Day Hike (Mt. Lowe Railway Loop, Saturday December 5)

What to bring

The Scouts will need their day packs with their 10+ essentials. 2 Nalgene bottles or a 3 liter water bladder are needed for the hike (There is no water along the trail). The Scout must also bring trail snacks and a lunch. There may be some poison oak along the trail so long pants are recommended. The weather looks like it will be sunny, so have your Scout bring a hat and sun screen. Hiking boots are a must for this hike.

When and Where

On Saturday morning at 6:00am we will be meeting at the West end of the parking lot at Grace Episcopal Church in Glendora. We will depart shortly after 6:00am and travel to Loma Alta Drive in Altadena. See below for additional directions.

The first half of the hike (up to Alpine Tavern (now Mt Lowe Camp) and Inspiration Point, follows the Sunset Ridge Fire road to the top):

We will start at the trailhead next to the parking lot and hike up to the Sunset Ridge Fire Road. We will then follow the Mt. Lowe railway above Echo Mountain and have lunch at the Alpine Tavern. These locations were the most popular in Southern California in the late 1800’s, before being destroyed by floods and fire. More than a dozen historical markers along the way tell the fascinating story of this railway. The hike includes stunning views, pine forests, deep canyons, and lots of hiking.

Return Leg:

The return leg is a bit more convoluted, but quite fun. A quarter mile downhill from Inspiration point, we will take the Sam Merrill Trail to Echo Mountain and visit the ruins of the former Inn at this location. Next, we will head right on Echo Mountain Trail back to the Sunset Ridge Fire road. A hundred yards down the fire road on the right, we will take the unmarked trailhead for Sunset Ridge Trail, which parallels the fire road to get us back to the parking lot.

Directions

If you are a parent that will be joining us, or if you can help drive the Scouts to/from the hike, here are some directions to where we will park. From Loma Alta Drive in Altadena, turn north on Chaney Trail Drive and follow it to the ridge top junction. Sometimes the trail head parking is crowded. It may be easier to park in the parking area at the bottom of Millard Canyon. This will be to the left of the ridge top junction. If you will be parking your vehicle and joining us on the hike, you will need a $5 California Adventure Pass since you will be in the Angeles National Forest. An Adventure Pass can be purchased at any sporting goods retailer or US Forestry Office.