Echo Mountain

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Moonrise at dusk on the Sam Merrill Trail

view North from low on the Sam Merrill trail, showing part of the alternate firebreak route

Echo Mountain is likely the closest hike to Caltech, starting only a few miles away at the top of Lake. One can climb thousands of feet in a very short time by heading past the ruined hotel and funicular to Inspiration Point or Mount Lowe, offering excellent views (on low-smog days).

This is an excellent training resource for the mountaineer, either as a hike with a heavy pack, or as a trail run. It is possible to bike to the trailhead from Caltech.

Routes

• The Sam Merrill trail is the obvious one leaving from the Northern end of Lake Avenue.
• There is also a more direct firebreak trail leaving from the same spot. It's probably not an official trail and involves a little bit of light scrambling to the paved road leading to Inspiration Point. One can then traverse south back to the ruins of the hotel at Echo Mountain.

Map

More info

Topo map showing the trails in the vicinity of Echo Mountain

Nearby hikes:

• Mount Wilson
• Eaton Canyon
• Millard Falls
• Inspiration Point
• Mount Lowe