Mt. Lowe Railway Angeles National Forest

According to the National Forest Service, "This exotic 1890s railway once provided trolley and cable service for Los Angeles residents to nearby mountain resort areas. Built by entrepreneur T.S.C. Lowe, the railway carried its passengers up to a small city on Echo Mountain that included two hotels, a casino, observatory, residences, gardens, a small zoo, and a power plant. Another hotel complex was built further into the mountains at the Ye Alpine Tavern and was connected to Echo Mountain by a 3.5 mile railway."

"Gone to ruin in the 1930s, all that remains today of these once bustling places are foundations and walls. The railway right-of-way has become part of a road and hiking trail system. A figure 8-shaped trail, with Echo Mountain as its center, accesses the surrounding area for sightseeing. A signed, self-guided interpretive trail connects Echo Mountain with the Ye Alpine Tavern site. Brochures describing the points of interest within the Mount Lowe Railway complex are available at the Arroyo Seco District Office and at the Forest Supervisor's Office at Arcadia."

"Getting There... Best access is from the 210 Freeway in Pasadena. From the freeway, take Lake Avenue north to Loma Alta. The Cobb Estate/Sam Merrill Trailhead is at this intersection. Park and proceed east along the Lower Sam Merrill Trail for 2 miles to the top of Echo Mountain and the beginning of the Mount Lowe Railway interpretive trail. Mt. Lowe is open year round, with temporary closures at times due to snow or rain conditions."

Contact the National Forest Service, Angeles National Forest at (626) 574-1613 for up to date trail information, trail maps, parking and permits.

The Angeles National Forest offers 557 miles of hiking and equestrian trails which include 73 miles of National Recreation Trails and 176 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). These trails offer ample choices for all, from beginners to experienced outdoor enthusiasts.

Equestrians should be alert to mountain bikers on trails, according to the Angeles Forest website, “All trails, except the PCT and those in Wilderness Areas, are open to mountain bikes. Be careful and alert! Mountain bikes must yield the right-of-way to hikers and horses.”

All Forest visitors are required to have and display a "National Forest Adventure Pass" in their vehicles when parked for recreation purposes on these four southern California National Forests (Angeles, Cleveland, Los Padres and San Bernardino). This is part of a program passed by Congress in 1996 through which 80% of the funds collected are used to improve and maintain the local Forest Service Park areas.