Back to Sphinx Ranch Walking Tour
Mt. Wilson Toll Road
In an era of hiking, Mt. Wilson was a formidable goal. Before this road, the preferred trail began in Sierra Madre but this one allowed for wheeled transport.
Altadena, CAStory 10 of 17
The road was built in 1891 by the Pasadena and Mount Wilson Toll Road Company - guided by the ever present Benjamin Eaton - to provide access to the newly installed Harvard telescope and observatory on the summit of Mt. Wilson.
The Allen ranch barley and hay fields were just west of the Toll House and beginning of the Mt. Wilson Toll Road.
The original road was 10 miles long and 4 feet wide, but was later expanded to 6 feet wide to accommodate increased foot and pack animal traffic.
The toll road allowed vehicles, hikers, and pack animals to reach the top of Mt. Wilson, which had previously only been accessible via a more difficult trail.
The road was used to transport equipment and materials for the construction of the Mount Wilson Observatory, including the 100-inch telescope mirror in 1917.
Audio Narration
Tour Route
You are here
Experience This Story On Location
Download the History Cake app to experience this story with automatic audio narration as you visit the location.