RV Rental Mount Wilson, CA

Mount Wilson is a prime destination for long hikes. The 14-mile loop from the popular Chantry Flats is pleasant and scenic while the historic 14-miler Mt. Wilson Trail is more challenging but quiet and contemplative. This hike is along an old Indian trail that Benjamin Wilson improved upon to transport his timber down to his ranch. Highly experienced hikers may find the steep terrain of the 14.2-mile Sturtevant Trail more suitable. For the intrepid, wooded canyon streams and the 60-foot Sturtevant Falls make this hike rewarding.

For more outdoor adventures, take a cue from Southern Californians and head to the rugged slopes and rocky canyons of the Angeles National Forest less than half an hour away by Mt. Wilson camper rental. Hiking, mountain biking, and fishing are popular pursuits here, and if you keep your eyes peeled, wildlife and wildflower sighting. If you'd rather take in gigantic views of the cities from the comfort of your Mt. Wilson rental RV, follow the 66-mile Angeles Crest Highway that twists and winds as high as 7,000 ft. in some places.

From the mountains, the Pacific Ocean at Santa Monica State Beach is less than a two-hour drive away. As Santa Monica is one of the closest cities to Los Angeles, the beach here buzzes with a lively atmosphere and attracts a sizable crowd, surfers included. If you’d rather stay dry, follow the bicycle path on the beach, visit the aquarium and see marine wildlife up close, or walk the iconic Santa Monica Pier and soak up its carnival vibe.

The Forest Service manages the Monte Cristo and the Horse Flats campsites within an hour’s drive by RV trailer rental in Mt. Wilson. They are the closest options in the mountain, especially if you are planning to drive the Angeles Crest Highway. There are no hookups in either campground but both have vault toilets, and piped water is available in Monte Cristo. There’s a brook within this property, and after a short drive, the Granite Mountain beckons with a hike, and the pretty Switzer Falls with its cool, refreshing waters. Those who venture farther up to the 5,000 ft. Horse Flats campsite are welcomed by the scent of Jeffrey pines and by the prospect of mountain biking nearby and hiking up Mt. Hillyer. Fill up your gas tank and stock up on supplies at either Pasadena or La Canada before driving up the mountains.

Down below, the Los Angeles / Pomona / Fairplex KOA and East Shore RV Park are within 45 minutes’ drive of Pasadena while the Dockweiler RV Park on the coast is an hour's drive away. All have full hookup sites and showers and a range of amenities for a comfortable stay. Consider staying at Dockweiler Beach for ocean views, at East Shore for lake fishing, or at LA / Pomona / Fairplex KOA for a woodsy atmosphere close to downtown LA. If you’re bringing a luxury RV rental in Mt. Wilson, consider staying at a posh spot in Malibu.

A night or two at a Walmart parking lot is a practical option if you’d like to see some sights around town. Get the manager’s approval to leave your Mt. Wilson motorhome rental behind and hop on the Metro bus to explore Pasadena. The closest Walmart stores are in Rosemead, Duarte, and Burbank.

Stand close to the 100-inch telescope that has made a name for Mt. Wilson Observatory on one of the docent-led walking tours held every weekend. If a solar astronomer is around, you might also get to see the 150-foot solar telescope. The tour requires a mile of walking and some climbing of stairs so children below six years old are not permitted.

Festivities enrich your travel, so time your visit to coincide with Pasadena’s Rose Parade when extravagant flower-covered floats, massive marching bands, and equestrian units walk down the streets on New Year's Day. If you're into college football, join the crowds at the Rose Bowl Stadium during the Rose Bowl Game on January 1st. Outside of the holidays, come during the season and watch the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Bruins face off with other National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) teams.

Pasadena’s dining scene is delightfully diverse, something you would expect from a city a short drive from Los Angeles. Whether you’re into Mediterranean, Mexican, or French cuisine, you’ll find something that will tease your palate. This being California, expect to be offered vegan options if you come to the right place. There are also American staples served in delis, brewery/pubs, and steakhouses as well as Asian choices like Chinese, Korean, and Japanese.

Pasadena alone is a gem of a city to explore, and that is just the beginning. Plan to search for an RV rental in Mt. Wilson, CA, so you’ll be well-placed to head to the coast for amazing waves, inland where deserts await, or up north where redwoods and vineyards grow. The choice is up to you.