7.0 miles
Distance
69 ft
Climb
-4,673 ft
Descent
1 mile
High Point
-4,604 ft
Altitude change
1,061 ft
Altitude min
5,665 ft
Altitude start
1,060 ft
Altitude end
-12.4%
Grade
-53.8%
Grade max
11.1%
Grade min
1,932 ft
Distance climb
7 miles
Distance down
440 ft
Distance flat

The Epic Mt Wilson Trail route aka the Darkside 7 miles all downhill and you will be all smiles.

Detailed Description
Mt Wilson Trail is a 7 mile popular expert route located near Altadena California. This mountain bike only route can be used one direction and has a moderate overall physical rating. This route includes 4 trails. This route climbs 69 ft with a max elevation of 5,665 ft then descends -4,673 ft.

Trail Issues on Route

  • Closed: 1 trail (newest: Jun 29, 2025)
  • Minor Issue / Yellow: 1 trail (newest: Feb 11, 2026)
Local Trail Association
Local trail association
Mount Wilson Bicycling Association (mwba.org)
Please consider joining or donating to the local riding association to support trail development & maintenance.

Stats

  • Distance
    7 miles
  • Avg time
    1 hr 22 min
  • Altitude change
    -4,604 ft
  • Altitude min
    1,061 ft
  • Altitude start
    5,665 ft
  • Altitude end
    1,060 ft
  • Climb
    69 ft
  • Descent
    -4,673 ft
  • Grade
    -12.4%
  • Grade max
    -53.8%
  • Grade min
    11.1%
  • Distance climb
    1,932 ft
  • Distance down
    7 miles
  • Distance flat
    440 ft

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Trails in Route

Details

  • Riding area
    Altadena
  • Primary Activity
    Mountain Bike
  • Difficulty rating
    Black Diamond
  • Route Type
    Shuttled
  • Bike type
    DH, AM, XC
  • Direction
    One Direction
  • Physical rating
    Moderate
  • Ridelogs
    16
Avg: 2 (1 votes)
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Flat N NE E SE S SW W NW
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    Photos

    more photos »
    56
    29
    54
    49

    Videos

    more videos »
    youtuber Mount Wilson Trail Part 1
    Mount Wilson Trail Part 1
    9:43 | 359 | comments: 0 | favs:
    Aug 31, 2023

    Recent Trail Reports Along Route

    statustraildateconditiondescription
    Mt Wilson Trail (Bench to Base)
    Feb 11, 2026 @ 2:16pm (America/Los_Angeles)
    Feb 11, 2026
    		Rode up and down on 2/10/2026. The trail is well maintained near the bottom. Beginning a couple miles in, there are some features that will require most riders to dismount. The top two miles of trail are rarely traveled and more like a goat trail. There is currently a crew doing trail maintenance, so conditions should be expected to improve.
    Mt. Wilson Toll Road
    Jun 29, 2025 @ 1:26am
    Jun 29, 2025
    Mt Wilson Trail (The Bench Trail)
    Jun 14, 2025 @ 5:57am
    Jun 14, 2025
    Mt Wilson Trail (Skyline)
    Jun 14, 2025 @ 5:57am
    Jun 14, 2025
    more reports »
    • By truescycles & contributors
    • #3538 - 8,497 views

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