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A popular trail connecting Altadena with Echo Mountain.


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Map Key

2.7

Miles

4.3

KM

76%

Runnable

3,215' 980 m

High

1,849' 564 m

Low

1,366' 416 m

Up

0' 0 m

Down

10%

Avg Grade (6°)

21%

Max Grade (12°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Views · Wildflowers

Need to Know

There are no restrooms at the start of the trail or on Echo Mountain. The nearest restrooms are at Farnsworth Park on Lake Ave., 3 blocks south of Alta Loma Dr. This is a very popular trail, and it can get very warm. Dogs often suffer due to heat and lack of water. Do not cut switchbacks which cause extensive trail damage.

Parking is in a residential neighborhood. Please be quiet and don't block driveways.

Runner Notes

Watch for exposed metal support bars.

Description

From the intersection of Lake Ave. and Loma Alta Dr., go east 0.1 miles from the Cobb Estate iron gate to the start of the signed trail. The trail descends and crosses a usually dry stream bed before climbing an easily manageable grade. The route passes through open chaparral of laurel sumac, sage, scrub oak and ceanothus with occasional shade from live oaks.

At 2.6 miles there is a junction with Mt. Lowe Railway Trail. The left fork leads to the Mt. Lowe Road. The right forks leads to the junction of the Middle Sam Merrill Trail 12W14.2, the Castle Canyon Trail in 0.1 mile and the Echo Mountain ruins slightly beyond.

Thanks to John McKinney, The Trailmaster, for sharing this trail description. To learn more about trails in California, check out his guides at The Trailmaster Store.

Flora & Fauna

Watch for poison oak. In spring there are nice areas of scarlet delphinium and other wildflowers.

Contacts

Shared By:

John McKinney

Trail Ratings

  3.8 from 21 votes

#7390

Overall
  3.8 from 21 votes
5 Star
19%
4 Star
43%
3 Star
38%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#590

in California

#7,390

Overall
4 Views Last Month
1,614 Since Aug 7, 2017
Intermediate Intermediate

0%
0%
81%
0%
19%
0%

Photos

Flat, sandy trail and lovely flora along the link trail.
May 11, 2015 near Altadena, CA
Sunset from Echo Mountain
Jul 5, 2022 near Altadena, CA
First switchback portion.
Apr 14, 2015 near Altadena, CA
Tight switchbacks punctuate the steady climb on the Sam Merrill Trail.
Apr 14, 2015 near Altadena, CA
View from the Mt. Lowe RR trail looking east
Jun 22, 2020 near Altadena, CA
Heading up the switchbacks
Jun 22, 2020 near Altadena, CA

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