A full moon night hike & picnic with friends is a special way to experience the city lights and views from the famous Echo Mountain ruins above Altadena, an LA classic!
DIFFICULTY: Intermediate. All uphill, then back downhill. This is not for complete beginners. Hikers should be able to keep a moderate pace. Trail is narrow and we are hiking at night.
5.5 miles round trip, Elevation gain: 1,500 ft
Up top we'll lay out our spread and enjoy good company, from the ruins of the famed Mt. Lowe Railway and the White City resort.
SCHEDULE:
6:15 pm Arrive, read history interpretive signs.
6:30 pm Meet & circle up.
6:45 pm Start hiking.
8:30ish Reach Echo Mountain. Enjoy food/drink, relax, explore.
9:30ish Hike down.
10:30ish Back down.
PLEASE BE SURE TO REGISTER FOR THE HIKE (free for all) We need and head count and everyone to sign the liability form and provide an emergency contact. Thank you!
MEETING LOCATION: Cobb Estate Trailhead (Gate at intersection of Lake Ave/E Loma Alta Dr.)
Directions
PARKING
Pay attention to the street parking, you must read the street signs and park where you can remain after 10pm. A few blocks away may be your best bet, and walk. We recommend looking around Farnsworth Park a few blocks south.
Parking on E Loma Alta Dr. - is only til 10 pm.
Lake Ave. - No parking on a few closest blocks, then some are ok further south by Farnsworth Park. Some tricky signs say "NO Parking (of vehicles for sale)" - these confusing signs are actually fine to park at, with no time restriction.
As always, don't leave valuables visible.
WHAT TO BRING:
- Delicious food to share! What to bring? Empanadas, sushi, samosas, spring rolls? Tinned fish, cheese, crackers, bread, salame? Cut fruit, cucumbers, hummus, fresh salsa, hand pies, pastries, chocolate, cream puffs?
- Your reusable dish, utensil, cup. A bandana or something to lay it on.
- Drink? (optional) Think one canned beverage or bottle amongst friends? Be responsible, don't fall off the mountain!
- Be safe, not sorry! Water, good shoes, first aid kit, hand sanitizer/wipes, A JACKET (remember, we'll be higher up and could be chilly/breezy when we have our potluck break!), little lights, head lamp.
NO RESTROOM or water unfortunately, so do your biz beforehand (Farnsworth Park just down the street has the closest restrooms, if they are still open).
P.S. Please don't get separated/lost from the group. Be responsible for yourself!
Health Problems/allergies: It is the responsibility of participants to carry on their person a record of significant allergies, medications and medical history in the event of a medical emergency. Discuss any medical concerns with the hike leader if you wish.
Historical photos and comparison to the ruins today:
TRAIL & HISTORY INFORMATION:
Know where you're going. We are going to Echo Mountain only, not Inspiration Point.
https://socalhiker.net/echo-mountain-via-the-sam-merrill-trail
Watch this amazing video about our destination!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1P6AaOy6mY
A digital history of Mount Lowe
https://www.latimes.com/travel/story/2021-03-13/echo-mountain-offers-tough-la-hike-rich-history
(Photos from three past Great Outdoors LA hikes up to Echo Mountain!)
HIKE LEADER: Bryan Matsumoto, Outreach / Social Media, Great Outdoors LA Chapter
