Hike Echo Mountain via the Sam Merrill Trail

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Distance: 5 milesApprox Time: 3 hours
Elevation: 1400ft
Difficulty: Moderate

Dogs and children welcome.
This is a well-maintained trail!

Professor Thaddeus S. C. Lowe's mountain railway and resort was Southern California's must-visit attraction, drawing more than three million visitors from1896 to 1936. Echo Mountain (3207'), known as "The White City," was the heart of the resort with its elegant Echo Mountain House hotel, chalet, observatory, and small zoo. It has all since vanished, but this fascinating hike takes you to the ruins of this official historic landmark.
DIRECTIONS: From the I-210 Foothill Freeway in Pasadena, exit at Lake Avenue. Drive north for 3.4 miles to the end of Lake Avenue (where it intersects with the terminus of Loma Alta Drive running east and west). Park along the street. The hike begins to the left of the stone gateway on the east side of the street. (Lat:34.20406 Lon:-118.13054)

BRING: Lunch! (We will have a picnic on top of the mountain for those who want to stay), Hat and sunscreen (most parts don't have shade and we are starting later than usual), WATER, Friends, Family, Dogs, and anything else you think is a necessity.

See you on the trail!