Hiking is a great way to get some exercise. For those who live close to the mountains there are plenty of trails of all levels to choose from. Yesterday we went hiking on the Sam Merrill Trail to Echo Mountain in Alatadena.
For more information on local hikes, a book I would recommend is: '
Trails of the Angeles: 100 Hikes in the San Gabriels' by John Robinson. Or read Dan Simpson's blog at LocalHikes.com:
'Echo Mountain via the Sam Merrill Trail'.
View of the San Gabriel Valley and Pasadena from half-way up
View of the top of the mountain from the trail
The trail begins at the north end of Lake Ave, at the Cobb Estate and then winds its way up the mountain via numerous switchbacks and climbs about 1300' over 2.5 miles. There is very little cover and the sun can be brutal, especially at this time of the year, so we got an early start and were on the trail by 7 AM. The views as you ascend are breathtaking and on reaching the top of Echo Mountain, there is a sense of achievement, especially looking at the ruins of 'The White City' and checking out the Mt. Lowe Railway complex, a thriving resort built in 1896 by Professor Lowe and abandoned in 1936.
Plan to spend 3-4 hours total and take plenty of water and some snacks. The only downside to this hike is the large number of people on the trail. So if you can get away, go on a weekday.
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