Echo Mountain, Pasadena CA

• 5-star hike
• 5 mile out-and-back
• Moderate | Gain 1,400 feet
• Pasadena CA | Los Angeles Region
.
The image shows a person hiking on a narrow trail that runs along a steep hillside. The trail is supported by a wooden structure and the hillside is covered with dense vegetation. In the background, there is a vast view of a sprawling cityscape stretching to the horizon under a clear blue sky.

The image shows a person hiking on a narrow trail that runs along a steep hillside. The trail is supported by a wooden structure and the hillside is covered with dense vegetation. In the background, there is a vast view of a sprawling cityscape stretching to the horizon under a clear blue sky.

Hiking the Sam Merrill Trail high above Pasadena.

A century ago the marvels of modern industrialism meant reaching the top of Echo Mountain wouldn't demand any shoe leather, thanks to the wonders of an incline railway carrying visitors 2,200 vertical feet to the summit. At the top riders would be greeted by the sight of a hotel, dance hall, casino, observatory and another electric railway that would whisk travelers further towards the summit of Mount Lowe.

Today the only way to reach Echo Mountain summit is under human power, since the railway was closed in 1938 after forty years of service. Gone also are the buildings of what was known as "The White City in the Sky", yet rusted relics and other evidence of the mountaintop resort's heyday still remain to be discovered by hikers that make it to the summit.

Trail Options Expand KML · Google Earth ·

⬤ 5★ Sam Merrill Trail 4.9 mi out & back, moderate, gain 1,400 ft
AllTrails · GPX File · Directions GPX?

Even without the curiosities of the mountain's historic development, hiking the Sam Merrill Trail up to Echo Mountain is a breathtaking experience. The narrow trail carved in the mountain features many switchbacks and some inventive retaining structures to keep the route in check. Mountain goat skills aren't required however, and we always felt safe - even when running back down the mountain and passing upward hikers.

We've rated this trail as medium, though be aware that there is constant elevation gain all the way to the summit. Some folk may be happy just admiring the views over Los Angeles which get even better the further you ascend.

Street parking is available near the trailhead at Cobb Estate - a place once owned by the Marx Brothers, though now turned over to the National Forest Service.

The image shows an old, rusted piece of machinery with large gears and metal components, situated on a dirt path surrounded by dense shrubbery and hills in the background. The machinery appears to be abandoned and is likely part of an old industrial or mining operation. The setting suggests it is located in a remote or natural area, making it an interesting relic of past industrial activity now overtaken by nature.

Remains of the electric trolleys that would run between mountains.

The image shows a panoramic view of a hiking trail on a hillside, overlooking a valley with a city in the distance. The trail is dirt and winds along the side of the hill, surrounded by various types of vegetation. The valley below is dotted with trees and buildings, and mountains can be seen in the background under a clear blue sky.

The image shows a panoramic view of a hiking trail on a hillside, overlooking a valley with a city in the distance. The trail is dirt and winds along the side of the hill, surrounded by various types of vegetation. The valley below is dotted with trees and buildings, and mountains can be seen in the background under a clear blue sky.

Switchback trails snaking around the mountain beneath.

The image is a vintage advertisement for 'The Great Mt. Lowe Trip,' which promotes a scenic mountain ride by trolley and incline railway. The left side of the image features a promotional poster with text and a photograph of a trolley navigating a rocky mountain path. The right side of the image shows a colorized photograph of people boarding a trolley car labeled 'Rubio' at the base of an incline railway. Transcription of text in the image: 'The Great Mt. Lowe Trip America's most picturesque mountain ride by trolley and incline railway May be made in a day. Daily Round Trip Fare $2.00 from Los Angeles $1.75 from Pasadena Return limit 60 days. For further information, booklets, etc., address Pacific Electric Railway O. A. Smith, Gen. Pass. Agent Sixth and Main Streets Los Angeles, California.'

Public domain images from an earlier time on the mountain.

Tangents:
• Mount Lowe Railway: Wikipedia, YouTube
• AllTrails Public: Echo Mt Via Sam Merrill Trail
• Facebook Group: Comment, Follow Us

LA's Best Trails
Explore the natural side of Los Angeles with Trailspotting's Best Trails feature.

California Summits
Explore mountain-top hikes around California with Trailspotting.

Best hiking trails and rail trails in California

Best Trails of California
See our favorite hiking trails for each region of California.