Sam Merrill Trailhead
Sam Merrill Trailhead in Altadena, CA, offers a challenging and scenic hiking experience leading to Echo Mountain and the historic White City ruins. This well-maintained trail features steady elevation gain and beautiful views of Pasadena and surrounding areas. It is suitable for dogs and kids, though the trail can be narrow and difficult in parts. There are seating rest spots along the trail but no wheelchair accessibility or covered shelters. Parking is street-only near the trailhead. The park is rich in history and natural beauty, ideal for active outdoor enthusiasts.
Reviews
A century ago the marvels of modern industrialism meant reaching the top of Echo Mountain wouldn’t demand any shoe leather, thanks to the wonders of an incline railway carrying visitors 2,200 vertical feet to the summit. At the top riders would be greeted by the sight of a hotel, dance hall, casino, observatory and another electric railway that would whisk travellers further towards the summit of Mount Lowe.
Today the only way to reach Echo Mountain summit is under human power, since the railway was closed in 1938 after forty years of service. Gone also are the buildings of what was known as “The White City in the Sky”, yet rusted relics and other evidence of the mountaintop resort’s heyday still remain to be discovered by hikers that make it to the summit.
Even without the curiosities of the mountain’s historic development, hiking the Sam Merrill Trail up to Echo Mountain is a breathtaking experience. The narrow trail carved in the mountain features many switchbacks and some inventive retaining structures to keep the route in check. Mountain goat skills aren’t required however, and we always felt safe – even when running back down the mountain and passing upward hikers.
I rated this trail as medium difficulty, though be aware that there is constant elevation gain all the way to the summit. Some folk may be happy just admiring the views over Los Angeles which get even better the further you ascend.
Street parking is available near the trailhead at Cobb Estate – a place once owned by the Marx Brothers, though now turned over to the National Forest Service.
Start with top of Lake Avenue, venture in with Sam Merrill Trailhead to get to Echo Mountain Ruins or White City Ruins.
All the way up. Steep. Difficulty is HARD.
TIME: 4 hours round trip
DISTANCE: about 5 miles
When you get to the top, please look at the signs carefully as there are different sideways to get to other trails.
Trail is narrow. We had to stop to let people past. It’s not covered so apply sunscreen and bring lots of water.
Totally recommended. A 1h+ hike that takes you straight up to the remaining ruins of the resort complex known as the “White City”.
Going up before sunset offers an amasing view over Pasadena, while hiking back in the moon light worth every second.
What a better way to start the new year (2022) by hiking mother nature. So without further ado let’s begin this hiking trail review.
Sam Merrill Trail is a major trail in Altadena which leads to Echo Mountain. It’s a well-engineered and well maintained. There are few points where the trail has been shored up with boards, creating a steep drop if you were to step off the trail. Keep your eyes on the trail and you’ll be fine. Hikers will enter through Cobb Estate gate on Lake Avenue to get into the trail and it’s strictly street parking only. The degree of difficulty is moderate to hard because the trail ascends at a steady aggressive grade, but never gets too steep over the 1,400-foot climb.
Sam Merrill Trail is a rewarding experience, rich with history. After a 1 1/2 hours (7,271 steps) of hiking I reached the White City, a ruined resort complex, where I explored and spent most of my time. It was a pretty ruin and the view was amazing albeit mostly covered by clouds. Hiking distance was 5.8 miles and it took me 3 hours (out and back). I descended down the trail during sunset. And it was glorious! I like how the sun hits the sedimentary rocks which gave a glowing gold (see photo) color. Overall, I enjoyed this well kept trail and it’s rich history. I highly recommend Sam Merrill Trail.
Left Part work as a community park. Can get great scenery with around 15minutes walk. Really Easy and suitable for those just would like to relax.
Right part is the tough trail around 4km to the peak of the echo mountain 🏔️. One thing to complain about is the trail is too narrow. Even in some parts there would be a gulf. One has to dodge aside for the people on opposite direction. The middle part of hiking would face the trail with low wall and some simple stairs. Enjoy the city view in the bare surroundings. Ones may have a seat in the chair and may take a rest under a pylon. When reaching the top, there are more trees and green. At the top of mountain, besides the trail to Mountain Lowe, there is Great to see the interest ruins of a previous vacation area but destroyed in fire. May see the reviews in white city ruins for details.