Name: Echo Mtn to Inpiration Point 9+ Miles 3000 Ft. gain
Start: 2011-03-12T08:00:00-08:00
End: 2011-03-12T11:00:00-08:00
Location: Echo Mountain trailhead

This going to be a swiftly moving hiking event, participants need to be able to complete 2.5 mile/1500 ft gain, in not much longer than an hour! If you have not done hikes at this speed and gain, or have not been doing other cardio conditioning than this hike may be beyond your abilities.

If you can not attend event please update RSVP right away, so others from the waiting list can attend!

This event is cross posted with SoCal Hikers and Peakbaggers MU group!

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NO DOGS or Tennis Shoes on this Hike

Distance: 9 miles round trip +walking to your car

Finish hike by 1PM, bring snacks for break at top, dress appropriate for weather!

Level: 8/10 Strenuous, not for beginners

Elevation gain: App.2800+ ft.

Elevation at Echo: 3200 ft.

Break about half way point, at Echo Mtn, then continue to Inspiration Point on the Castle Canyon Trail.

The History
On top of the mountain are the ruins of "White City," a resort along the scenic Mount Lowe Railway, which could easily be seen from the valley below. White City was the site of a magnificent 70-room Victorian hotel, the Echo Mountain House. Only a few hundred feet away stood the 40-room Echo Chalet. The complement of buildings on Echo included an astronomical observatory, car barns, dormitories and repair facilities, a casino and dance hall, and a menagerie of local fauna.

For the seven years during which Lowe owned and operated the railway, it constantly ran into hard times. For one, its location was off the beaten path of the common traveler with little means of transportation up to the Altadena hillside. For another, fares did not cover the cost of continuous construction done on money borrowed at 10 1/2%.

A series of natural disasters ate away at the facilities, the first of which was a kitchen fire that destroyed the Echo Mountain House in 1900. A 1905 fire destroyed the rest of the Echo buildings except for the observatory and the astronomer's cabin. In 1909 a flash flood tore out the Rubio Pavilion. In 1928 a gale force wind toppled the observatory. And in 1936 an electrical fire wiped out the Tavern.

The Mount Lowe Railway was officially abandoned in 1938 after a horrendous rain washed most everything off the mountain sides. Today, the ruins of Mount Lowe Railway remain as a monument to a once-ever experienced enterprise. It was placed on the National Register of Historical Places on January 6, 1993.

The Hike
Hike up the Sam Merrill Trail at the north end of Lake Street which ends at Loma Alta in Pasadena. Parking is on the street and depending on availability could require some extra walking. Exit the 210 Fwy at Lake St in Pasadena and head North. The trail has many switchbacks, but is a constant uphill and easy to follow. It usually takes less than 1.5 hours to reach Echo Mtn, about halfway up. At Echo we will break and enjoy the view! After the rest, we will continue on Castle Canyon Trail to Inspiration Point.

For Safety
Carry plenty of water and drink it. Wear proper footwear, bring snacks, sunscreen, hat and be aware of weather conditions. Walking sticks would be useful on portions of this one. Know your limits and if you’re having problems or decide not to finish a hike please let someone know. Be alert for ticks and rattlesnakes. I do have a first aid kit with me.

DISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY

IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY:

I am a volunteer (i.e. not liable for the group). Safety is a priority for everyone in the group. Think of this as hiking with a group of friends.

Outdoor sports and other events we plan can be inherently dangerous and accidents may happen. By participating in any posted event, you're taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being. The Los Angeles Hiking Meetup Group and it's organizers are not trained leaders and we do not confirm the qualifications of any of its members to lead or participate in trips. All participants take full responsibility for their own actions. If you choose to sign up for any Los Angeles Hiking Meetup events, you are releasing the Los Angeles Hiking Meetup Group and it's organizers from all liability in case of possible injuries. Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience.

CONTACT ME WITH ANY QUESTIONS!

Gabor

Los Angeles Hiking Group

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Echo Mtn to Inpiration Point 9+ Miles 3000 Ft. gain

Echo Mountain trailhead

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Echo Mtn to Inpiration Point 9+ Miles 3000 Ft. gain

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