Mount Wilson Observatory

Address:740 Holladay Rd.
Pasadena, California
Tel: (818) 793-3100

Take a trip to Mount Wilson and see the stars! This 5715 peak is home to the historic hooker telescope and the views here are truly astronomical!

The Mount Wilson Observatory is located on Mount Wilson, a 5,715 foot peak in the San Gabriel Mountains near Pasadena. This location is ideal for astronomy and interferometry, because of its steady air. First directed by George Ellery Hale, who had built the 40 inch (1 m) telescope at the Yerkes Observatory, the Mount Wilson Observatory is visible from much of the Los Angeles area as is the historic Hooker 100-inch telescope from the Visitors' Gallery inside the dome. Take a peek through the 60-inch telescope or just enjoy the natural surroundings.

If you're looking to learn more, explore the small astronomical museum on the grounds or take a walking tour of the observatory. Enjoy a picnic at the Pavilion near the main parking lot where a commanding view of the Los Angeles basin is seen on clear days or go hiking and cycling around the mountain. But do be aware, the mountain and surrounding areas are rugged and wild and when planning your trip, note that the weather here can change suddenly, so come prepared for snow and dense fog too.

To visit Mount Wilson Observatory, follow CA Route 2 (Angeles Crest Highway) out of La Cañada/Flintridge into the San Gabriel Mountains for 14 miles to Red Box Road; turn right, and go another 5 miles to the Observatory gate. Parking is available in a large lot just beyond the front gate.

Founded in December 1904 by George Ellery Hale as one of the original scientific enterprises of the Carnegie Institution of Washington, Mt. Wilson Observatory is completing its first century as one of the world's premier astronomical observatories. During the first half of the twentieth century Mt. Wilson was successively home to the world's two largest telescopes as well as the most powerful facilities in existence for studying the sun. The 60-inch and 100-inch night-time telescopes and the 60-ft and 150-ft solar tower telescopes in the hands of the brilliant scientists who used them revolutionized astronomy through such discoveries as: