WE riders have invited the Conejo Valley Cyclists on the big climb to Pasadena’s signature peak, Mt. Wilson.
Our route will take us out and back from Sunland, following Big T, Angeles Forest Highway, and Angeles Crest Highway to the base of the Mt Wilson road. Since it’s an out-and-back route, riders can climb as far as their legs will take them, then enjoy the thrilling descent on a wide highway with new pavement and moderate traffic on the way back. Riders who complete the climb to Mt Wilson can snack at the Cosmic Cafe (we checked it is open on weekends in April), whose offerings now come from Little Flower Bakery & Cafe in Pasadena. At the end of our ride, the excellent coffee, pastries and lunch dishes of the Back Door Cafe in Sunland await those looking for refreshments.
History Corner
Many years ago when LA’s lights were not as bright George Hale choose this peak to be the site to expand our knowledge of our own sun and the stellar universe. At construction, the Snow Solar Telescope and the 60 inch telescope were the largest in the world.
Hubble used the 100-inch to make his great discoveries–that we are just one of many galaxies in an ever expanding Universe. This telescope led directly to our current understanding of our origins, the Big Bang model. The 100-inch turns 100 years old this November.
Start Time: 8:00 AM on Saturday, April 25th, at Sunland Recreation Center in Sunland (https://maps.app.goo.gl/qpp6i7RxAAE3hqxy9) which offers parking and restrooms.
Note on the bathrooms… There are porta potties that are sometimes really nasty. There are real bathrooms that are not always open before 8am. So plan accordingly.
Route for Download: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/46861845
Distance: ~53 miles
Elevation gain: ~6500 ft
POI
16.9 mi Water at the Clear Creek Fire station
21.6 mi Red Box Water Station
26.4 mi Coffee, snacks, and water spigot available at the Cosmic Cafe
Finish Back Door Cafe https://share.google/gdJ2ckSCz8RP3PdpC
Weather Forecast: It is going to be Chilly so layer up!
Ride forecast for Apr 25, 2026 at 08:00am
Temperature: 43.1°F to 59.7°F
Wind: 5.5 to 9.4 mph, with gusts up to 22.2 mph
Probability of precipitation: 0