Echo Mountain and Inspriation Point - How-To
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- Опубликовано: 22 авг 2023
- Easy directions to hike the classic LA hikes Echo Mountain and Inspiration Point, including insider tips from a hiking guide.
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The Echo Mountain hike packs a lot of bang for the buck. You’ll hike up the Sam Merrill Trail, which follows the old Mt Lowe railway route up to Echo Mountain, where you can see the old ruins of the Echo Mountain mountain resort. USA Today included the Echo Mountain hike as one of the “10 Great North American Hikes” and Sunset Magazine called it one of the top 45 hikes in the west. From there we'll hike to the viewing tubes at Inspiration Point and then back down to Altadena. The hike is easy to follow, has an interesting history, offers great views, is a good workout, and is close to LA. Overall it’s a win.
This was the playground of my youth starting in the mid 60's. I lived just down Loma Alta Dr. and attended the elementary school just a couple of blocks from the trail head. at 11 years old I was exploring the Cobb Estate and exploring Las Flores Canyon crawling through all the abandoned mines. We built rock dams in the stream and skinny dipped on hot summer days. I used to hike up to Echo Mtn after school and then Mt Lowe. I camped out alone several times without a fear in the world oblivious to that there might be bear and mountain lion. I still remember the 1st time I saw deer off the Echo Mtn trail and just being amazed. I used to climb up Rubio canyon just amazed at all the waterfalls. By the time I was 14 I had explored every canyon in Altadena. Thank God there were no video games and social media back then to kill the wanderlust of a young boy.
All the signs you see around Echo Mountain if it wasn't for Brian Marcroft and the volunteers they wouldn't be there. I am fortunate enough that I volunteer under Brian. I have learned so much from him. Also Inspiration Point was built by Brian and a group of men some almost 30 years ago. I got to meet some of those men. Also the little info plague in front of Echo Mountain, I have met the men who built it.
How did I miss this video!? This is my next weekend hike.
We had a ton of water in the creek in April! It was crazy seeing it - I've been doing this hike for years as an Altadenan, and I'd never seen water in there like that.
That was great! Loving that your guides are including more historical information with overlays.
Also, I've done that route only once, including Lowe and loved it. After delving into the history for a video I completed, I've decided I need to figure out how to build a time machine so I can visit this place during it's hayday!
Did these hikes in the late nineteen fifties. A lot has changed. Don't remember the Sam Merrill trail. Used the Echo Canyon/ funicular route. Back then most of the bridges were in still useable condition, I remember climbing the rail ties up the funicular like a ladder. Power poles still there. The bridge on the funicular was there but shaky, chose to use the bypass which is still useable today.
The Castle Canyon trail was built as a mule trail to start work on the lodge as the rail line was going slow. Very steep trail for animals.
Did the funicular hike about three years ago. Most of the rail ties are burned or buried, just the foundations of the bridge and the pavilion that spanned echo canyon are left. Would not recommend this route now, up is not bad, down is brutel on the legs. If you want to get the flavor of what the builders when through go up as far as the bridge, or go all the way come down another route. In the fifties rarely saw anyone on theses hikes. Not so anymore. Sigh
Thanks for posting that - didn't know the story behind Castle Canyon trail, thank you!
Thank you for sharing!!
I hike Lower Sam Merrill to Middle Sam Merrill to Upper Sam Merrill where it peaks to a magic trick telescope and a cool bench
Did this hike a couple of weeks ago on your recommendations, and I really enjoyed it. I’d note the trail, though well engineered, is in need of a little TLC after last winter’s rains, and probably after Sunday’s rain,too. The trail is narrow, one or two parts are undercut or washed out, and there is loose gravel on some of the stone steps and switchbacks. If you’re not an athletic hiker, or a little unsure, take trekking poles, grippy shoes, and watch your step.
just discovered your channel and I really like your style and presentation. keep up the good work!
Great vid. Friend and I used to do this hike once in a while when we didn't have time to do something out of town. Sad seeing how tagged up those ruins are with graffiti these days.
Excellent video, as always! I am obsessed with the history of Echo Mountain/Alpine Tavern. These videos are always incredible thorough and helpful.
Good explanation of why you would prefer a mule pushing rather than pulling.
Another awesome video Chris. I can't wait for the weather to cool down to hike more. I had a feeling you would eventually use Hoka Speedgoats. I've been using them for about 6 years now. They're great for Southern California terrain. A couple of years ago I started using the Speedgoat Mid GTX to me there even more comfortable and have extra ankle support. Your videos are so helpful and professional 👍🏻🌲🌳
Thank you! And yes, I used to love the Lone Peak and Stinson, which I would switch based on the hike, and the Speedgoats sit somewhere in the middle and are solid for almost anything I need to do. Some people have complained abouut the 5 model but seems to work okay for me.
awesome info! Vids getting better and better! Love the quality!
thank you! working on it...
Keep going up hill to reach San Gabriel Peak. It’s right above my place🤙🏾
Thanks Chris very valuable information by the way I met you at that trail.
Nick! Thanks for saying hello. You caught me right at the tough part on Castle Canyon
Echo Mtn/Sam Merril Trail is one of my favorite hikes. Thank you for showing us/me how to hike further up to Inspiration Point!
legend
i tried to do this but got too tired😫 i def want to try again!
Thanks for taking us along!
Great production. Thanks. I've put 200 miles on my Topo Pursuits. Still loving them. Thanks again for the suggestion .
Great to hear - I'm using the Speedgoat 5s now most of the time but testing out the Terraventure 4 - the Pursuit is a great shoe still, we have lots of great choices these days.
Thank you for the video. The trails in the San Gabriel mountains have so many ruins and great history compared to the mountains to the east, I have found the drive from San Diego worthwhile to visit these trails.
Excellent video. Amazing what used to be on top of that mountain!
2thumbs up Cris Thanks again.
Would love to hike this when I get to LA.appreciate u.😊
Great overview of a SoCal classic! This is my go-hike to for when I've been away from the trails for a bit and want to get back in hiking shape. Have you hiked to Mount Lowe from here? A number of years ago I did a loop that included Echo Mountain, Mount Lowe, and Inspiration Point that was about 14 miles or so but can't remember the exact route I took.
Yes, it's a great hike, especially in winter. I'm going to get a fun route with Lowe up there later in the year. It's been a while.
Another great adventure. I cant wait to move out there soon to explore all these new destinations.
smoked a Jay on this peak and i was the highest ive ever been at that megaphone lol. thought the ghosts were comin to get me.
Great video. I love hearing about the history of Echo Mountain. I will tackle this in a few weeks.
There are water mines in the canyon, one near the end is quite interesting and full of cave pearls.
Epic video. Favorite hike in LA by far.
Great trail great video! 👍
I hike this trail once a week because is close to me but there is one smaller at Temescal canyon trail near palisades that I can feel more intense for endurance
Thank you for your excellent work! I just did the loop in the Claremont Hills Wilderness Park. If you have suggestions on how to make it more interesting (perhaps connecting to Potato Mountain that you already made a video for) that would be a nice addition.
Yea I might get back there this winter - haven't been in a while
Great video HG, I'll do this one in the Fall. I'm wanting to hike Baden-Powell but not sure if damage from last storm knocked out the road or trails last week. Good day.
Yea have not been up there yet - looks like a lot of CA2 is closed for cleanups too (from CalTrans site)
Is closed from 10.4 mi east of La Canada Flintridge to Islip Saddle (Los Angeles Co) - Due to storm cleanup - Motorists are advised to use an alternate route
Is closed from Islip Saddle to 5 mi west of Big Pines (Los Angeles Co) - Due to storm cleanup - Motorists are advised to use an alternate route
Is closed from 5 mi west of Big Pines to Big Pines (Los Angeles Co) - Due to storm cleanup - Motorists are advised to use an alternate route
Is closed from 2.4 mi east of the Los Angeles/San Bernardino Co Line /at Sheep Creek Rd/ to 3.5 mi west of the Jct of SR 138 (San Bernardino Co) - Due to a mudslide - Motorists are advised to use an alternate route
Looks like there are lots of offshoot trails near the top. Is overnight camping allowed up there?
Mt Lowe Trail Camp is close - goo.gl/maps/YHLawpR5Cp5FWjqb8
You mentioned Mt Wilson trail. I normally hike First Water trail until shaded stream area. Is that the same trail you would take further more up to get to top of Mt Wilson? Thx in advance.
Yup, that trail will take you all the way up to Mt Wilson - guide up on my website
😮 Not this time of year, thanks
Watch out for the rattlers, lions and bikes. I got lost for about 15 seconds coming down from Mt. Lowe. Oh no! 🤡🤡
Loved the video and information.
I love this hike it’s been my favorite for some time now I tend to always go back.
Has anyone tried going on sunrise ? If so do you recommend it?
You explained everything so well thank you! 🫶
Yes, sunrise is great time to go!