will reopen is anyone’s guess.

Most maps show the old Rattlesnake Trail slithering down Mt. Wilson’s north slope. A few years ago this serpentine path was renamed Kenyon DeVore Trail in honor of a man who spent most of the 20th century working in the San Gabriel Mountains. DeVore (1911-1995) was raised at his parents’ trail resort on the west fork. He led mule trains that brought supplies to mountain dwellers; then he worked for the county flood control district in San Gabriel Canyon. In retirement he was a Forest Service volunteer at the Chantry Flat information center.

The hike I’m describing this week follows Kenyon DeVore and Gabrielino trails to the West Fork Campground, then doubles back. (Hikers can fashion a loop instead by following the Gabrielino Trail west to Valley Forge Trail heading south. The trail intersects Mt. Wilson-Red Box Road, leaving about two miles of walking along the road back to the trail head.)

Kenyon DeVore Trail is in so-so shape. Expect some washouts and erosion on some of the switchbacks. Also remember to have a Forest Service Adventure Pass for your car, available at locations throughout the region; call Angeles National Forest (see map box) for a location near you.

Directions to the trail head: From Interstate 210 in La Canada Flintridge, take California 2 and follow it 14 miles to Mt. Wilson-Red Box Road. Turn right and continue 41/4 miles toward the summit. Just before the top, the road splits and becomes one way, with traffic flowing counterclockwise. At the road split, you will spot the sign for Kenyon DeVore Trail on the left, but you will need to follow the road to a turnout for parking about 100 yards above the trail head.

The hike: The path descends among the first of many stands of oak. As the trail drops farther into the shady recesses of Strayns Canyon, look for big-cone spruce, incense cedar and Jeffrey and sugar pine.

The trail crosses Strayns Creek, contours along the east side of the canyon, then crosses the water again to the west side. Eventually you will reach a junction with the Gabrielino Trail. Turn east and head down the canyon to West Fork Campground, which offers tables, toilets and a place to rest for the long ascent up Mt. Wilson.

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For more of John McKinney’s tips, visit www.thetrailmaster.com.