Day Hikes and Activities

Echo Mountain via the Sam Merrill Trail Historical
  Mt Lowe Railway - "Railway to the Clouds"

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Time:  9:00 am
Near:  Altadena, CA 91001
Distance:  6.5 miles round trip
Difficulty:  Moderate
Elevation Gain:  1400 feet
Hike Time:  4 hours
Trail Type:  Well maintained trail
Hike Type:  Out and Back

Professor Thaddeus Lowe, Civil War balloonist, had a dream to build a railway into-and a resort atop of the San Gabriel Mountains. In the 1890's, the dream became a reality. During its height of its popularity, millions took the "Railway to the Clouds" to fine hotels and spectacular views of Los Angeles. It was considered Southern California's must-visit attraction. The complex at Echo Mountain (3207'), known as "The White City," contained elegant Echo Mountain House hotel, a chalet, an observatory, a small zoo and a magnificent searchlight purchased from the Chicago World's Fair. When the searchlight swept the mountaintop, it was visible from all over LA. It was coined "The White City", because it was painted stark white and visible from the LA basin below.

From Pasadena, visitors rode a trolley up Rubio Canyon. After taking refreshments, they boarded the "airships" of the great cable incline, which carried them 3,000 ft (gaining 1300 feet) straight up to the Echo Mountain Resort. The trip to Echo Mountain was via 18 trestles and 127 hairpin turns. From Echo Mountain, visitors could also board a trolley and ride a few miles to Mt. Lowe Tavern at the end of the line.

Wind fueled fires, windstorms and floods destroyed the complex over the years and was abandoned in the 1930's. It has all since vanished, but this fascinating hike takes you to the ruins of this official historic landmark.

Trailhead:  From the I-210 Foothill Freeway in Pasadena, exit at Lake Avenue. Drive north for 3.4 miles to the end of Lake Avenue (where it intersects with the terminus of Loma Alta Drive running east and west). Park along the street.
Carpooling:  Contact other members to carpool; share the conversation and travel expenses. We will meet at the stone-pillared gate of the former Cobb Estate.

What to Bring:  Good hiking boots/shoes, snacks, plenty of water, hat/cap and sunscreen. For those interested, we will have lunch at a local restaurant following the hike. If you decide not to join us for lunch, bring snacks/food that you can eat during our breaks. Restaurant: Bonnie B's Smokin' BBQ Heaven, 1280 N Lake Ave, Pasadena 91104.

Hiking co-leaders: Menard Jaramillo and Robert Roxbury.

Bridge to Nowhere

Saturday, Novembert 19th, 2011

Time: 8:00a.m.
Trip Leaders:  Steve Sisneros and Matthew Du Bois

Come explore one of the longest stretches of wild river left in So. California. This 10 mile round trip hike winds it way through the rugged beauty of the East fork of the San Gabriel River. Along the way we'll experience the sights and sounds of the canyon as we approach the famous "Bridge to Nowhere". Built in the 1930's, the road leading to this magnificent structure was wiped out during heavy rains and all that's left is the bridge...going nowhere. Elevation gains on the trail are very moderate as the trails stays at river level most of the way. We will however have to cross the river numerous times so be prepared to get your feet a little wet.

Directions:  Exit Azusa Ave. off the 210 fwy in the city of Azusa. Head north to the ranger station at the mouth of the canyon and buy your adventure parking pass for $5.00. Continue up the canyon to the East Fork road and turn right(across the green bridge). Follow the road to it's end just passed the white trestle bridge Parking is limited so carpool if you can. If you get there late just follow the fireroad at the north end of the parking area and catch-up.

Bring sunscreen, at least 2 quarts of water, a hardy lunch and trail snacks. You may also want to bring a swimsuit if the weather is warm. Rain Cancels this hike.

For additional information contact Steve Cisneros: hiknsteve@ca.rr.com or Matthew DuBois: ofwood@sbcglobal.net

Musch Trail to Eagle Rock - Topanga Canyon

Panoramic Views of Surrounding Canyons and Ocean
Beautiful Oak Groves and Meadows

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Time:  9:00 am
Near:  Topanga, CA 90290
Distance:  7.25 miles round trip
Difficulty:   Moderate
Elevation:  800 feet
Hike Time:  4 1/2 hours
Trail Type:  Trail/Fire Road
Hike Type:  Loop
Higlights:  Beautiful meadows, oak groves, panoramic views, impressive Eagle Rock

Summary: Trippet Ranch is the main entrance and parking area for Topanga State Park. We will start at the Musch Trail along a grassy hillside and soon plunge into the shade of oak and bay trees. We pass a trail campground and soon begin our winding ascent through chaparral. Soon we will see the imposing Eagle Rock. This layered sandstone outcrop is pitted with caves and is part of a 15 million year-old Topanga Canyon Formation. Eagle Rock is easily the most impressive landmark in Topanga State Park and affords great panoramic views of the surrounding canyons and the ocean. Back on the fire road, we continue along the ridgeline to "hub junction." We will take a short detour to Cathedral Rock before we continue our descent back to Trippet Ranch.

Trailhead: From the San Fernando Valley, take Topanga Canyon Blvd South for 12 miles and turn left on Entrada Road. From Santa Monica, drive north on PCH to Topanga Canyon Blvd and turn right. Drive about 4.6 miles and turn right on to Entrada Road. Once on Entrada Road, follow the signs to Trippet Ranch Parking Lot. There is some parking on the street before you reach the entrance station. Otherwise, if you park inside the fee is $10 per car. Please consider carpooling (email the other members). We will meet at near the restrooms on the left hand side of the parking lot.

What to Bring: Good hiking boots/shoes. A hiking/trekking pole may be useful for the occasional step ascent/descent on the trail, but not necessary. Pack a lunch, snacks and bring plenty of water. Bring a hat/cap and sunscreen.

Carpooling: Contact other members to carpool; share the conversation and travel expenses.

Hiking co-leaders: Menard Jaramillo and Robert Roxbury. For additional information contact
Menard Jaramillo at: menard3@yahoo.com or 323-804-4700.