|
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
         
 Reporter |
Summary: I really enjoyed this hike along the ruins of the Mt Lowe railway, Echo Mountain, and the Alpine Tavern. These locations were the most popular in Southern California in the late 1800's, before being destroyed by floods and fire. More than a dozen historical markers along the way tell the fascinating story of this railway. To top it off, the hike includes stunning views, pine forests, deep canyons, and lots of hiking. The first half of the hike, up to Alpine Tavern (now Mt Lowe Camp) and Inspiration Point, follows the Sunset Ridge Fire road to the top. The return leg is a bit more convoluted, but quite fun. A quarter mile down hill from Inspiration point, take the Sam Merrill Trail to Echo Mountain and visit the ruins of the former Inn at this location. Next head right on Echo Mountain Trail back to the Sunset Ridge Fire road. A hundred yards down the fire road on the right, take the unmarked trailhead for Sunset Ridge Trail, which parallels the fire road, and will get you home. Trailhead: From Loma Alta Drive in Altadena, drive up the Chaney Trail (past a locked gate that opens at 6am) to the top of sunset ridge, where there's parking by the roadside. The trail starts east on the gated paved sunset Ridge fire road. (Lat:34.2148 Lon:-118.1477) Trail Guides for Mt. Lowe Railway Loop: Day Hikers Guide to Southern California by John McKinney (Olympus Press) Afoot & Afield In Los Angeles by Jerry Schad (Wilderness Press) 101 Hikes in Southern California by Jerry Schad (Wilderness Press) Best Seasons: Fall, Winter, Spring User Groups: Hikers, bikers, Dogs Ranger Contact: US Forest Service, 818-790-1151 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Jim Zuber, who has posted 104 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 2 of 6 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Paula on 4/8/2008 Hiked this on 4-5-08. Nice weather, some fog, some sun. Went up to Echo mountain and looked at the ruins of the resort. Fascinating! Then up the steep Canyon Trail to Inspiration point. Small waterfalls, lush. Headed on to Mt. Lowe and turned around at San Gabriel Peak. Walked down on the Sam Merrill Trail, so peaceful. Passed a troop of Scouts. Has some steep climbs, but this is the perfect time of year. Total trip 15.7 miles by Harrison's maps. 
Reviewed by MTH on 8/26/2007 Did this hike on Sat 08/21/07 and it was AWESOME- even with the heat that was blazing down on me! Started out from Lake Ave. After reaching Mt. Lowe, I walked around enjoying the historical sites at “The White City†(must check it out!). Then proceeded to Inspiration Point via Castle Canyon Trail (less crowded with beautiful nature scenes– even got bit of stream water goin’on in the middle of Aug!) & came back down via fire road of the old rail bed (with a self-guided historical tour at each of the 10 stations- really cool!). Castle Cyn Trail from Echo Mtn is 2 miles & is shady, while the old rail bed trail from Echo Mtn is close to 4 miles, but much less shady. With elevation of 1500 feet from Echo Mtn to Inspiration Point, you
Reviewed by JennA on 7/19/2007 I think my Legs are still mad at me for doing this hike. Went up from Lake Ave. to Echo Canyon then STRAIGHT UP to Inspiration Point. Nice Trail through the forest when your not concentrating on passing out. Lots of shade. Took us about 1 hr and 10 min. to hit Inspiration Point. When I.P. first came into view the first thing I thought was "Damn that's still far" but it actually took about 5 minutes from there. From there its about 10-20 min to Mt. Lowe Campground - Next time. Bring lots of water and HOPE. Totally worth it. Excellant views. Best part, It was all down hill from there and more enjoyable. One suggestion. Start early (5-6am). Although it was overcast on the way up, we felt the heat on the way down.
Reviewed by BHG on 6/5/2007 One of my Fav hikes - beautiful views - you feel so good when you get to the top (and can stretch and look at the view! then if you feel like it - you can continue up and have more of an adventure! (I forget what trail I took - but it lead up to a picnic kind of area) - I even saw a black snake - woop! Bring lots of water - and DO NOT GO on a hot day unless you go really early or late in the day (when its cooler) - the sun is brutal here - and the sand heats up and reflects on you - be safe and cool.
Reviewed by RON on 5/29/2007 MY MOST FAVORITE HIKE OF ALL TIME. I HAVE DONE THIS HIKE SOME MANY TIMES, I COULD DO IT IN MY SLEEP. I HAVE DONE THE HIKE IN DAYLIGHT, AT NIGHT, IN THE RAIN, I HAVE EVEN BEEN CAUGHT IN THE SNOW UP ON MOUNT LOWE. WONDERFUL HIKE, RECOMENT IT TO ANYONE FOR A GOOD WORKOUT AND REWARD
Reviewed by Nancy on 5/13/2007 Went to Echo Mountain from Lake Ave. Was very crowded. Then went to Inspiration Point taking Castle Canyon. Nice shade and view with much less people. Then walked down via the fire road, visiting each station. Nice walk, nice scenery and pretty flowers (bright yellow and pink). It was a memorable hike. Did it with my husband.
Reviewed by Lela on 5/7/2007 BRUTAL! But am extremely proud of my accomplishment!!! The closer we got to the end, the grumpier I got...just wanted it to be over! When reaching the top it was a "Rocky" moment. Yes, this is a must do!!!
Reviewed by Liz on 4/19/2007 We hiked this trail starting from the top of Lake Ave. intending to climb to the top of Echo Mt and return. Our guidebook stated that Inspiration Point was only another 1/2 mile. We set out despite the marine layer and discovered not only a beautiful and deserted trail but that it was 2 miles from Echo Mt.!! It was well worth it and we want to go again soon. Hopefully on a clear day! We came out and back, as we weren't sure where some of the other trails led. Now as I am reading this we only went to the pavillion, not Inspiration Point. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||