Echo Mountain via the Sam Merrill Trail

— Street Parking in a residential area
— Trail is a narrow two person wide (like standing close together wide) trail
— 5 mile round trip hike (2.5 miles up and 2.5 miles down)
— Great abandoned site and history at the top of Echo Mountain
— Clean, well maintained and well marked trail
— The buzzing from the power lines was a bit trippy
— No shade on this hike (I’m glad we went when it was June Gloom!)
— I’ll be back when its not so hot to do the extra 5 miles and make it up to Inspiration Point

Awesome trail for all levels of hikers. The trails here branch out to trails all along the San Gabriel mountain range. The Sam Merrill trail specifically gets very crowded, and you’ll pass by a handful of people even at night (you can even see lights up on the mountain at night from the hikers).
Once in a while someone will get injured or lost up in these mountains and a rescue helicopter has to go find them, make sure you’re prepared and know where you’re going! Bring water and a flashlight, and let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return.

The hike is located at the end of Lake Blvd. There’s a gate at the beginning of the trail. Steep hike with narrow, narrow trail! The trail is dog friendly, but if your dog is skiddish and jumpy like mine… I probably wouldn’t advise bringing your pup. I was constantly worried my dog would fall down the mountain. She had a lot of energy but I was just worried for her. The view was starting to look pretty. overlooking the city with lots of trees. Unfortunately, we didn’t get to finish the trail but one day I would like to come back to finish!

Yowza! This hike is 3 miles up, 3 down. You will break alllll the sweats on this trail. I think the trail themselves are pretty narrow and rocky, so be careful passing people. It’s not as safe as I’m used to. Some people can rush by with their dogs. The entire climb up is at an incline, there is no break from that until you walk down. Oh, and you pass these massive power lines about 2 miles into the hike, which is a little intimdating. This is not a biking trail.
The site of the old railway on top of Echo Mountain is so cool. You can see old parts of the railway and read about Professor Lowe’s hotel at the top of the mountain. If you love history, you will love visiting this historic landmark.

Echo Mountain — a great overall hike. It’s around 5 – 6 miles round trip, so no too long, not too short. Parking is free and plentiful (though expect a long walk from your parking spot to the trail entrance on weekends), and the payoff at the top makes the journey well worth it.
The trail isn’t too difficult. A little steep, somewhat winding and can get narrow in places, so a lot of stopping to let people pass. There is really two destinations here. The first being the former site of the Echo Mountain House and if you continue a few miles further, Inspiration Point. I’ve never made it to Inspiration Point, but the site of the old house offers some great views and it is well worth the trip. If you find the cone shaped «microphone» yell into it and you’ll see why this place is called Echo Mountain.
Overall one of my favorite hikes. Easily accessible, the end destination is awesome (as opposed to some hikes that are just a loop with no real attractions) and once you finish, plenty of post hike options right down the road.
tl;dr — Great for novice to expert hikers. Great view from the top!

Echo Mountain via the Sam Merril Trail is a relatively easy to moderate hike, suitable for beginner/​intermediate. For a more advanced hike, you can challenged yourself to The Inspiration Point. This hike is only 2.5 miles and takes around 2 – 3 hours roundtrip. Consistent incline all the way up with the city view of pasedena!
Tips:
~ Scenic views all the way up!
~ Challenging hike with constant elevation
~ Free street parking

Love this Trail!
This trail is definitely a work out. It’s about 6miles turn around, 3 miles up & 3 back down. Let me tell you the 3 miles up are difficult and worth it, you will break a sweat and feel the burn. The trail is very visible so you won’t feel lost or confused on what path to take, once you get to the top you see and can read a lot about the history of the place and what used to be there. Make sure you scream and yell into the echo phone and listen (So Fun). Not much views or photo opts (maybe a few if you really look) but worth the work out. The way back down is super easy, but I would still rate this trail 8 out of 10. The trail is very clean & and well maintained, parking is a little hard on nights and weekends. Parking is free street parking in the local neighborhood so get there early to find a close by spot. Have fun and be safe #TheOutDoorLife #HikeLife

This is a very cool place to hike. I haven’t discovered too many east side/​SGV places yet so was pleasantly surprised on this hike. It was a somewhat sunny day and started getting a little hot half way into the hike. It’s about 2 miles each way and when you get to the top there are some cool views and fun old props if you will — like wheels and old trains. You can also use their microphone to send «echoes» throughout the canyon — hence the name Echo park. Overall a great hiking spot — easy street parking.

It’s okay… straight uphill on dusty boring switchbacks. People who automatically throw 5 stars on this hike need to get out more. It’s a great workout just not very exciting and lots of people on a weekend. The view at the top is great.
** pick up your trash people**

From the Cobb Estate Entrance, access to Echo Mountain via the Sam Merrill Trail is easy. There’s street parking that’s free. No bathrooms though!
Once you enter the gates, walk straight to the sign directing you to Echo Mountain. It’s 2.5 miles up a narrow dirt path consisting of a dozen + switchbacks. Although you climb a few thousand feet, the incline isn’t that bad, but it was VERY congested on a Saturday morning. Almost worse than the 101 freeway!
I know other trails are people infested, but because they are more spread out, I notice it much less. I hike to get away from people, not have to maneuver around hundreds of them.
If the lack of trees or pretty much anything interesting to look at doesn’t bore you to death, once you do get to the top where the remnants of the train and hotel are, you are bound to be impressed. I know I was glad I stuck it out.
The views are amazing and the historical significance of the area is interesting. Not sure I would be begging to do this one again though.
Not a lot of shade… be sure to bring a lot of water, a hat and wear sunscreen. Hiking shoes are recommended… there are quite a few of rocky areas.

I’ve done this hike a couple of times. Overall, it’s a nice hike with some nice scenery. I personally prefer hikes with more green and shaded areas but I would still definitely do this hike again. Anything other than the city is beautiful and rewarding! The times that I’ve been here it was pretty busy and I tend to arrive by 7:30 am. I would go early especially if the weather is warm.
Parking: Free street parking.
Intensity: Easy to moderate
Freeway exit: Lake Ave. from 210 fwy and head North.
Adventure pass: not required

Echo Mountain via the Sam Merrill trail is a moderately difficult 5 mile round trip hike, accessible from The top of Lake Ave. in Altadena. The trail is well marked throughout, and heavily traveled by runners, hikers, and dog walkers, but due perhaps to the more strenuous requirements than, say, the Eaton Cyn waterfall hike, the trail is relatively clean and well maintained. Some thoughtless folks cut the switchbacks, causing some erosion and trampling of plants, but for the most part this is a pretty hike. Mile markers are small but easily located along the trail.
The 2.5 mile trail features dozens of native plants– mule sage, yucca, flowering penstemons, witch’s hair, wild buckwheat, and prickly pear, to name a few– as well as hummingbirds, fence lizards, blue tailed skinks, snakes, deer, and the occasional bobcat or coyote. Traveling through various geological laters created aeons ago by the formation of an alluvial fan from the mountains above, Echo mountain sort of sticks out from the face of the San Gabriels, creating a panoramic view of Southern California from Malibu to Orange County. On a clear day, Palos Verdes and Catalina island are clearly visible. Echo Mountain features the ruins of a hundred year old hotel that burned down decades ago… Artifacts like broken glass, porcelain, old coins, and the remains of a railway are there to explore and discover. Trees provide shade over the picnic area, and the famous echo phone helps point your hooting and hollering in the right direction to hear it report several times off the canyon walls.
The hike (and parking) can be very crowded on weekends, so leave early if you don’t like a lot of company. For an extra challenge, continue up Sam Merrill or the Castle Canyon trail (shorter but steeper!) to get to Inspiration Point another few miles towards the sky. From there, you can loop back down to either the Sam Merrill or Castle Canyon and return the way you came (to get back to your car) or continue down Any number of trails to go to Mt. Wilson, or drop down into Idlehour campground in upper Eaton Canyon, then back up to Henninger flats before using the toll road to get back down into lower Eaton Canyon. Super hikers will sometimes leave a car here on Crescent to drive back to the other car parked on Lake Ave. in my marathon running days, I ran Sam Merrill to Echo then Inspiration Point, back down into Idlehour, up to Henninger, down to The Eaton Canyon bridge, up Loma Alta Dr. To Rubio Canyon, to Maiden, to Lake Ave and die in my truck for a nice 4000 ft elevation gain over nearly 20 mile loop.
Nowadays, carrying 80 lbs. of offspring up and down the mountain is enough workout for me, and my knees and plantar fasciitis appreciate the abridged, albeit beautiful slow hike.

I did this hike for the 1^st time about 2 wks. ago. It was a great experience.
Pros– free parking, beautiful views, not too long or too short (good/​moderate workout that won’t take up too much of your day– 5 miles in less than 2 hrs.), interesting ruins and artifacts; I like when hikes have a cool destination or «payoff» associated to it
Cons– nothing really (I gave it 5 stars), I guess you could say it is a bit too crowded (at least on the Saturday morning that I went) for the generally narrow paths

This may be the quintessential L.A. hike. Echo Mountain was made famous by a California dreamer who created a fantasy resort complete with railway atop the mountain which then went down in flames. Hiking Echo Mountain offers the opportunity to poke around the ruins of his dream while working out. How L.A. can you get?
And what a work out! 2.5 miles straight up with a 1400 foot elevation gain and then 2.5 miles back. That’s five miles round trip, folks, definitely enough to warrant hitting up In-​N-​Out after. Allowing time to explore the ruins and take pictures, count on at least three hours.
DO’s
* Get there early, like really early, like 6 am early. Parking is challenging. You will legitimately add at least another ½ mile to your hike otherwise because you will have to park so far away.
* Bring plenty of water and snacks and sunscreen and energy
*Say hi to all the friendly hikers on the path
*Make room for other hikers; the trail can be narrow
*Enjoy the stunning views from about 3,200 feet above L.A.
DON’Ts
*Don’t forget to charge your camera and your phone before you go. No further comment.
Enjoy!

SHAPE IT UP, BUT DON’T SLIP UP!
Several months ago, me and The Crew were headed to the backcountry on a strenuous backpacking trip. To prepare, I wanted to do some conditioning hikes to decrease my chances of having to be airlifted out. This was one of the trails I did several times prior to the trip.
STATS:
Mileage: 5.2 Miles
Time: 2.5−3 hours
Elevation Gain: 1400ft
Rating: Not for beginner
Trail: Up and back, Single Track
While I’m not a fan of hiking to the top of Echo Mountain, it offers a great conditioning trail. Fully exposed to the sun, no matter what time of day, this hike is relatively short and steep, not to mention a bit on the crowded side.
If you like unobstructed views of the city, the sun beating down on you, a trail with no opportunity to get lost, getting stuck behind inconsiderate slower hikers, the boom boom of music as you forge forward, the possibility of being rundown by a biker, on this single track edge of the cliff trail, then this is for you. Me? Not a fan, only a fan in the sense that it’s great for increasing stamina, allows hikers to load down their packs with weight for that extra umph, and it can be done, up and back, in two hours or less, depending on health and well-​being, as well as time spent at the top. Several fellow hikers do this hike every day, the result, a significant amount of unwanted poundage stays on trail.
Many peeps and hikers do this hike on a regular basis, taking a freakton of food and beverages to the top, peeps will hang out and lollygag till it’s time to go home.
I’M OKAAAAAY!
Those were the words I heard echoing from the trail above. First time I went to the top, was for a sunset hike on a warm October evening many many moons ago. So crowded, as we left the top, many peeps turned on headlamps and flashlights, which basically blinded me. Anywhoo, I took off ahead of the group to avoid being blinded by the flashlights and headlamps, the full moon offered enough light for me to see the dips and uneveness of the trail and risking taking the shortcut down… straight down the hillside. Waiting at the bottom, I watched the light show, like fireflies floating in the air, hikers zigged and zagged down the switchbacks. Then it happened, I heard a fellow hiker cry out, «I’M OKAAAAY!» Which are the first words you want to say, or hear when there’s a fall. Fellow hiker missed stepped and ended up cuttin a switchback, tumbling down to the next zig, or zag, can’t recall. Scratched, bruised and a bit of bleeding, from the dirt, rocks, and shrubby, he was ok. Nothing a couple brew at the local watering hole couldn’t fix.
Looking for a conditioning trail and not too bothered by what you can encounter? Looking to lose some unwanted poundage? This trail and dedication can help you get to where you wanna be.
DISCLAIMER:
Hiking is not something that can be taken lightly. It can be life-​threatening as you see and hear on the news, people die or get lost all time. Please, if you are going to hike, never go alone and prepare for the worst, hope for the best. Remember when going for a hike, no matter how short you think it may be, always be prepared. Carry at least two liters of water for every five miles (more if the weather is warm), protein bar, nuts, and electrolytes. Wear sturdy lug sole shoes and protective clothing. Some areas the weather can change quicker than a firefighter can put on his gear. It is also very important, always always always let a family member or friend know where you are going and when you expect to be back. Lastly, have fun when you hike it up.

Holy crap-​o-​la! This was a great hike! I only went as far at the summit but this hike really had me sweating!
In the morning there is lots of shade and would recommend the earlier the better. The higher you get the less shade there is. This trail is not for beginners, almost everyone I saw had hiking gear, walking sticks, hiking boots… etc. Make sure you come prepared. Two bottles of water lasted me the whole hike…5 miles round trip. Lots of people bring their dogs too, although some of them are off leash so be aware if your dog doesn’t like that.
The view at the end of the trail is amazing and totally worth all the effort. There are even some tables and lots of shady spots to relax before the trek back down.
The neighborhood has lots of street parking but be sure not to cover anyone’s driveway!
Do this hike! It’s a good one!

As you enter the gates at Cobb Estate, be sure to make a right at the small sign that says TRAIL. From there you just keep going until you get to your first stop… Echo Mountain. It is beautiful. I love history and especially of this amazing area we live in. They have done a great job leaving informational posts of the hotel, railway, etc. It is amazing to be able to stand in the original ruins of the old hotel. The scenery is breathtaking, the area is completely clean, and it is a hike that is very doable. Go early, there is shade, but it gets super hot.
This is a great hike that I would rate moderate. With an elevation of a little over 3,000 feet the trail is filled with multiple switchbacks, lots of trees with exposed roots, and lovely fragrances of the different vegetation growing along the paths. Some areas can get narrow, be sure to use shoes with good traction.
Bring plenty of water, snacks, sunglasses, wide brimmed hat, sun block, and your camera. The scenery is spectacular. When you stop to take photos, you realize there are even better ones as you ascend higher along the trail. Pack it in and pack it out… please don’t litter. Leave these hiking trails pristine so others can enjoy their beauty!

— 2.5 miles incline (tough) + 2.5 miles decline (breeze) = 5 miles round trip (perfect workout)
— Offers beautiful view of LA on a clear day
— Partially shaded but still hike on a cooler day or earlier time of day
— Free parking (yes!)
If your legs and glutes can take more, I recommend adding 2 miles up to Inspiration Point from Echo Mountain. Hopefully you will be at the top by the time your legs start giving up on you. Bring a sandwich/​snack, enjoy the view, and recover. The hike back to the trail head will feel like forever with the never ending turns, but I promise you it will be the most rewarding feeling ever once you are done.
#legday

Foggy day. Steady incline. Canyon feels. Best hike! The trail is a narrow path that winds up around the Echo Mountain. Once you gain a good amount of elevation, you leave behind the view of the city as the trail wraps around the canyon. Because the trail is fairly narrow, you will need to make way as people come down the trail, many with dogs.
2.5 miles into the hike, you will reach the summit, which is ruins of the White City resort. There is an echo phone on site. Say hello into it and listen as Rubio Canyon says hello back. It’s pretty cool. From here you can hike farther up to Inspiration Point, which is another 2 miles or turn around or turn back around. The chill and mist lacing the air made this hike so much more thrilling. I definitely recommend this, although I doubt the weather would be this perfect again.

Great workout for your legs!
PARKING
Street parking by the residential areas on Lake or Loma Alta. You can also leave your vehicles at the nearby park. It’s a five minute walk to the entrance to the trail.
Initially, we were going to hike the Sam Merrill Trial up to the ruins. However, we strayed a little off trial by the reservoir and ended up hiking the steep incline all the way up to the power line and even higher. From there, we took the trail and hit pavement where we walked up hill some more. There is a trail at the intersection to take us up another 2.5 miles to Inspiration Point. However, we took the other one toward the ruins, and later took the Sam Merrill Trail back down. Our total time for the hike was a little less than five hours (about ten miles) — breaks included.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Well, if you were to take the Sam Merrill Trail up and down, it is very straightforward. If you are not a regular hiker or not seeking a hiking challenge, simply take the Sam Merrill Trail up to the ruins and maybe Inspiration Point. Regrettably, the trail we took up with the steep incline was brutal. From our standpoint going up, it always looks like we were almost there. However, there were several sets of climbs before you really reach the top. I took several breaks, while some locals here walked up like it was nothing!
There are no restrooms available, so highly recommend that you use the restroom before you start. Also, hardly any shade so bring sunblock or go early in the morning! Pretty well maintained trail, if you are at a good pace going up and down should be less than four hours.
The view is very nice. At some point you see all nature on the way up. The main view at the top overlooks the city and roads.

Fun hike with the dogs.
The incline isn’t too steep, but it will take you about 2.5 miles to reach Echo Mountain where the ruins of the hotel are located.
It’s another 2 miles extra to get to Inspiration Point.
There are picnic tables at the top of Echo Mountain for those who want to bring lunch for the hike.
Be sure to bring plenty of water (for both you and your dogs) and snacks to re-​fuel.