Enjoy the great outdoors?
Day 100 of 365 Things to do in Pasadena takes us along the trails….hiking trails that is!
Previously we’ve featured Pasadena’s hidden waterfall located within Eaton Canyon, and today we showcase another Pasadena hidden treasure.
Echo Mountain
This classic Echo Mountain trail begins at the top of Lake Avenue in Altadena, and ascends 2½ miles into the ruins of The White City. En route to the historic landmark, you’ll be captivated by the views, surrounded by nature & taking in that hard to find California fresh air!
The Mount Lowe Railway complex was birthed from the visions of Civil War balloonist and inventor, Professor Thaddeus S. C. Lowe and engineer David J. Macpherson. Their collaborative efforts produced Southern California’s must-visit attraction, drawing more than three million visitors from 1896 to 1936. Echo Mountain, known as “The White City,” was the heart of the resort with its two hotels — elegant Echo Mountain House and The Chalet Observatory, complete with a small zoo. Other infrastructure included a powerhouse, machine shop, reservoir, and the world’s most powerful searchlight.
Through a series of wildfires and windstorms the “White City” was destroyed and the railway & trolleys were abandoned in 1938. Now all that’s left are the trails leading to the the ruins of a once bustling and active Southern California mountain retreat.
Round trip this is a 5 mile hike and you can anticipate to spend about 4 to 5 hours on the trail and sight seeing. We are advised to start early! I’m certainly looking forward to taking up trip up Echo Mountain and taking in the sights myself. 
Does anyone know if this is a haunted trail? Better look into it and makes sure that I get myself up there before Halloween!
Do you have a favorite hiking trail in the Pasadena area that you like to visit? If so we’d love to hear to hear about it.
We look forward to sharing with you pictures and the story of our hike. The Pasadena Views Real Estate Team would like to send a big THANK YOU to Kathryn Oliveros for the Echo Mountain recommendation. We would also like to extend many thanks to our dear friends and fans who have followed us from day 1 up to this exciting milestone! Thank you all.
Visit 365 Things To Do In Pasadena® for more fun activities in Pasadena California and surrounding neighborhoods.
