Skip to content

Upper Sunset Ridge Trail to Mt. Lowe (15.2 miles 3508 gain/loss elev.)

Photo of Patty
Hosted By
Patty
Upper Sunset Ridge Trail to Mt. Lowe (15.2 miles 3508 gain/loss elev.)

Details

Distance: 15.2 miles.

Elevation gain: 3,508 ft.

Difficult: 8/10.

Duration: 6-7 hrs

THIS IS NOT A BEGINNERS HIKE!! This is a semi-exploratory hike, hikers are welcome to come, but hike at your own risk. It's Superbowl Sunday, so we will be heading over to the local tavern to watch the game afterwards. Please join us!

From the gate, we will take the Upper Sunset Ridge Trail to the Cape of Good Hope. From the Cape of Good Hope, go up the Upper Mt. Lowe Railway Trail passing the Mt. Lowe Camp to the left (we could then take a trail behind the camp, which will land us between the West Mt. Lowe Trail and East Mt. Lowe Trail) and continue to Lowe Saddle. There are five trailheads at Lowe Saddle. We will take a left to the East Mt. Lowe Trail. Take the East Mt. Lowe Trail to the Junction with the Upper East Mt. Lowe Trail. Take the Upper East Mt. Lowe Trail to Mt. Lowe. Return taking the trail down to Mt. Lowe Road (the way we came). Turn left at the road (east) and look for the trailhead for the Mt. Lowe Campground Trail on the right side (south) of the road. Take the Mt. Lowe Campground Trail down to the Upper Mt. Lowe Railway Trail. Stop by Mt. Lowe Campground to see the ruins of the Old Alpine Tavern and see plaques with photos of the Tavern and railroad. Then continue down to the gate the way you came up.

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/5/6/4/9/600_433582089.jpeg

(Meet here at this gate)

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/5/6/6/0/600_433582112.jpeg

Mt. Lowe Campground

http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/5/6/7/3/600_433582131.jpeg

One option from the Mt. Lowe campground area and the east trail is about 20 feet away.

http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/5/6/a/5/600_433582181.jpeg

Or go to a little further to the 5 trails meeting together and take the east trail from here instead.

http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/1/6/c/8/600_433385832.jpeg

http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/1/7/2/a/600_433385930.jpeg

Requirement: Winter clothing, Trekking poles, sunscreen and hiking boots.

Recommendation: At least 3 liters of water/electrolytes, snack/lunch.

Direction: From the 210 Freeway exit at Fair Oaks Ave. and take Fair Oaks north toward the mountains. At Loma Alta Drive, turn left and proceed about ½ mile to Chaney Trail Drive. Turn right onto Chaney Trail Drive, go north on Chaney Trail up to the top where the road splits, to the left is the road to Millard Campground and to the right is parking for the Sunset Ridge, please park below the locked gate on the side of the road. Meet at the white gate. You will need an Adventure Pass to park here.

From the parking lot, proceed to the white gate about 100 yards

Liability: By signing up for this event, you are acknowledged that you are fully aware the risk involve with this event. You are acknowledged that neither the
hike leader nor event coordinator is a professional hiker. You will not hold
neither the hike leader nor any member of this group for any liability or
mishap cause by you. You are responsible for your own action and safety.

Photo of My Hiking Club group
My Hiking Club
See more events
Millard Canyon Trailhead, parking area T1
Loma Alta Drive · Altadena, CA