|
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
         
 Reporter |
Summary: Professor Thaddeus S. C. Lowe's mountain railway and resort was Southern California's must-visit attraction, drawing more than three million visitors from1896 to 1936. Echo Mountain (3207'), known as "The White City," was the heart of the resort with its elegant Echo Mountain House hotel, chalet, observatory, and small zoo. It has all since vanished, but this fascinating hike takes you to the ruins of this official historic landmark. From the stone gateway at the north end of Lake Avenue, walk east about .2 mile to the marked beginning of the Sam Merrill Trail. After a short decent into the creek bed, the trail climbs steadily up the east slope of Los Flores Canyon. Just short of a half mile past the two-mile marker you will reach the old rail bed of the Mount Lowe Railway. Turn right (south) and follow the rail route about 100 yards to the Echo Mountain site. Plan to spend some time exploring the ruins, reading the historical plaques, and enjoying the views. Trailhead: From the I-210 Foothill Freeway in Pasadena, exit at Lake Avenue. Drive north for 3.4 miles to the end of Lake Avenue (where it intersects with the terminus of Loma Alta Drive running east and west). Park along the street. The hike begins to the left of the stone gateway on the east side of the street. (Lat:34.20406 Lon:-118.13054) Trail Guides for Echo Mountain via the Sam Merrill Trail: Trails of the Angeles by John W. Robinson (Wilderness Press) Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Winter, User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Bikes, Horses, Ranger Contact: Angeles National Forest, Los Angeles River Ranger district: 626-574-1613. Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Dan Simpson, who has posted 4 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here. Trail Reviews Page 1 of 12 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by MY on 2/8/2010 It's a steady uphill climb on a well maintained trail. Lots of people on the weekends! Street parking only. Dog friendly, but unfortunately there were some people who didn't pick up after their furry friends. :( One of these days, I would like to go further to Inspiration Point. 
Reviewed by Danny on 2/8/2010 Very well maintained trail, and easy hike in general. Lots of adorable dogs (as well as lots of people) on the trail, so try to avoid hiking on the weekend. All in all, decent views, but nothing spectacular. 
Reviewed by Kim on 2/5/2010 Error: Reserved Word Found: --
Reviewed by Annette on 1/18/2010 I love this hike! The first time up, I gladly resounded my presence in the Echo Phone. Third time, I was inspired enough to hike to Inspiration Point.
Reviewed by Katie S on 1/5/2010 I loved this hike for the mystery, history, and beauty of the mountain. The only downs of the hike are 1) The intense fog and 2) the intense uphill climb in 2 miles. Bring hiking poles to avoid knee damage for the way down! :)
Reviewed by Nick on 1/2/2010 I didn't give 5 stars because it is not my favorite (but I do give it 5 Stars). Just hiked today very intense, when you get to the 1 mile mark started to feel it by the 2 mile mark really was hurting... (probably because I am out of shape & overweight) but when you get to the top Awesome views all around, clear day today could see the pacific!!! I went with my 3 sons (16,14,12),my father (50+), and brother (25) they enjoyed it and good place for dogs ( a lot of them). I could see why someone who is not a dog lover wouldn't like this trail, usually when you are deep in the hike people let their dogs of the leash because their is nothing around and dogs love to dig around but all dogs are well behaved,very cool place to go Awesome Histor
Reviewed by CP on 12/20/2009 Great hike. I realized how out of shape I was when I finished. If you do not work out much, you will be sore for several days once you finish. Almost to the top I felt like my legs could not work anymore. But the views are amazing and the ruins are very cool. And to the dog kicker, The owners yelled at you? Why are you acting suprised. You think they wouldn't yell at you for kicking their dog. Did the dog even attack? Or did it just approach. Don't kick animals man!
Reviewed by ZF on 12/14/2009 Today was my third time doing this hike, the second time making it up to the ruins. It was fantastic getting up that high. My friend and I were actually in the clouds by the time we reached the ruins, and each time I've been there I have never once had a bad encounter with a dog. It's a really nice workout without being too strenuous, has some amazing views, and is a treasure of L.A. history. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: California Hiking, California Trails, California Hikes, Los Angeles County Hiking, Los Angeles County Trails, Los Angeles County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||