Trail Guardian Ambrose Zaro Dies at 90

Ambrose Zaro, a security guard who spent decades keeping a scenic seven-mile trail on Mt. Wilson navigable for hikers and tourists, has died. He was 90.

Zaro died March 16 at his home in Maywood.

Despite suffering a heart attack in 1985, Zaro continued clearing boulders and digging rain troughs on the scenic trail.

Appreciative residents of Sierra Madre held testimonials in his honor and frequently provided him hot showers and dry clothes after a day’s hard labor. Zaro once served as grand marshal at the city’s Independence Day parade.

“It makes me feel good to see mothers and children walking the trail,” he said in 1987. “And look how beautiful this mountain is! I’ve had a wonderful life.”

The path to the top of the 5,710-foot-tall mountain first was cleared by the grandfather of U.S. Army Gen. George S. Patton, Benjamin Wilson, who envisioned a logging venture in the area.

The idea didn’t pan out, and the trail fell into disrepair.

At 14, Zaro took it upon himself to become the path’s custodian. Four times a week he hauled tools in a knapsack to replace markers and repair damage from rain, landslides, fires and tourists.

He scaled back his visits to twice a week after he turned 80 and cursed the traffic that made his trek from home to the path treacherous at times.

“Usually I need a couple of beers afterward to relax my nerves,” he said a few years ago.

Zaro worked as a security guard, a welder and telegram deliveryman.

The city of Sierra Madre is accepting donations in his name for its Mt. Wilson trail maintenance fund.