ECHO MOUNTAIN - 858

Come join the Wednesday night hike up to Echo Mountain, we have a potluck up there and everyone is welcome! We've proudly been doing this since April 2008 (16 years!) missing only a few Wednesdays when
conditions would not permit a safe and pleasant hike.

The hike

We follow the (lower) Sam Merrill Trail up the East wall of Las Flores Canyon to Echo Mountain and ruins of the former White City. This is a moderate hike of about 2.7 miles up with about a little over 1300 ft. elevation gain and 2.7 miles down on a very well maintained trail. This is not a hike for beginners.

People start out at different times between about 5:30 and 6:30 (some even start earlier). Average time up is about 1 hour to 1-1/4 hours (slower hikers may take 90 minutes - almost everyone makes it back down in about an hour). This is a "go at your own pace hike" so almost anyone with some hiking experience can make it.

Don't hike alone

Post what time in the comments you'd like to start and form your own groups. Everyone be safe and try to hike with someone, both going up and down.

Hikers usually head back down in two or three groups - The "Linus Train" departs at 8:00PM, others leave between 8:30 and 10PM (a few a little earlier and some a little later depending on the weather).

If you are meeting someone - we meet at the gate at the end of Lake Ave.

The Potluck

Most people bring up something to share such as cheese, crackers, chips, dips, spreads, deli meats, fruit, etc. Some hikers have been very creative and others have brought homemade items. Just remember - not everything travels well in a backpack.

You couldn't meet a nicer group of people! The warm, friendly atmosphere at the top has become a mid-week highlight to our weekly routines for many! So if you are into great company, tasty refreshments, historic hotel ruins and fantastic views then come on up, you will love it!!!!

In windy conditions, we gather at the "picnic grounds" on the left side of the trail just before the Echo Mountain House ruins.

There is no trash collection at the top of Echo Mountain. Please help to keep the area clean by taking some down - there are trash bins at the gate. It is not fair to burden the last hikers to leave the top with all the trash.

First Timers

You may locate the trailhead on Google Maps by entering 3388 Lake Ave. Altadena, Ca. 91001.

If you are not hiking with someone who is familiar with the trail, please read this carefully.

The gate is right there at the corner. Walk past the gate, as you reach the end of the paved road where it turns, DO NOT TURN - there is a sign that says "Trail" with an arrow pointing to the right - follow this and you will pass a water fountain on your left. Continue to the edge of the canyon and take the trail to the left - DO NOT descend into the canyon here - follow the trail around the edge of the canyon. Descend behind the debris dam and go up the far side following the trail to the left. As you ascend, you want to be able to look across Los Flores Canyon towards where the sun set (or is setting). You are about 1/2 way as you pass under the power towers. When you reach the junction after about 2.6 miles, go to the right - slightly downhill for 250 yards to the Echo Mountain House ruins.

BRING A FLASHLIGHT OR HEADLIGHT, check the batteries just in case. There are portions of the trail that are in the shadows even under a full moon.

What else to bring

Out of concern for the environment, please bring a reusable cup or non-breakable glass for your beverage, comfortable hiking shoes, ample water. You may want to bring something dry to change into at the top - particularly on a chilly night. It is best to layer.

Directions

Take the I-210 towards Pasadena, get off on Lake Ave., go North until Lake ends. On the right side where it ends is the gate to the former Cobb Estate and the road leading to the trailhead.

Parking

DO NOT PARK ON LAKE ! ! ! Parking there is only valid until 8pm. The best parking is when you turn left at the end of Lake onto Loma Alta Dr. Parking on Loma Alta as is valid until 10 PM. Parking off Loma Alta on Monterosa or Marengo is unrestricted.

Mind the posted parking restrictions - don't take a chance!

History

Around the turn of the century things were a little different on Echo Mountain and Mt. Lowe:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yc_lqdHyNNs

Here is a little more history of the area you are about to visit:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1P6AaOy6mY

And it you want the complete tour of the railway:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39-blSIsiqI

Liability

The Organizer, Assistant Organizers and event hosts are not professional guides. The function of the organizer is only to organize the event. Each person who signs up for an event is responsible for his or her own safety and the safety of his or her guests.