“Let’s go hiking,” they said.
“OK,” I said.
“2.5 miles. 5 miles round trip,” they said.
“No biggie,” I said…….

That was until about mile 1, I started to feel the impact of the steep hike on my unfit lungs. This hike, located on the bottom of Angeles National Fores, starts at the intersection of East Loma Alta Drive and Lake Avenue in Altadena. Parking is available on the street but check the signs. The Sam Merrill trail  head starts at the Cobb Estate gate.
The hike is a steep 2.5 miles upward climb. About half a mile in, you will start seeing the LA skyline.
After about 1.5 miles, it started misting heavily from the high elevation. Tip: Bring a light jacket. The path keeps going uphill until you reach a sign directing you right towards Echo Mountain. You’ve gone the right way when you come across the old remnants of the Mount Lowe Railway. The railway was built in the 1800’s as a tourist attraction for a scenic mountain view but abandoned in 1938.
Past the railway remnants, you will come across the “White City” ruins. In the 1800’s, Echo Mountain House was a Victorian hotel, however a kitchen fire in 1900 burned down the building.
Further fire and flood took over the remaining dance hall and buildings.
The foggy day made the ruins eerie.
Further past the hotel ruins, you will come across the echo phone. Scream into it and hear the echo beam back from Castle Canyon.

Trailhead Location: East Loma Alta Drive and Lake Avenue, Altadena
Take the Sam Merrill Trail