Echo Mountain Trail

About Echo Mountain Trail

Description

The Echo Mountain Trail stands as one of [LA's most popular hiking destinations](https://myfavoritehikes.wordpress.com/2010/11/15/echo-mountain/), offering an incredible blend of natural beauty and fascinating historical remnants. This [5.4-mile round-trip adventure](https://micasitapasadena.com/2019/02/19/echo-mountain/) rewards hikers with not just stunning views but also a peek into Southern California's fascinating past. What makes this trail extra special is the ruins of the old Mount Lowe Railway, which adds a layer of intrigue to your outdoor expedition.

Key Features

• A moderately challenging trail with clear distance markers at 1 and 2-mile points • Historic ruins of the Mount Lowe Railway system and an old mountain-top hotel • [Spectacular views stretching to the Pacific Ocean and Catalina Island on clear days](https://transitexperiments.wordpress.com/2014/06/15/lake-avenue-echo-mountain-inspiration-point-and-beyond/) • Well-maintained pathways suitable for experienced and intermediate hikers • Approximately [1,400 feet of elevation gain](https://hikingangelesforest.com/hikes/trailheads/cobb-estate-trailhead/cobb-estate-to-echo-mountain/) • Fascinating historical markers and interpretive signs along the route • Multiple scenic viewpoints for photography opportunities • Connected trails leading to additional destinations like Inspiration Point

Best Time to Visit

Early morning hours are your best bet for hiking Echo Mountain Trail. This isn't just because I love catching those gorgeous sunrise views over LA - though that's definitely a bonus! The trail gets pretty busy as the day goes on, especially on weekends, and let me tell ya, that Southern California sun can be brutal during midday hours. I've found that starting your hike before 8 AM gives you the most pleasant experience. Fall and spring offer the most comfortable temperatures, but winter can be spectacular too, especially after a rain when the air is crystal clear. Just avoid those hot summer afternoons - trust me on this one!

How to Get There

The trailhead sits at the very end of Lake Avenue in Altadena, right where it meets East Loma Alta Drive. You'll spot the entrance easily - there's a gate marking the start of your adventure. Parking is available along the nearby residential streets, but remember to be respectful of the neighbors. The Sam Merrill Trail is what you'll be following up to Echo Mountain, and it's pretty well-marked throughout the journey. And hey, if you're using GPS, just punch in "Echo Mountain Trailhead" - it'll get you there no problem.

Tips for Visiting

Listen up, because these tips come from someone who's learned them the hard way! First off, bring more water than you think you'll need - this trail can be deceptively challenging, and the elevation gain is no joke. I always pack at least 2 liters, even for a morning hike. Sturdy hiking shoes are an absolute must - those tennis shoes might look cute, but your ankles will thank you for proper support. Start early to beat both the crowds and the heat. The trail offers very little shade, so don't forget your sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses. Oh, and bring some snacks! There's nothing better than enjoying a little picnic while taking in those sweeping views of LA. For photography enthusiasts (like myself!), early morning or late afternoon light creates the most dramatic shots of the cityscape below. And speaking of photos, don't forget to check out the old railway ruins - they make for some really interesting shots. The trail can be a bit steep in places, so trekking poles might be helpful, especially on the way down. Keep an eye out for wildlife - I've spotted everything from lizards to hawks up there. And while the trail is well-marked, it's always smart to download an offline map before you start. If you're feeling extra adventurous and have the energy, consider extending your hike to Inspiration Point. It adds some miles to your journey, but the views are totally worth it. Just make sure you start early enough if you're planning this extended version. Lastly, check the weather forecast before heading out. This trail can be particularly challenging in extreme heat, and rain can make the path slippery. The best experiences I've had were on clear days after rain when the visibility stretches all the way to the ocean. And please, remember to practice Leave No Trace principles - pack out what you pack in. This trail is a local treasure, and we all need to do our part to keep it that way for future hikers to enjoy!

Description

The Echo Mountain Trail stands as one of [LA’s most popular hiking destinations](https://myfavoritehikes.wordpress.com/2010/11/15/echo-mountain/), offering an incredible blend of natural beauty and fascinating historical remnants. This [5.4-mile round-trip adventure](https://micasitapasadena.com/2019/02/19/echo-mountain/) rewards hikers with not just stunning views but also a peek into Southern California’s fascinating past. What makes this trail extra special is the ruins of the old Mount Lowe Railway, which adds a layer of intrigue to your outdoor expedition.

Key Features

• A moderately challenging trail with clear distance markers at 1 and 2-mile points
• Historic ruins of the Mount Lowe Railway system and an old mountain-top hotel
• [Spectacular views stretching to the Pacific Ocean and Catalina Island on clear days](https://transitexperiments.wordpress.com/2014/06/15/lake-avenue-echo-mountain-inspiration-point-and-beyond/)
• Well-maintained pathways suitable for experienced and intermediate hikers
• Approximately [1,400 feet of elevation gain](https://hikingangelesforest.com/hikes/trailheads/cobb-estate-trailhead/cobb-estate-to-echo-mountain/)
• Fascinating historical markers and interpretive signs along the route
• Multiple scenic viewpoints for photography opportunities
• Connected trails leading to additional destinations like Inspiration Point

Best Time to Visit

Early morning hours are your best bet for hiking Echo Mountain Trail. This isn’t just because I love catching those gorgeous sunrise views over LA – though that’s definitely a bonus! The trail gets pretty busy as the day goes on, especially on weekends, and let me tell ya, that Southern California sun can be brutal during midday hours. I’ve found that starting your hike before 8 AM gives you the most pleasant experience. Fall and spring offer the most comfortable temperatures, but winter can be spectacular too, especially after a rain when the air is crystal clear. Just avoid those hot summer afternoons – trust me on this one!

How to Get There

The trailhead sits at the very end of Lake Avenue in Altadena, right where it meets East Loma Alta Drive. You’ll spot the entrance easily – there’s a gate marking the start of your adventure. Parking is available along the nearby residential streets, but remember to be respectful of the neighbors. The Sam Merrill Trail is what you’ll be following up to Echo Mountain, and it’s pretty well-marked throughout the journey. And hey, if you’re using GPS, just punch in “Echo Mountain Trailhead” – it’ll get you there no problem.

Tips for Visiting

Listen up, because these tips come from someone who’s learned them the hard way! First off, bring more water than you think you’ll need – this trail can be deceptively challenging, and the elevation gain is no joke. I always pack at least 2 liters, even for a morning hike. Sturdy hiking shoes are an absolute must – those tennis shoes might look cute, but your ankles will thank you for proper support.

Start early to beat both the crowds and the heat. The trail offers very little shade, so don’t forget your sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses. Oh, and bring some snacks! There’s nothing better than enjoying a little picnic while taking in those sweeping views of LA.

For photography enthusiasts (like myself!), early morning or late afternoon light creates the most dramatic shots of the cityscape below. And speaking of photos, don’t forget to check out the old railway ruins – they make for some really interesting shots.

The trail can be a bit steep in places, so trekking poles might be helpful, especially on the way down. Keep an eye out for wildlife – I’ve spotted everything from lizards to hawks up there. And while the trail is well-marked, it’s always smart to download an offline map before you start.

If you’re feeling extra adventurous and have the energy, consider extending your hike to Inspiration Point. It adds some miles to your journey, but the views are totally worth it. Just make sure you start early enough if you’re planning this extended version.

Lastly, check the weather forecast before heading out. This trail can be particularly challenging in extreme heat, and rain can make the path slippery. The best experiences I’ve had were on clear days after rain when the visibility stretches all the way to the ocean.

And please, remember to practice Leave No Trace principles – pack out what you pack in. This trail is a local treasure, and we all need to do our part to keep it that way for future hikers to enjoy!

Location

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