Mount Lowe

How Lowe Can You Go?

A hike that starts at Cobb Estate and touches Echo Mountain, Inpiration Point, and peaks at Mount Lowe. The pace will be moderate and the miles and elevation gain/loss will depend on how Lowe you go! Shout your Echo-Echo-Echo (2.6 miles up) and then head back down, or continue to Inspiration Point for another 2.0-miles before descending 2.7 miles to Echo Mountain, and then Cobb Estate (9.9 miles total). From Inspiration Point it's a 1.5-mile hop to Mount Lowe for a total of 12.9-miles for the day.

I will be hiking to Mount Lowe. If you plan to hike to Echo Mountain and Inspiration Point only note that I will not be returning at those points. However, the Sam Merrill Trail from Cobb Estate to Echo Mt. is well traveled during the weekend and the return is rather easy; single trail Out-&-Back. The return back from Inspiration Point is less traveled but Intermediate level hikers will enjoy a nice section of the Sam Merrill Trail on the descend to Echo Mountain.

The further you go the level increases.

Options:
Beginner - Cobb Estate to Echo Mt (5.2mi/1300' gain/loss), 1.5 - 2.5 hrs
Route: Sam Merrill Trail (5.2mi Out-&-Back)

Intermediate - Cobb Estate to Inspiration Pt (9.9mi, 2800' gain/loss), 5.5 - 6.5 hrs
Route: Sam Merrill Trail, Castle Trail, SMT (4.7mi Loop, 5.2mi Out-&-Back)

Advance - Cobb Estate to Mt Lowe (12.9mi, 4000' gain/loss ), 6.5 - 8 hrs
Route: SMT, Castle Trail, Lowe, SMT(4.7mi Loop, 8.2mi Out-&-Back)

Points:
Cobb Estate (1930'), Echo Mt (3267'), Inpiration Pt (4714'), Mt Lowe (5380')

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/6/e/0/2/event_87748162.jpeg

Meet up Time:
7:45 AM and START at 8:00 AM
(sooner if all RSVPs arrive)
Meet outside the Cobb Estate gate by the bench

Directions/Parking:
Popular place, usually street parking nearby (CLICK HERE)
No restictions but check posted signs

Recommend:

• Good traction soft-shell hike/sturdy trail running shoe
• Water: 1 liter, 3 - 4 liters, 4 - 5 liters (depends on option)
• Lightweight layers, rain/wind breaker jacket
• Check weather forecast
• Lunch & snacks (depends on option)
• Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses
• Extra socks & t-shirt
• Trekking Poles
• Headlamp (likely won't need)
• Small camera
• Cell phone

IMPORTANT:
Please ensure that you are in good health before participating in a high intensity activity like this one. My function as an assistant organizer is only to organize the hikes and I assume absolutely no responsibility for you or your guests. By signing up for a hike, or any other event organized by this group, you are acknowledging that you are aware and made your guests aware of the risks, dangers, and hazards associated with any outdoor activity, and you accept, and fully assume all such risks, dangers, and hazards, and further agree to release, and discharge the Organizer, Assistant Organizers, and event hosts of this Meetup Group from, and against any, and all liability arising from your and your guest's participation in the group activities.