Echo Mountain - Full Moon

DO NOT PARK ON LAKE ! If you are not back by 8:00, you could get a ticket.

This is a special Full Moon Saturday version of our traditional Wednesday Night Echo Mountain hike for all those who cannot join us on Wednesdays and those who can and just want to do it again. Please note the suggested start time for this hike!

http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/3/e/3/2/600_225795922.jpeg

(Photo courtesy of Bob from Pasadena)

Please R.S.V.P if you believe you will be joining this hike and post what time you are planning to start - it encourages others to join. We usually do not meet as a group for this hike, but I am going to encourage it today. Starting at 6:00PM - most hikers will get to the top for the 7:16 PM Sunset If you would like to start later and catch up or join us on top, you may. First Timers - Please read the "First Timers" section, CAREFULLY !

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

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.

Newcomers - please read "First Timers" and "What to bring" sections below so you don't wind up on the wrong trail. If you do not expect to begin at 6 PM, you may post the time you do expect to begin and possibly connect with other who may be arriving later.

The Sun will set at 7:16 PM with about another 25 minutes of twilight. Hikers go up at different times, depending on when they can get to the trailhead. There will be a Full MOON rising at 7:43 PM, but it takes about 25 to 30 minutes for it to peek over the mountains.

Evening temperatures can still be pretty chilly after the Sun sets - many folks bring a dry top to change into for comfort. (Depending on current conditions gloves and/or a hat may also be desirable).

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 2.6 miles up with about a 1400 ft. elevation gain and 2.6 miles down on a very well maintained trail. This is not a hike for beginners. We do this hike every Wednesday night weather permitting and it just keeps getting better. 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. Most people bring up something to share such as a bottle of wine, cheese, deli meats, fruit, beer, etc. etc. You couldn't meet a nicer group of people, so if you are into great company, food, drinks, historic hotel ruins and fantastic views than come on up, you will love it.!!!!

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. As you reach the top 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, descending behind the debris dam and 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 2.5 miles, go to the right - slightly downhill a few hundred feet to the Echo Mountain House ruins.

What to bring: Out of concern for the environment, please bring a reusable cup or non-breakable glass for your beverage, good hiking shoes, water, maybe a wind breaker or similar(some folks bring something dry to change into) - it is best to layer. Also, something to share for the pot luck, and a HEADLIGHT OR FLASHLIGHT for the hike down, even when there is moonlight, there are areas of the trail that are in the shadows. In windy conditions, we gather at the "picnic grounds" on the left side of the trail just before the Echo Mountain House ruins.

Directions: Take the I-210 towards Pasadena, get off on Lake Ave., go North until Lake Ave. ends. On the right side where it ends is the gate to the former Cobb Estate and the road leading to the trailhead. The best parking is when you turn left at the end of Lake onto Loma Alta Dr. Park on Loma Alta as the unrestricted parking is to 10 PM You will get a ticket on Lake parking is only until 8pm. Parking off Loma Alta on Monterosa or Marengo is unrestricted.

The Organizer, Assistant Organizers and event hosts in this group 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. By signing up for a hike, or any other event organized by this group, you are acknowledging that you are aware and have made your guests aware of the risks, dangers and hazards associated with any outdoor activity and freely 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.