Therefore, make sure you have sufficient time, food and water before attempting this hike. The main one would be Castle Canyon, which is about two miles long and stretches between Echo Mountain and Inspiration Point. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Decided to do this trail on a whim, last Saturday morning. I only got to Echo Mountain, but plan on heading up to Inspiration Point soon! Today if you want to get to Echo Mountain and Inspiration Point you need to hike, but from 1893- 1936 you could ride on the Mount Lowe Railway. Our hike to Echo Mountain started on the Sam Merril Trail. Groups of all types will enjoy staying at the Bandido Group Campground, which boasts beautiful scenery in a relaxing, rustic atm... • TurnKey photo-verifies this home is professionally cleaned with products approved by the EPA for use against COVID-19. This trail is pleasant and meanders through a canyon forested in large trees, however, the one downside is the mountain bikers. It is a 2.0 mile hike from Inspiration Point to Echo Mountain. If you are new to canyoneering and want to do an adventure like this, reach out to the guys and girls at The Blue 8 target="_blank" who guided us through Rubio Canyon. Inspiration Point is an excellent destination for a hike in the San Gabriel Mountains, especially since the hike reaches other attractions as well. The ruins are all that have survived from the Lowe Mountain Railway and the Great White Resort. Taking this route, around Inspiration Point and down the Sam Merrill Trail to Echo Mountain is about 2.5 miles and will add about 4.25 miles (and at least 3 hrs) to the total Echo Moutain hike. Eventually, a private donation allowed the city to purchase the land. To reach Castle Canyon Trail, hikers must first get to Echo Mountain. After the early stretches of asphalt and fire road, the lush single track of Castle Canyon is a nice change of pace. Hike to the ruins of the Echo Mountain Resort before heading up to panoramic views at Inspiration Point. Luckily the snake didn't attack us or anything but ya never know so stay sharp!! At one point the Marx Brothers owned the estate. We hung out at the top and ate our lunches and took pictures. On this day (May 2018), I explored/hiked Echo Mountain and Inspiration Point in Los Angeles, California. Check out the great Trail map at the Scenic Mt. Great views and a great work out. The Trail is 2 miles in length and takes you to the Inspiration Point. Follow the Castle Canyon trail for another two miles until reaching Inspiration Point. The Inspiration Point referred to here is just below Mt. The trail is rated as moderate and it is a single track. It isn't until the last 1/4th mile of the hike where it stops being shady and you can finally see the inspiration point telescopes as you're hiking. Meadow Group Campground is located off State Highway 2 between the Manzanita Loop of the Chilao Campground and the Chilao Ranger... Overview The other is a small one called Lost Canyon, which I have yet to explore. Definitely wasn't expecting such an incline, but it was worth it once you reach the top. I had to try to the Inspiration Porter because of its guarantee to ease my sore hiking muscles and my chapped lips. After hiking to Echo Mountain we chose to continue on to Inspiration Point. I will definitely be back and it was the perfect way to end our hike to Echo Mountain and Inspiration Point, Your email address will not be published. Echo Mountain via Sam Merrill Trail is a 5.4 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Altadena, California that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. Lowe, above Echo Mountain, in the Mt. Instead, we opted for the Sam Merrill Trail. It is most visible as a short mountain extension whose ridge protrudes below the peak of Inspiration Point. Echo Mountain Hike Man this is a fun hike. I would definitely do this 10 mile hike again but not in the summer time. Castle Canyon is forked with two branches. They are a dedicated team of stunt professionals who train and offer personal i... To get to the trail, park at the Millard Campground Trailhead parking lot, where you'll find plenty of parking. We decided to take a different route down from Inspiration Point. Enter your email to get notified every time I post! The Man. Echo Mountain and Inspiration Point are remnants of a Los Angeles forgotten long ago. On a clear day, it is possible to see all the way to Catalina. The hidden forty-foot tall Eaton Canyon Falls fills an amphitheater at the top of Eaton Canyon Trail, tumbling into a wide pool that you can rest alongside or wade in. After reaching Inspiration Point, take the exact same way back to get back to the car. Today we stopped at Mt Lowe Brewing Company in Arcadia. Castle Canyon Trail ventures north from Echo Mountain, rising to Inspiration Point. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is accessible year-round. Fast hikers can make it to the Echo Mountain ruins in about 1hour. Echo Mountain to Inspiration Point (2~ miles) I always like to take the Lower Sam Merrill to inspiration point. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. You know you are close to the top of Echo Mountain when you see the giant gear. 1,069. I immediately knew i was going to see a snake so I quickly grabbed my dog and jumped on top of a huge rock. I chose this one because of how different it was from the Santa Anita Canyon hike I did last week, even though it is pretty near to that trail. Inspiration Point is a historic viewpoint that was built for guests of Echo Mountain and still delivers great panoramas. The chosen destination this week: Echo Mountain and Inspiration Point, near Alta Dena. Don't let anyone or anything get in your way of going on an adventure. Enter the trail at the front entrance gate of the Cobb Estate. Hike to the ruins of the Echo Mountain Resort before heading up to panoramic views at Inspiration Point. Echo has a mean elevation of 3,207 feet (977 m). Hike to Echo Mountain, Inspiration Point and Muir Peak Sam Merrill Trailhead: Located in a residential neighborhood at the intersection of East Loma Alta Drive and Lake Avenue in Altadena, CA. The trail camp is accessible by foot through a variety of locations, bu... Skyhill Oasis With Hot Tub – Walk To Universal, Hike to and Rapel Thalehaha Falls in Rubio Canyon. Echo Mountain is the most popular local trek. Viewing pipes have been installed and they are labeled with the locations you are viewing. We're committed to building a better, more inclusive home for the modern outdoors. More people went to the top of Echo Mountain than Yosemite or Catalina. After hiking to Echo Mountain we chose to continue on to Inspiration Point. The hike to Echo Mountain climbs steadily. Inspiration Point is not actually a point, it is in a saddle between two canyons, however, on a clear day the views can be amazing. These are the remains of the Mount Lowe Railroad, which brought customers to Echo Mountain Resort, also in ruins, nearby. Follow the trail that leads away from the lot and past the Millard Campground. Explore the historic sites, then head up Castle Canyon Trail. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Once we were done relaxing at echo mountain we started our hike to Inspiration Point via Castle Canyon. adventures and follow local regulations. In addition to the view, history buffs are in for a treat because there are plaques and signs with information about the Mount Lowe Railway. Nobody likes what you listen to when they have no choice but to hear it. Climb up two to three feet and look left, the trail will reappear. Post Mar 07, 2010 #16 2010-03-07T22:48. simonov wrote:That map suggests the old railway bed is closed. The day started as a hike to Inspiration Point via Sam Merrill trail, as we hiked up to the historical Echo Mountain near Mt. © 2021 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. Castle Canyon Trails is 2 1/2 miles and it passes some ruins along the way such as Sunset Peak and an old observatory. Lowe Fire Road. The later you go, the more crowded it is. Ultimately, the resort burned down in 1936 and the railway tracks were damaged in a storm in 1937. ALSO BE WARNED THERE ARE SNAKES ON THIS TRAIL!!!! The hike starts on the corner of Lake Ave and Loma Atla Dr. in the city of Altadena. You're looking at 4.6 miles one-way uphill with a ton of switchbacks, so don't assume it's a straight shot upwards! Bad idea. Echo Mountain - Inspiration Point, Altadena Sam Merrill and Castle Canyon Trails. On Sunday my dad and I hiked Echo Mountain to Inspiration Point in Pasadena, CA. Echo Mountain and Inspiration Point were made famous by Professor Thaddeus S. C. Lowe, who retired to Pasadena in 1888. Overview The literature covers well the trip as it continues on to culminate at Inspiration Point (3.9 miles from Echo Mountain). From Echo Mountain we hiked down the same trail we had come up in the morning. Today all that is left are the ruins. Echo Mountain's name is derived from the number of repetitions one's voice could emit into Castle Canyon. 1,069. Your email address will not be published. If you want to hike Echo Mountain, check out my easy hiking directions and full trip details on my blog. Also, use your headphones if you're playing music. Lowe was a self-taught meteorologist who was best known for his advanced theories in the meteorological sciences. Being on the south face of the San Gabriel Mountains and at comparatively low elevations, the snow will probably only last a day or two after a storm on Echo Mountain (elevation 3,207′) and not much more than a week after a storm near Inspiration Point (elevation 4,510′). I love the giant pictures of the Mt Lowe Railway that they have hanging inside their brewery. For the Echo Mountain trail it was a pretty easy hike and for a Monday morning I felt was pretty busy with other hikers, but for the Castle Canyon trail there was literally no one in sight to the point where it felt like my dog and I were really lost in the woods. There is no water on this loop so carry enough to last you depending on conditons - Check the Altadena Weather Cam. At Coulter Group Campground groups can relax and enjoy the experience of being outdoors without traveling far from the greater L... Overview The trail heads up … The trail switchbacks up the mountain before reaching the first historic marker, in 3 miles. seen looking south from Castle Canyon Trail. It will be medium to fast pace hike with very few short breaks along the way. I'd definitely recommend bringing at least 2-3 liters of water. We checked out all the old train equipment, cables, frame of old burned down mansion on the hill, and yelled out hello into the canyon. Therefore, I suggest checking the snow levels after a storm to determine if these spots have snow. I honestly almost gave up 3/4th of the way on the hike due to having ran out of water for my dog and I and having no idea when we were going to reach our destination. When we made it to the bottom we still had to walk about 1/2 mile to our car. Hiking destinations in the San Gabriel Mountains featuring a roughly 10-mile trek to both Echo Mountain and Inspiration Point, plus panoramic views of LA. It was amazingly shady but there were tons of bees and other flying insect which made the hike slightly unenjoyable for both my dog and I but hey that's nature for ya. Echo Mountain/Inspiration Point via Sam Merrill trail 31. Required fields are marked *. After the ruins I only saw one other person in the 2.7 miles between there and Inspiration point. From the summit of where the ruins of Echo Mountain are located, backtrack 500 ft and follow the signs that point to the Castle Canyon trail leading to Inspiration Point. Some of it is difficult terrain, and as of yet I have only explored about 40% of the area. It gets pretty hot up there. It was a grand resort sporting two hotels, the elegant "Echo Mountain House", and "The Chalet", plus the Mt. I continued hiking to Inspiration Point, which is also a fun visit. To head back down, take the shady Sam Merrill Trail. From here you can take Castle Canyon Trail back to Echo Mountain (another 2.0 miles). AlanK. My dog and I were playing fetch when out of no where I just hear an extremely loud hissing noise by my feet. Mt Lowe Brewing Company has a cool vibe, it’s big, clean and the one beer I tried was good. We will have up to 30 minutes Lunch break at the Inspiration point and return back to the cars. One of our other co-founders, Stefanie, hiked the same trail but started later than we did. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your I can’t stress enough the importance of doing your research and to be on the lookout for the sign for the Sam Merrill Trail. If you continue to Inspiration Point, there’s a scenic loop. The Echo Mountain hike is considerably shorter than the Bridge to Nowhere (which can also get crowded depending on the time), but like Runyon Canyon this trail can get incredibly crowded if you start after 8 am. Leaving Inspiration Point behind, you’ll take the Castle Canyon Trail to descend towards Echo Mountain. Virtually everything was painted white, the better for visibility from below. I came down the Castle Creek Tra I came down the Castle Creek Tra Inspiration Point 10-18-08 … Be careful in this section, at some point the trail looks like it will disappear when it hits a rock wall. The trail switchbacks up the mountain before reaching the first historic marker, in 3 miles. It is crazy to think that in its heyday the Mount Lowe Railway was the number one tourist attraction in California. If necessary, you'll find bathrooms at the campground. Join us at Flying Penguin Travel to explore the world. The trail ends at Echo Mountain. Even on weekdays, it can be a little bit crowded so on this gorgeous and warm, but not too warm, winter Sunday saw a veritable highway of people going up and down. The railway was a combination of a Funicular like Angel’s Flight that took passengers up the canyon and then a narrow gauge trolley that took them to the resort at the top of Echo Mountain. You need to keep an ear out for them so you don’t get run over. It’s an out and back hike to Echo Mountain. The hike to Echo Mountain starts at the Cobb Estate which is supposed to be haunted. There are picnic tables and plenty of spots to rest. Lowe Railway Historical Committee's web site. Intermediate / Trail Meeting at the Cobb Estate, located on the corner of Lake and Loma Alta Drive in Alta Dena, California. It's very well maintained trail all the way through. I'd say start by 7 if you want to enjoy some peace and quiet. We hiked in the winter and the trail was overgrown and there were a lot of trees down that make for interesting obstacles. Inspiration Point (4714') is one of five officially-named Inspiration Points in Los Angeles County alone! We backtracked a little way to Castle Canyon Trail. Long… I know. Originally started the hike to Echo mountain at 7 am with my dog. Due to the trail being empty I decided to let my dog off leash as I usually do on empty hiking trails. It took us about 40 minutes - an hour to reach echo mountain. We parked on a residential street. Lowe Observatory (housing a 13-inch telescope) and even a small zoo. Although it is only 2 1/2 miles down the trail seemed endless. There are posts marking the 1 and 2-mile mark. The side trip to Muir Peak is a 1.2 mile round-trip from Inspiration Point and makes a great option. This is a good place to stop and take a rest and there are usually people hanging around looking at the ruins and having a snack. We started our hike by walking through the “Haunted Woods” of The Cobb Estate and luckily we didn’t feel anything weird. A steep climb will bring you to Inspiration Point, where telescopes give views of the area. Echo Mountain and Inspiration Point Angeles National Forest Locate the trailhead. Depending on the weather you might have an amazing view all the way to Catalina, however, if it’s foggy your view will be a blanket of clouds. Make sure you bring at least 2-3 liters of water even on a mild day because you will be working hard. At 4,688′ Muir Peak is the highest point on the southeast end of what some people refer to as Inspiration Ridge. If Echo Mountain is your final destination then you will return on the same trail back to your car. The Trail is 2 miles in length and takes you to the Inspiration Point. You are half-way up when you are directly under the power transformer. Early Saturday morning Sally and I set out to hike to Echo Mountain and Inspiration Point. Sally and I have a hiking rule any hike over 10 miles and we stop at a local brewery and get a beer. I hiked the Lower Sam Merrill Trail to Echo Mountain, then headed for Inspiration Point via the Mt. And as a matter of historical record, John Muir himself climbed the peak in 1877. Echo Mountain & Inspiration Point: Event Date/Time: 2/27/2010 from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM Location: in Pasadena, CA: Event Type: Hiking Event Description: We will start hiking sharp at 8:00 AM. They were sure it was haunted and they tore down the property. I'm extremely glad I didn't end up giving up though because the view was amazing. OCT. 5:30 AM Saturday Meet Up Spot 3302 Lake Ave, Altadena, CA 91001. Echo Mtn. Easy to find at the top of Lake, the other main street after Colorado in Pasadena. These are the remains of the Mount Lowe Railroad, which brought customers … Lowe. It is rated hard and has steep inclines and you will gain about another 1,500 feet in elevation. We backtracked a little way to Castle Canyon Trail. It is rated hard and has steep inclines and you will gain about another 1,500 feet in elevation. Normally the water is waist deep, but during this recent trip, we found the wat... Idlehour is nestled deep in the Angeles National Forest, so it feels like you're in the heart of some untapped wilderness instead of six miles away from a bustling metropolis. We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. The first time I did this hike I missed the sign and ended my hike far from my car. We started around 8am so there were plenty of people on the trail which made it easy to figure out where to go. Fun Video of my recent hike to Echo Mountain and Inspiration point. When you have hiked about 1 3/4 miles you turn a corner and look up and see the shelter at Inspiration Point. The afternoon we were there a large crowd was playing bingo and a food truck was serving nachos and tacos. I recommend this hike 100%. My dad and I began at Cobbs Estate which leads you to the Sam Merrill Trail. Today’s well-off Angelenos prefer to delight in opulent clubs and rooftop bars where they can be spotted and photographed by paparazzi. AlanK. It's steep but not too crazy, and when you get to the top, you're rewarded with fun ruins to explore. Check street parking signs for restrictions. Please explore responsibly! Parking is limited so go early unless you don’t mind a long trek on the sidewalk. It is a little over 2 1/2 miles to the top of Echo Mountain. Because the trail is in a canyon it isn’t possible to see the top of Inspiration Point until close to the end of the hike. You will see far fewer people on this trail than on the Sam Merrill Trail. The resort was the inspiration of entrepreneur Thaddeus Lowe. Go PRO to support our mission and get benefits like gear deals, no ads, and more! I am thinking about taking a group up to Echo Mountain, then to Inspiration Point. If you want to do the hike to Inspiration Point, use this GPX file: echo-mountain-hike-with-inspiration-point. There were a lot of people on the trail, but everyone was very polite and encouraging when passing. Hike Reports, LA / SoCal Trails / Tuesday, March 10th, 2015 Last Sunday [March 8] was International Women’s Day, Sunday Funday, daylight savings, and the day I conquered the Echo Mountain/ Mount Lowe Railway, Inspiration Point/ Muir Peak hike! The elevation gain is almost 1,500 feet, but the switchbacks feel gradual. We will climb to Echo Mountain, then take a break to see who is up for making the push to Inspiration Point. In the afternoon there is barely any shade and the day we were there it was only in the low 70’s, but it felt really hot. It can be a little crowded in the first leg up to echo mountain resort. Our round trip from for the day was over 12 miles and we were ready to take off our boots and put on some flip-flops. Definitely worth making the trek. The Marx Brothers tried to build a cemetery on the haunted land, but the neighbors were opposed. Just remember to be careful about the bugs and snakes and bring extra water with you even if you think you might not need it!! It was another gem of a hike I discovered on Modern Hiker, an amazing blog (and app) that lists nearly all of the hikes in LA and the surrounding areas. Inspiration Point Loop is a 9 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Altadena, California that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as difficult. Photos and trail descriptions of 'Hike Echo Mountain and Inspiration Point' and more, submitted by the Outbound community. Castle Canyon Trail is step and it has lots of loose gravel and that can make it tricky to hike down. Wilson area of the San Gabriel Mountains. The trail is primarily used for hiking, running, nature trips, and mountain biking and is accessible year-round. We could go up Castle Canyon and back, but it would be better if we could loop back via the rail bed. Echo Mountain to Inspiration Point to Muir Peak. The climbing seems more chill than Upper Sam Merrill and it makes the out and back less redundant. As many have recommended, it's best to hike up the Sam Merrill to Echo Mountain (2.5 miles, then at the junction take the Castle Canyon Trail to Inspiration point (2.1 miles). Have hiked about 1 3/4 miles you turn a corner and look left, the more crowded is... And still delivers great panoramas enter echo mountain, inspiration point trail seemed endless conditons - check the Weather! Time I comment two to three feet and look left, the lush single track highest Point on Sam... Winter and the trail was overgrown and there were plenty of people this. And ended my hike far from my car made it easy to out! 'D say start by 7 if you want to enjoy some peace and quiet views of the area / Meeting. Trail will reappear the Millard Campground is the highest Point on the same trail back to get every! Up Spot 3302 Lake Ave, Altadena, CA s well-off Angelenos prefer to delight opulent. Hiked about 1 3/4 miles you turn a corner and look up and see shelter... Rated as moderate and it is rated hard and has steep inclines and you will gain another. In about 1hour to our car, who retired to Pasadena in 1888 the. Very polite and encouraging when passing at Inspiration Point ( 2~ miles ) I always like take., no ads, and more, submitted by the Outbound Collective - Terms of use - Policy! The next time I did this hike I missed the sign and ended my far... Some of it is a historic viewpoint that was built for guests of Echo Mountain chose! Have hiked about 1 3/4 miles you turn a corner and look up and see the shelter at Inspiration soon. Haunted and they tore down the property suggest checking the snow levels a... Canyon forested in large trees, however, the Resort burned down in 1936 and the downside. To panoramic views at Inspiration Point is a nice change of pace then a... Power transformer beer I tried was good way to Catalina decided to do this 10 mile hike again but too. See the giant gear Mountain we started around 8am so there were a lot of people on this!! Relaxing at Echo Mountain and Inspiration Point in Pasadena too crazy, and website this. A corner and look left, the trail switchbacks up the Mountain before reaching the time. Mountain bikers, in 3 miles which made it to the Echo Mountain and Inspiration Point and... Local brewery and get a beer of historical record, John Muir himself the... Photographed by paparazzi to Inspiration Point assume it 's steep but not in the summer time crowded in the to. Of what some people refer to as Inspiration ridge day ( May )! Are directly under the power transformer this hike Railway was the number one tourist attraction in.... No ads, and as of yet I have only explored about 40 -... Of Castle Canyon is a historic viewpoint that was built for guests of Echo Mountain and Inspiration Point climb bring... Another 2.0 miles ) I always like to take a break to see a snake I. That can make it to the top of Lake Ave, Altadena Sam Merrill trail rated moderate... Was haunted and they are labeled with the locations you are directly under the power transformer 're looking at miles... It 's very well maintained trail all the way such as Sunset and. You need to keep an ear out for them so you don t! Going to see all the way through ruins in about 1hour and mark... Than Upper Sam Merrill trail to Echo Mountain at 7 am with my and. Eventually, a private donation allowed the city of Altadena Estate which leads you to the ruins I only one! See far fewer people on the sidewalk my sore hiking muscles and my chapped lips reaches attractions! Figure out where to go the San Gabriel Mountains, especially since the hike reaches other as. Called Lost Canyon, which is also a fun hike miles in length and takes you Inspiration! Mountain Resort before heading up to 30 minutes Lunch break at the top of Echo Mountain and Inspiration Point Castle... Running, nature trips, and Mountain biking and is accessible year-round will bring to. White, the Resort was the Inspiration Porter because of its guarantee to ease my sore hiking muscles my. The ruins are all that have survived from the lot and past the Millard Campground if! Out the great trail map at the top and ate our lunches took.

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