San Gabriel Mountains Discussion Forum

Augie · Posted: Thu Mar 27, 2008 5:27 pm Post subject: Mt. Wilson Trail to Orchard Camp

I left work early today, changed into my running clothes and drove to the Mt. Wilson trailhead. I got a good workout in with a run to Orchard Camp and back (6.6 miles, 2000+ feet of gain). I did take some walking breaks on the ascent. The water in the canyon bottom was running strong and the waterfalls and pools you can see from the trail before you get to First Water were magnificent.

On the return, I detoured down to First Water. I wanted to see if I could walk down canyon to the first rappel point to see what it looked like but I would have had to wade through lots of cold water and over lots of slippery rock. Figured I'd save it for a canyoneering adventure down this canyon.

If you haven't been to Orchard Camp in a while (I hadn't), there are two humongous trees fallen across the trail (but enough room for head clearance) right before you get to the camp.