STATS: 11.4 miles with 2800’ elevation gain/loss. Total time expected to be about 5 hours.
PACE: Slow to Moderate to Fast – go your own pace. I hike at an intermediate pace, but will wait for slower hikers at various trail junctions, if needed. Again, no beginners.
Hiking poles are recommended for the downhill sections, especially.
This is a moderate hike which includes the historic Mt. Lowe Railway, “Ye Alpine Tavern”, Inspiration Point and Echo Mountain. We will meet at the top of Lake Avenue in Altadena at 5:50 AM to begin our hike up the Sam Merrill Trail at 6:00 AM. The Sam Merrill Trail switchbacks up the east wall of Las Flores Canyon about 2.5 miles to the intersection of the Echo Mountain Trail – the beginning of the loop – where we will turn left and follow the old rail bed of the Mount Lowe Railway to the former site of “Ye Alpine Tavern” for a brief stop and restroom break. From there we will follow the fire road to the pavilion at Inspiration Point where we can enjoy the view while having a snack break.
From Inspiration Point we will back-track a short distance to the Middle Sam Merrill Trail and head about 2 miles down to Echo Mountain, then continue back down the Lower Sam Merrill trail to the Cobb Estate at the top of Lake Avenue where we started.
DIRECTIONS: Take the 210 Freeway towards Pasadena, take the Lake Avenue exit, go North until Lake ends and meets with Loma Alta Drive. On the right side of Lake Avenue where it the road ends is the gate to the trail head where we will meet. Street parking available on Lake Avenue and Loma Alta Drive.
NOT FOR BEGINNERS
Liability: The Organizer, Assistant Organizers and event hosts in this group are not professional guides. The function of the organizer is only to organize the trip. Each person who signs up for a trip/meetup/or outing 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.
OTHER: Please have an identifiable profile photo if you sign up for my hikes. No landscape or animal pics, please.
NOT FOR BEGINNERS
