Please be advised - as a co-organizer of Happy Hour Backpacking and
organizer of this hike, I am not soliciting funds. Meetup has added
the "Chip in" button and receives a percentage of any monies
contributed. As a co-organizer, I do not have the option to remove it.
Flashlight or headlamp recommended for the hike up and the hike
down!We proudly boast almost 13 years of a traditional Wednesday night
hike up to Echo Mountain missing only a few days when circumstances
would not permit a safe and pleasant hike. Many people have ventured
up to join the "Happy Hour Potluck"
DO NOT PARK ON LAKE ! ! ! If you don t think you will be down before
10PM park on Monterosa (off of Loma Alta) or further west. Mind the
posted parking restrictions - parking enforcement has been hit and
miss - don t take a chance!
Please R.S.V.P if you believe you will be joining this hike and post
what time you are planning to start - it encourages others to join.
Seeing as we do not meet as a group at the beginning of the hike- it
is best to try to find others who can hike up at the same time so no
one hikes alone. If you are meeting someone - we meet at the gate at
the end of Lake Ave. Hikers usually head back down in two or three
different groups - The "Linus Train" departs at 8:00PM other leave
between 8:30 and 10PM (a few a little earlier and some a little later
depending on the weather). First Timers - Please read the "First
Timers" section, CAREFULLY !
Around the turn of the century things were a little different on Echo
Mountain and Mt. Lowe:
http://www.youtube.com/watchv=yc_lqdHyNNs
[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yc_lqdHyNNs]
Here is a little more history of the area you are about to visit:
http://www.youtube.com/watchv=R1P6AaOy6mY
[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1P6AaOy6mY]
And it you want the complete tour of the railway:
https://www.youtube.com/watchv=39-blSIsiqI
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39-blSIsiqI]
There is no trash collection at the top of Echo Mountain. Please help
to keep the area clean by taking some down - there are trash bins at
the gate. It is not fair to burden the last hikers to leave the top
with all the trash.
Newcomers - please read "First Timers" and "What to bring" sections
below so you don t wind up on the wrong trail or be left in the dark.
We do not gather and hike up as a group due to different hiking
abilities and arrival times. Many people post their anticipated start
time making it easy to form smaller groups for the trip up. You can
use the comments section to communicate.
The Sun will set at 6:35 PM with about another 25 minutes of twilight.
It has been setting later each week for a few weeks now. The tiny 5%
sliver of the Moon will set at 5:35 A M, probably before anyone - even
the earliest of hikers, starts up. Evening temperatures have been
getting chilly - many folks bring a dry top to change into for
comfort. It is that time of year where you may want to a hat, gloves
and jacket - depending on how sensitive you are to temperatures in the
50s (or lower).
The Hike: We follow the (lower)Sam Merrill Trail up the East wall of
Las Flores Canyon to Echo Mountain and ruins of the former White City.
This is a moderate hike of about 2.7 miles up with about a little over
1300 ft. elevation gain and 2.7 miles down on a very well maintained
trail. This is not a hike for beginners. We do this hike every week
weather permitting and it just keeps getting better. People start out
at different times between about 5:30 and 6:30 (some even start
earlier). Average time up is about 1 hour to 1-1/4 hours (slower
hikers may take 90 minutes - almost everyone makes it back down in
about an hour)This is a "go at your own pace hike" so almost anyone
with some hiking experience can make it. Post your anticipated time to
start - this gives people the opportunity to form groups to hike up
together. Most people bring up something to share such as cheese,
crackers, chips, dips, spreads, deli meats, fruit, etc. etc. Some
hikers have been very creative and others have brought homemade items/
Just remember - not everything travels well in a backpack. You couldn
t meet a nicer group of people! The warm, friendly atmosphere at the
top has become a mid-week highlight to our weekly routines for many!
So if you are into great company, tasty refreshments, historic hotel
ruins and fantastic views then come on up, you will love it.!!!!
First timers: You may locate the trailhead on Google Maps by entering
3388 Lake Ave. Altadena, Ca. 91001. If you are not hiking with someone
who is familiar with the trail, please read this carefully. an aerial
view map is located in our files and may be downloaded from:
http://files.meetup.com/1081193/Echo%20Trailhead.docx
[http://files.meetup.com/1081193/Echo%20Trailhead.docx]
As you reach the top of the paved road where it turns, DO NOT TURN -
there is a sign that says "Trail" with an arrow pointing to the right
- follow this and you will pass a water fountain on your left.
Continue to the edge of the canyon and take the trail to the left - DO
NOT descend into the canyon here - follow the trail around the edge of
the canyon, descending behind the debris dam and up the far side
following the trail to the left. As you ascend, you want to be able to
look across Los Flores Canyon towards where the sun set (or is
setting). You are about 1/2 way as you pass under the power towers.
When you reach the junction after about 2.6 miles, go to the right -
slightly downhill for 250 yards to the Echo Mountain House ruins.
What to bring: Out of concern for the environment, please bring a
reusable cup or non-breakable glass for your beverage, comfortable
hiking shoes, ample water, something dry to change into will add to
your comfort - particularly on a chilly night - it is best to layer.
Also, something to share for the potluck, and a HEADLIGHT OR
FLASHLIGHT for the hike up and down, even when there is moonlight,
there are areas of the trail that are in the shadows. In windy
conditions, we gather at the "picnic grounds" on the left side of the
trail just before the Echo Mountain House ruins.
Directions: Take the I-210 towards Pasadena, get off on Lake Ave., go
North until Lake Ave. ends. On the right side where it ends is the
gate to the former Cobb Estate and the road leading to the trailhead.
The best parking is when you turn left at the end of Lake onto Loma
Alta Dr. Park on Loma Alta as the unrestricted parking is to 10 PM You
will get a ticket on Lake parking is only until 8pm. Parking off Loma
Alta on Monterosa or Marengo is unrestricted.
Post what time you d like to go up and form your own groups. Everyone
be safe and try to hike with someone.
The Organizer, Assistant Organizers and event hosts in this group are
not professional guides. The function of the organizer is only to
organize the event. Each person who signs up for an event is
responsible for his or her own safety and the safety of his or her
guests. By signing up for a hike, or any other event organized by this
group, you are acknowledging that you are aware and have made your
guests aware of the risks, dangers and hazards associated with any
outdoor activity and freely accept and fully assume all such risks,
dangers and hazards, and further agree to release and discharge the
Organizer, Assistant Organizers and event hosts of this Meetup Group
from and against any and all liability arising from your and your
guest s participation in the group activi
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02/10/2020 Last update