Mount Wilson Observatory

Category: Observatory in Los Angeles, California

Address: Los Angeles, CA, USA

Phone: +16264409016

Opening hours

Sunday: 10AM–5PM

Monday: 10AM–5PM

Tuesday: 10AM–5PM

Wednesday: 10AM–5PM

Thursday: 10AM–5PM

Friday: 10AM–5PM

Saturday: 10AM–5PM

Reviews

Robyn P

Jun 26, 2022

Fun place to visit and totally free (parking is $5 but that's pretty cheap, really). It's fun seeing the telescopes and hiking around the area. Many of the trails are closed from the previous fires but walking around the general area is fun still

Luis Guerrero

May 23, 2022

Its such a beautiful place to visit and explore. I definitely recommend anyone who love's nature and amazing views

Miriam Postachian

Feb 6, 2022

Amazing, the cosmic cafe was close, today was a beautiful, day we can see the ocean, clear sky, snow, you can feel all the positive energy there, love it❤❤❤

Andrew McNaughton

Oct 26, 2021

A great trip to see where astronomy history was made. Went on a guided tour and had a lot of fun visiting each telescope up close. As someone with a background in astronomy, I was aware of most of the science done at the observatory but learned many new things about the history and development of the observatory itself. Also a gorgeous drive up to the top especially when you pass the marine cloud layer. Worth the trip if you like seeing giant telescopes or are interested in astronomy/science history.

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Questions & Answers

Is there a near by hiking trail??

Silvia Can | Sep 4, 2018
Patrick K | Sep 4, 2018

There are lots of trails. Most go up and down the mountain but there are a few that hike along roughly the same elevation.

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I would like to shoot sunrise from Vista point in Mt. Wilson, does anyone know that if I can drive up to the Observatory one hour before sunrise?

franck situ | Sep 4, 2019
Vlad Manzhyliy | Sep 4, 2019

If you want the best area for shooting the sunrise, you would have to actually get onto the property, but since the gates dont open to the public till 10 am, the next best thing to do is hike up there. There is a trail that will take you in, but it's pretty long. And there is no parking near the entrance.

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How much money does it cost?

j b | Sep 4, 2019
Charlie Moses | Sep 4, 2019

The visit is free. You have to have a parking pass to park in places. Events cost money depending on the event. Check their website.

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When can we look through the hubble telescope

rima sater | Sep 4, 2018
Adam Richardson | Sep 4, 2018

the 100 inch telescope is not generally open to the public but the 60 inch often has viewings

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Are roads to here safe for cyclist.

Woodchuck | Sep 4, 2019
Charlie Moses | Sep 4, 2019

I've seen a cyclist up there but i would not feel very safe. Most of the drivers take it pretty slow but the road is narrow and flanked by a rock wall.

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Why is our Napa County, Calif moon rising in am and setting at night?

Jenna LaFleur | Sep 4, 2018
Kip Frey | Sep 4, 2018

The orbit of the moon is not in sync with rotation of the earth, and it changes a little each day until a lunar month is complete, then the cycle begins again.p

Where do I get a parking pass? I would also like to hike.

Silvia Can | Sep 4, 2018
Janice Melhorn | Sep 4, 2018

They sell them at the cafe on the observatory grounds. Also,there are a couple of 7-11 stores on foothill Blvd that sell them. Look on line and call first because they are sometimes sold out

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Can you hike to mount wilson observatory via mount wilson trail?

Alvaro Espinoza | Sep 3, 2021
Ernie Gutierrez | Sep 3, 2021

Yes, check out https://hikingguy.com/ he posted a video showing you how to get to the top of Mt. Wilson. Ones you're there the observatory is about 200 meters away. Everything is closed though. Give them a call to check if the buildings will be open.

What is the bright "star" currently in the evening east sky?

A Google User | Sep 3, 2021
Mike P | Sep 3, 2021

Yer anus

I read somewhere that you can rent one of these observatories. How much does it cost for a night?

Kartik | Sep 3, 2020
Stephen Pinkerton | Sep 3, 2020

There are two large telescopes that they rent out. The 60-inch is $1,050 per half night and $1,700 per full night for a group of up to 25 people. The 100-inch is $2700 per half night and $5000 per full night for up to 20 people. Both telescopes offer amazing views but the 100-inch is the more interesting and historically significant machine.

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Is Mt Wilson drivable this time of year? Is there a website to find out?

Danielle L | Sep 3, 2020
Frank MacGyver | Sep 3, 2020

It is drivable as long as the road is plowed. Call the Angeles National Forest or there might be at Mount Wilson number you can call.

Can you go up near the Observatory at night to catch a view of the city lights?

audio dope | Sep 3, 2020
Andy Schlei | Sep 3, 2020

Yes, the entrance closes at sunset but the exit gate will let you out.

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ARE there any help like A ride or Bus service to there from Orange county, Buena pArk...?

Kiran Kapoor | Sep 4, 2019
John Kociemba | Sep 4, 2019

I suspect there are some tours that make it up there. But you would have to shop around. There would be no daily bus service though.

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I've seen that Angeles crest highway is closed at Clear Creek besides Red Box Canyon is this true??

Glen Jones | Sep 4, 2019
Francisco Dominguez | Sep 4, 2019

Yes still closed

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What is the elevation of the lookout point?

Joshua Lago | Sep 4, 2019
YaVonne Bolm | Sep 4, 2019

About 5,700 ft: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Wilson_(California)

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Is this a family place

Vito Sanchez | Sep 4, 2018
Patrick K | Sep 4, 2018

Definitely. There are educational exhibits and tours in addition to the lovely setting. The Observatory grounds have been closed due to the fire last year. I believe it's open again but check their website first.

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Since there are no tours until March 31, what can you visit in Feb?

Kip Frey | Sep 4, 2018
Ruth Hsu | Sep 4, 2018

There are lots of informational areas that are still open where you can learn more about the history and the telescopes.

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