1.9 hr
Overview
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.<br><br>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.<br><br>Thanks to John McKinney, The Trailmaster, for sharing this trail description. To learn more about trails in California, check out his guides at <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://trailmasterstore.com/">The Trailmaster Store</a>.
Trail Stats
4.3 km
416 m
980 m
563 m
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Photos
The is the start of the Lower Sam Merrill trail at the corner of Lake and Loma Alta.
The is the start of the Lower Sam Merrill trail at the corner of Lake and Loma Alta.
Tight switchbacks punctuate the steady climb on the Sam Merrill Trail.
Tight switchbacks punctuate the steady climb on the Sam Merrill Trail.
First switchback portion.
First switchback portion.
Lush live oaks - beware poison oak here! On the Echo Mountain Trail
Lush live oaks - beware poison oak here! On the Echo Mountain Trail
Heading into the more sheltered/scrub brush portion.
Heading into the more sheltered/scrub brush portion.
Sierra Club WTC Group Five, Winter 2012.
Sierra Club WTC Group Five, Winter 2012.
Flat, sandy trail and lovely flora along the link trail.
Flat, sandy trail and lovely flora along the link trail.
Beautiful mountain views.
Beautiful mountain views.