30 min
Overview
This trail begins at Echo Mountain Incline and is the start of a self-guided interpretive tour of the Mt. Lowe Historic Railway. There are two tour stops on the trail, and one at the end at the junction of Mt. Lowe Road #2N50 at the Cape of Good Hope, which continues the tour to the right (north). <br><br>Make sure you download or print off a free copy of the free e-book/brochure "Self Guided Hiking Tour of the Historic Mt. Lowe Pacific Electric Railway, Angeles National Forest" by the United States Forest Service! It will make your self-guided interpretive tour, much more enjoyable and informative.<br><br>The trail is fairly mellow and follows an easy grade over an old railroad bed for 0.9 miles. This trail is typically done in conjunction with other trails, especially Mt. Lowe Road #2N50.<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
1.4 km
83 m
1059 m
975 m
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Photos
Rusted remnants on Echo Mountain.
Rusted remnants on Echo Mountain.
Hiker passing old cog railway parts.
Hiker passing old cog railway parts.
Historic marker showing cog railroad where mountain bikers are now.
Historic marker showing cog railroad where mountain bikers are now.
The "Echo Phone"
The "Echo Phone"
Looking back toward Echo Mountain, Mt. Lowe, and the lodge ruins.
Looking back toward Echo Mountain, Mt. Lowe, and the lodge ruins.
Stairway to Heaven
Stairway to Heaven
Junction of the scenic cog-rail link between the Mt. Lowe ruins and the fire road.
Junction of the scenic cog-rail link between the Mt. Lowe ruins and the fire road.
The Echo Phone.
The Echo Phone.
Open view from the summit of Echo Mountain.
Open view from the summit of Echo Mountain.
Mt. Lowe Railway Trail.
Mt. Lowe Railway Trail.
Summit of Echo Mountain.
Summit of Echo Mountain.
Beautiful views down on the Sam Merrill trail and downtown Pasadena.
Beautiful views down on the Sam Merrill trail and downtown Pasadena.
Mountain bikers headed toward the Mt. Lowe fire road with historic cog railroad foundations visible.
Mountain bikers headed toward the Mt. Lowe fire road with historic cog railroad foundations visible.
Wide, flat portion near the ruins at the top. This is the portion of the trail where other spur trails are noted via signage.
Wide, flat portion near the ruins at the top. This is the portion of the trail where other spur trails are noted via signage.
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.
At the dramatic ruined staircase and historical marker signage near the ruins of the old lodge. On clear days, you can see the ocean to the west and south as well as fantastic views of downtown LA.
At the dramatic ruined staircase and historical marker signage near the ruins of the old lodge. On clear days, you can see the ocean to the west and south as well as fantastic views of downtown LA.