This is a classic L.A. hike -- a must-do to learn the incredible history of L.A.’s “Golden Era of Hiking” and the legendary rise and fall of the mountain chalets, resorts, tramcars and tourist destinations which once graced our very own San Gabriel Mountains over 125 years ago!
Free hike registration is required. If anything changes we will email registered participants.
Hike: Echo Mountain via Sam Merrill Trail
Distance: 6 miles round trip. Elevation gain: 1500 ft.
Difficulty: Strenuous/Moderate, all uphill to the top. But we will take breaks.
Meeting place: Sam Merrill Trailhead: Gate at Intersection of Lake Ave. and E. Loma Alta Dr., Altadena. Google Map link
Parking: Street- Lake Ave. (Note any restriction signs). Carpooling encouraged.
8:45 am. Meet at Gate
9 am: Hike begins
Photos above: Bryan Matsumoto
Hike up to Echo Mountain, above Altadena and Pasadena, and stand in the ruins of “the White City”, the luxury mountain resort which in the 1890’s was one of the largest tourist draws in California. We’ll peer down the slope where people from LA could ride a funicular all the way up the mountain, and ride the Mount Lowe Railway even higher to Ye Olde Alpine Tavern.
Bring: Sun protection, water, snacks, lunch. There is little shade and this is an uphill workout. But well worth it!
Partners: We're joining forces on this hike with the Nature for All Stewards Volunteer Group, who will update us on their exciting bill moving thru Congress: the San Gabriel Mountains Foothills and Rivers Protection Act. We'll hear a bit about what we can do to support this epic legislation for LA's local mountains and what it means.
After-party? After the hike, we could optionally re-group at Mt. Lowe Brewery for drinks/lunch in Arcadia depending on hmount ow the group feels (20 min by car). They have large photographs of some of the most famous shots from the mountain.
Photos below: Mount Lowe Preservation Society, Mount Lowe Railway Then and Now
Photos below: Mount Lowe Preservation Society, Mount Lowe Railway Then and Now
Fun reading and more fantastic old photographs!
Hike Leader/Questions?
Bryan Matsumoto bmotzbmotz@gmail.com 626-246-8634
