POSTPONED - MOUNT WILSON OBSERVATORY

DUE TO RAINY POSSIBLE SNOW AND COLD WEATHER THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED - DATE MOVED TO SATURDAY, JUNE 7.

PLEASE READ DIRECTIONS CAREFULLY - THIS IS SUCH A GREAT EVENT! DON'T MISS IT BUT PLEASE READ ALL THE DIRECTIONS.

Join us for a visit to Mt. Wilson Observatory for a daytime docent-led tour of this historic observatory. There are a lot of different risks involved in this trip, so read all the details carefully before you sign up.

The observatory is located in the mountains on the summit of Mount Wilson. The high elevation of the Observatory (5,715 ft) and the change in elevation during the approximately one-mile and two-hour long tour are unsuitable for individuals with respiratory and heart problems or with limited mobility.

The drive from La Canada up the mountain is windy and there are a lot of bicyclists on the road. I drove slowly and allowed others to pass me. I did get a little car sick - and I was driving! It's only about 20 minutes of this windy section.

Weather conditions in the mountains can vary greatly and change suddenly. Be prepared for any weather conditions including fire, snow and local dense fog. The weather is often much different on the mountain than in the city below. Weather conditions may occasionally result in unscheduled closures.

The century-old facilities are not ADA-compliant and offer no access to those who cannot climb multiple flights of stairs. Tours of the Observatory, either guided or unguided, are inappropriate for guests with limited mobility.

Public docent-led tours of the observatory are offered on Saturdays and Sundays @ 11:30 am and 1:00 pm on a first-come first-served basis. Tickets ($20 + $5 parking pass) are purchased on the day of the event at the Cosmic Cafe located on the property. Max tour size is 30 people.

There is the possibility that you could make the trip all the way there and find it is sold out. If tickets are sold out they offer maps for a self-guided tour. It's not clear if there are limitations for that.

This is a considerable distance from Orange County and can make for a very long day. You are welcome to leave at any time especially if you drive on your own. If you carpool, make clear arrangements with your fellow carpoolers please.

We are going to sign up for the 11:30 am tour. If that tour is too crowded, then I will wait until the 1:00 pm. In 2024 there weren't that many people on the tour.

https://www.mtwilson.edu/weekend-docent-tours/

There are some basic snacks at the Cosmic Cafe but we'll meet for late lunch or early dinner at Hill Street Cafe in La Canada.