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 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 2 of 11 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by MollyTaylor on 5/17/2009 http://mollytaylor.wordpress.com/2009/05/17/echo-mountain-via-the-sam-merrill-trail/ 
Reviewed by Kevin on 4/27/2009 I just hiked this last Saturday for the first time in over a year and even though I have done this hike dozens of times over the years it never gets easy BUT this trail has always been one of my personal favorites. If your looking for more than just a walk thru the woods this hike is for you, it provides a great workout and great views of the city. There are always nice people on the trail so you don't feel like your in the middle of nowhere if you hike it by yourself. Bring plenty of water and be prepared for a workout especially if you haven't did any hiking in awhile like me.
Reviewed by OCL1 on 3/1/2009 2/28/09 Amazing views! Well maintained trails. Definitely bring water and a small snack. It's not easy but is definitely worth the work. The ruins at the top make for an interesting reward along with the views all the way to to the ocean. The switchbacks make for a moderate incline. Experienced or advanced will find this enjoyable but not 'really hard'. Moderate hikers will enjoy somewhat of a challenge and will finish feeling a good sense of achievement. Novice hikers will find this quite difficult. It's fun to run down if you are so inclined. There were other people on the trail, but all were very courteous. Dogs were also well mannered and no poop to be seen anywhere! Note: It's quite hot midday. Go earlier or later i
Reviewed by kdq on 1/22/2009 Great winter hike, is hot in the summer. Lots of good people and dogs enjoying the trail, is a local treasure. 
Reviewed by zero on 1/14/2009 The hike itself is awesome, and the views incredible! Unfortunately, even on a weekday there are too many people, trash, and viscious unleashed dogs to be truly enjoyable.
Reviewed by ain on 12/28/2008 I hiked this earlier today and it was VERY VERY CHALLENGING. We went letterboxing (There are 3 letter boxes on this trail). We only went a little bit past the first mile marker. It was pretty late (about 3pm). There are lots of switchbacks (2.7 miles of them). Once you are a little ways past them, you are able to see the ocean, and if you look really closely, you can see one of the Channel islands. The split at the beginning of the trail, you can go both ways. For the letter boxing, you can go to www.letterboxing.org on the ECHO MOUNTAIN SERIES. Again, there are three letterboxes. Very beautiful. Hard for children under 8. Hard for anyone out of shape. Hard for anyone fearful of hikes. Lots of dogs take this trail.Did Hummingbird letterbox.
Reviewed by Kevin on 12/2/2008 I hike this trail 3-4 times per week. It is one of the best kept secrets of Pasadena. I recommend this for anyone in the area. The view at the top is spectacular. I love to hike, but this will always be my favorite.
Reviewed by ER on 9/12/2008 This hike is beautiful and a nice challenge. Can get pretty hot in the summer. Have been there twice so far. I have not had time to go on the additional trails when you reach the top. Nice elevation gain, really close to LA. Highly recommend! 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||