Hike #1391
Echo Mtn. via Sam Merrill Trail
January 30, 2019

Hike Leader: Norm Maclean

Meet at 9:00 am for start at 9:30 am

Please print your own hike descriptions and maps.  This will avoid the inconvenience and save costs to the hike leader.

Hike: 2.6 miles and 1277 ft rise (one way)

Directions to trailhead:  Exit the 210 freeway in Altadena at Lake Ave. and proceed north for 1.5 miles until Lake ends at Loma Alta Drive - park on the street.

The Hike:  The hike begins by entering the gate at the Cobb Estate and preceding east about 1/2 mile until reaching the San Merrill/Echo Mountain/Lowe RR trail heading north.  Be careful not to turn to the north too quickly but wait until you descend into a small canyon, where the trail will be plainly marked.  The trail is a constant up for another 2 miles, affording lovely views to the south (weather permitting).  At the end of this trail (Echo Mountain), you can take a right turn with a short walk to the old hotel site, lunch, and return by the same route - total about 5 miles.

For the more ambitious, it is recommended that you make a left turn (versus a right turn to the hotel) and proceed up the Echo Mountain Trail/old RR grade to see the remains of the RR that went to the hotel.  When you reach the road, turn around and return the way you came and continue on to the old hotel for lunch and then back to your car - total about 8.5 miles.

Refreshments will be served at Farnsworth Park, 568 E. Mount Curve Ave, Altadena, CA 91001, about 0.2 miles from the hike trailhead.

Map - Echo Mtn. via Sam Merrill

2019-01-14