Inspiration Point

Echo Mountain (Mount Lowe Railroad Trail), Altadena, CA 91001, USA

Address:	Echo Mountain (Mount Lowe Railroad Trail), Altadena, CA 91001, USA
Rating:	4.8

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 24

Janet

We parked on the street a block away from the echo mountain entrance. On the weekend it can get pretty crowded. If you plan to hike on a day that is even a bit sunny wear and bring sunscreen because this isnt a "shady" hike. Bring plenty of water. I brought my hydroflask thats 40oz and filled it half with ice and rest with water and two more 16oz. If you plan to only hike to echo mountain trail then expect to spend 3-5 hours. If you plan to hike to inspiration point expect to spend 6-8 hours. Any other added trails expect to start early and spend 10+ hrs. The trail isnt too hard, but it can get you worked. We took a few short breaks to drink water and adjust of backpacks and what not. We spent some time at the top of echo and inspiration to take in our views and to eat our snack and lunch. The total round trip was 12 miles because we included the panoramic view trail after we got to inspiration point- be careful of panoramic view trail because we noticed possible fresh mountain lion poop. This trail seems less maintained and hikers probably dont walk this trail much, but watch your surroundings. Also, make sure you have sturdy shoes too.

Allen Aquino

This was such a dope spot for a day hike! While I was personally disappointed there was no break in the cloud cover, the serenity of the spot made it all the more worthwhile. I like that this is also a Junction of several other trails in the area, and as such you can venture off to more hiking, or meet other hikers and swap stories and make friends. The hike to get up here, however, was pretty grueling though not impossible. The reward (on a clear day) is a stunning view of most of the LA basin from San Gabriel to Santa Monica Beach. Be sure to bring a lot of water as there arent any large bodies of water to refill from and the hike itself takes a while to do. Be sure to pack food too, Inspiration point has tables that you use to have a great snack at the top of the world!

Julio Garcia

Went for the first time and hiked up via Mt Lowe trail. Didnt know mountain bikers used that trail and we had a couple close encounters. For future reference wear bright colors, make noise, and be watchful. Other than that great view from Inspiration Point, totally worth the hike. Came down the wrong side through the Echo trail. Stopped by the old white house and made a wrong turn at the fork. Quite a few forks, many well marked, others not so much. Ran down the trial from there to save time ended up in a residential area at the base of Cobb Estate. Spent a total of 6 hours exploring everything. Bring water. Water water water. And something to snack on. Hope to go again on Sundays.

Carm W

Perfect escape from the city smog, at the summit you will even see the smog below you! Just outside Pasadena make your escape into the wilderness. Watch your step along the trail, Rattlesnakes like to bask on the side, and there are more lizards than one can count. At the top take time to wander around the old resort, take photos with rustic train mechanics. Most of all be sure to yell at the valley, there is a make-shift megaphone that will let your voice travel for miles. If this isn’t enough fun for you, follow the trail to Inspiration Point for a full view from Pasadena to the Pacific.

Paul Moran

Start in the city...and end up in the pines! You can take the extension of this trail all the way to Inspiration Point (RT: ~10 mi, EG: ~2,800 ft.) for some truly inspiring views! Great hill trainer with a few technical spots & some steep drops-but the views are simply rewarding! Youll even run into a few pine trees & maybe some singing Blue Jays:D Just be sure you *start* adequately hydrated & of course "run with water" as this is a mostly southern face, exposed trail.

Jack Merica

The views from Inspiration Point are spectacular. You can hike up Castle Canyon to get there or The Echo Mountain Trail to the Sam Merrill Trail or take the Sunset Ridge Trail to the Mt. Lowe RR Historic Trail. Whichever trail you choose take 6 liters of water. This is a strenuous hike. The payoff are great views of the SGV and LA Basin.

Louis Samudio III

This hike was a great one and a test of endurance! You need to basically scale tp the top of the mountain and get on the otherside to continue the trail to the Inspiration Point. Once you get there, these great telescope pipes are awaiting you, each pointing at a respective city. On a clear day, so much is visible of Los Angeles County.

Dan Frias

Beautiful views, and a very nice hike to get up here. Coming from Echo Mountain, the last part of the hike is definitely the most strenuous, with numerous switchbacks and elevation. Make sure to give yourself plenty of time and take lots of water.

Benjamin Schäfer

The view is great! The hike is definitely worth it, although I probably wouldnt do it again with temperatures in the 90s. The view is absolutely stunning and you can even see ocean when the weather and smog conditions are good.

Kei Fung Tai

Moderate difficulty if temperature ~ 70s. From echo mountain went up Sam Merrell trail and down Castle Canyon trail. Nice view, trail condition is well maintained, and moderate traffic so its not too scary.

Adam Szczechowicz

Awesome place to visit. If youre hiking through the canyon from echo mountain expect ~3 hr hike going up if youre a beginner (includes a 30 min stop at echo mountain). Great views and awesome hiking!

J Christy Wareham

One of my favorite hikes (actually, a couple of routes) is this to Inspiration Point. The view is spectacular and never fails to remind me to appreciate this region where I grew up.

anthony Lopez

13 mile loop from Cobb Estate / Lake Ave. Moderate Advanced level. 3L of water highly recommended, 5-7+ hours total time with a short break. 2800 Ft Elevation

Gerardo Markoch

If you can manage to get here on a clear day the views are awesome, of you arent that fortunate it still makes for a fun hike and a decent challenge.

Paul Eddy

Finish the Echo Mountain hike to the old Hotel site by making the grueling climb to Inspiration Point. Great views of all of So. Cal on a clear day.

Ricardo Sanchez

This might be a dum question but where do you recommend to park ?? This is always my concern before I travel to hike somewhere far haha.

anil M

Ive been on several hikes and the view from the top is very good in my opinion. I would definitely recommend this hike.

Saurabh G

One of the best views of LA. Next time I plan on hiking up to see the sunset. That view would be even more inspiring.

Neil McFarlane

The "telescopes" are just metal pipes. With the amount of smog, you cant really see much of the cities anyway though.