Hike to Haunted Hotel Ruins at Echo Mountain

Start time: Try to arrive by 4:00pm, we will start the hike at 4:15pm.
There is street parking available. I recommend parking on Loma Alta Dr. and the other nearby streets, do not park on Lake Ave. but if you do make sure to read the parking signs.
Description: The ruins are not actually haunted, but it's October the month of Halloween so let's pretend they are. The ruins are what remain of The White City resort of the Mount Lowe Railway that was located at Echo Mountain, it was built in the late 1800's. This is a very difficult trail to hike up, it is 2.5 miles of constant uphill climbing with an elevation gain of 1,500 feet (3,200 feet total elevation). The pace will be moderate, but the elevation gain makes this a workout. Once we reach the top we will explore the remains of "White City" resort and the railway cars, and the echophone. We will stay until sunset which will be at 6:07pm. We will head down the same trail, it will get dark so bring a flashlight. The hike will be just over 5 miles and take over 3 hours.

This link has some cool photos of the trail:
http://www.hikespeak.com/trails/sam-merrill-trail-echo-mountain/

REMINDERS:

• Bring plenty of water.

• Bring a flashlight.

• Wear comfortable hiking/trail running shoes.