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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 1 of 9 Submit your own review 
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!
Reviewed by Michael on 8/25/2008 Decided on trying this for the first time last minute. Got started at about 4pm with 100+ temps and brought only a liter of water per person. The 3rd mistake was not researching enough info about this hike. We missed the little side trail that heads to the ruins and just kept going and going. Got about 100 yards from Inspiration Point before turning around and hiking back in the dark. Saw deer, 2 tarantulas, a nice sized rattlesnake, and a small scorpion. All those creatures made it worth while. Will try it again.
Reviewed by Keane on 8/23/2008 Went today at noon. Temp was 90something. I would rate the hike as intermediate as it's pretty steep and almost no shade until you reach the top. There's a lot of shade at the top and places to rest, which makes up for the hike up there (well, almost). Parts of the trail can be rocky, but I would definitely do this hike again.
Reviewed by Khan on 7/25/2008 Hi, hiked it in mid-2007 and it was hot. We left early but eventually the sun caught up with us. It was a good hike, sometime tough and sometimes easy. Definitely a mid-level hike that was worth doing. A good workout. The only caveat is that it's very dry. Take lots of water. 
Reviewed by girljo on 7/24/2008 Beautiful hike on well maintained trail. Not much shade in the afternoon, so bring a hat and your water. Great views from the top. Nice informational signs on the ruins. Some bikers, but they are courteous.
Reviewed by ryan on 6/22/2008 when exploring the ruins of the hotel, do not miss the echo megaphone in the back of the ruins. yell into it and you hear yourself echo throughout the canyons. also if you bring lunch there are nice picnic tables under the shade to eat lunch
Reviewed by Terry on 6/18/2008 Have hiked this trail several times in the last 3 years. One of my favorites! Went again on Saturday, June 14. Beautiful views most of the way up. The White City Resort must have really been something all those years ago. Highly recommend hiking this in the early morning as the trail is almost entirely in the shade until noon. After that it can be sweltering!
Reviewed by Sascha on 6/16/2008 Very nice, a little dusty though. I loved all the history of the old hotel, it was neat to see. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||