Review Date
February 4, 2002

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Every few months

Reviewed by: Charles , from Cambria, Ca

Summary:
During the late 1800's, up to the change of the century Benjamin Wilson, known as "Don Benito" to his Spanish Friends improved the an old Indian Trail to the Peak that now bears his name. For many years, before the Mt.Wilson Toll Road was created, this was the only pathway to Mt.Wilson. I guess I just wanted to honor the man, thus I called it "Don Benito's Trail".

Recommended Route:
The Official name of this trail is "Mt.Wilson Trail"

Review Date
April 13, 2001

Overall Rating
 3 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Every few months

Reviewed by: I ride, whats he do? , from here

Summary:
Its was never further mentioned after the false title
because it is incorrect, and its a shame cuz this is a good ride that nobody will identify with cuz some
goofball made up his own name for it....

Recommended Route:
where did Don Benitos come from?
that name has nothing to do with this trail !!
the directions are correct, even the names
Mt. Wilson trail/ fireroad and Wintercreek are correct, but dont look for any sign baring Dons name

Other recommended trails in the same area:
i wish the MTBR people would screen this crap

Review Date
November 6, 1999

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Once a month

Reviewed by: Charles , from Pasadena, Ca

Summary:
Gene Lopez wrote " In some sections of the trail, there may not be enough room for the bicycle rider and hiker " This is what I say. *** PLS ALWAYS PULL OVER AHEAD OF TIME AND LET UPHILL HIKERS PASS. BEFORE PASSING, GET PERMISSION FROM THE HIKER and pass when they have pulled over *** Sections of this trail was widened after 1996!

Recommended Route:
Same

Review Date
November 5, 1999

Overall Rating
 2 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Ridden Once

Reviewed by: Gene Lopez , from Sierra Madre, Calif.

Summary:
Charles might like this trail because it is really technical, very steep, and has some beautiful views. This is one trail, however, that should be left for the hikers. I know it by the name of mt. wilson trail. Once a year on memorial weekend about 350-400 runners race up to orchard camp turn-around and run back down to Sierra Madre. In some places the trail is so narrow and steep there may not be room for a bicycle, rider and a hiker. Someone will get hurt. There are too many other great roads and trails in the San Gabriels to have someone get hurt on this one.

Recommended Route:
Leave this trail for the hikers.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Red Box/Rincon road, Silver Moccasin loop, Monrovia canyon to Mt.Bliss and many more.

Review Date
February 20, 1999

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Once a week

Reviewed by: Charles , from Pasadena,California

Summary:
.25 miles away from Orchard Camp, the trail drops steeply into a canyon where the vegetation is extremely green and heavily wooded. As I climbed out of the canyon and just looking at the awesome work of nature, I noticed a group of 4 cyclist who where doing a shuttle from Mt. Wilson were coming along. A few seconds later, I was shocked in horror to see a rider 100 feet above, fall straight down and crash in the rocky canyon below. (no helmet) I just could not believe the ride leader was irresponsible enough not to press on for helmets for his group.

Recommended Route:
*** This is not a Beginner Trail. The trail is narrow and exposed ( you can fall for a long time )in its entirety to it's end in the City of Sierra Madre ***