A couple of weeks ago I checked out the re-opening of the Mt. Wilson trail.
I met a friend at Lizzies Inn and began the hike on the Mt. Wilson trail. We then ascended Charlies trail then re-joined the main trail to Orchard Camp. The trail was nice. From Charlies trail the views were awesome and we were above the clouds. The colorful bench at the top burned but one remains.
The main trail was in great shape and surprisingly, there were lots of wildflowers.
There were a few burnt trees along the trail, but it was very lush and green. The part of the trail that branches off to Jones peak did not look inviting. There were downed trees and rockfall. The trees that surrounded the helipad were burned, but you can still walk on a portion of it to get some views. Along the way, we met a guy from the Sierra Madre Rescue that was doing some maintenance. He was on his way to scout out the trail that goes to Mt. Wilson which is currently closed.
We finally reached Orchard camp which was a bit disappointing with two huge rockslides that go down to the creek. There is a sign at the trail junction going past Orchard Camp.
The shortcut trail down to First Water was also disappointing. There was a huge tree blocking the trail. However, after speaking to the guy we met earlier he said there was another shortcut but more treacherous. We just decided to take the normal trail to First Water but again, lots of washouts and still very disappointing. My original plan to check out the water gauging station was a no-go.
The bridge hasn't been re-built yet but they did a good job of patching it up with dirt which was very firm and safe to walk across.
Overall, a good day. The weather was perfect and lots of waterfalls could be seen from the trail above.
ORCHARD CAMP
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JeffH
- Posts: 1378
- Joined: Sun Nov 28, 2010 7:09 am
It is really green up there. I always enjoy being above the clouds like that.
"Argue for your limitations and sure enough they're yours".
Donald Shimoda
Donald Shimoda