Rim Trail #11W28

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Very steep drop-offs near top. Avoid when snow is on trail.

The Rim Trail connects the top of Mt. Wilson to Newcomb Pass on the Gabrielino Trail (NRT). The trail is mostly on the north side of the ridge under a dense oak and big cone spruce canopy. There are excellent views of the LA basin and the San Gabriel Range along the way. This trail can be combined with other trails on the north side to make an excellent loop run.

From the main parking lot inside the gate, follow the road east a few hundred feet. The signed trailhead is found just before reaching the museum. If gate is closed, park near the fork where the one-way street rejoins the road. Take the Devore Trail down 100 feet then turn right on the Rim Trail which will connect you back to the main parking lot inside the gate.

The trail meanders around the buildings on Mt. Wilson, passes the 100 inch telescope, then starts descending the ridge with a series of switchbacks with exposure on the north side. It gently drops down on the north side of the ridge with additional switchbacks and occasionally regains the ridge top with excellent views to the south. It passes through areas with manzanita and ceanothus. As the trail approaches Newcomb Pass, the terrain becomes more rocky with abundant oak, big cone spruce, bay and maple trees providing cover.

Big cone spruce, raspberries and abundant poison oak.