Wilson Canyon – Los Pinetos Spring Loop

Wilson Canyon is named after the same person as in Mt. Wilson — Benjamin Davis “Don Benito” Wilson, merchant, landowner, civic leader, as well as Los Angeles mayor from 1851 to 1852.  Wilson Canyon was purchased by the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy and opened as a park in 1996.

Trekking poles will come in handy (but not required). Bring them if you got them. If you don’t have any, I found a good deal on Amazon (HWD is an Amazon affiliate)


Our hike will begin in Wilson Canyon Park. Oak woodlands, an alder-lined creek and commanding San Fernando Valley vistas are some of the attractions of Wilson Canyon. After visiting an old abandoned miniature golf course and some artifacts from pre-Sylmar quake Olive View Hospital, we’ll connect with a seldom used single track trail and begin our climb along the eastern ridge of the canyon. 

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After a couple more miles we leave Conservancy land and enter the Angeles National Forest. There won’t be many trees, but the ridges will be carpeted with emerald green grass and blooming scrub. Soon we will reach the Wilson Saddle on the Santa Clara Divide. 

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While we are in the area we’ll bag Los Pinetos Peak (not officially a named peak). Los Pinetos Peak is a highpoint along the Santa Clara Divide Road. Host to an array of communication towers, the summit affords generous views of the Santa Clarita Valley to the North, Los Angeles to the South, the San Gabriel Mountains to the East, and the Santa Monica Mountains and Pacific Ocean to the West

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Cindy, Gloria and I scouted out this hike last February. It will be about a 12 mile loop with about 2,600 ft total ascent. Save the date

Post hike Lunch at Fiddlers Three –
12721 Glenoaks Blvd, 91342-4749 Sylmar

Directions

Park on Olive View Dr and meet at park entrance

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Park on street. We will meet by the green sign
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