A major tourist attraction in California, the Echo Mountain via Sam Merrill Trail offers a rewarding experience to the hikers. The trail is located near Altadena, California in the Angeles National Forest and it has a total length of 8.5 kilometers. It’s an out and back trail with a total elevation gain of 429 m.
The trail is regarded as one of the best hikes in the region by multiple publications. To get to the trailhead, hike east from the Cobb Estate Gate, and after a short distance move to the dirt path and after a few hundred feet, you will get to the trailed. There is a posted map there, take some time to get a good look. You can park on the streets, but you might have to park your vehicle a few blocks away, as it’s a very popular trail. So, to avoid this go early in the morning.
After you start hiking, soon you will see a sign that will get you towards the ravine. When you get to the ravine, you have to turn left and head towards the mountain. From there, the trail ascends quickly and you will get some shade when you climb the switchbacks. At about halfway distance from the summit, you will reach a series of power line towers. It’s a good spot to take a break and drink some water or eat snacks.
As you climb up, the view expands brilliantly and soon you get a view of Altadena, Pasadena, and Los Angeles. The path is well paved, however, there are some steep points, so you have to be a bit careful around these points. When you reach the top, you would see other trail junctions, taking you to other spots. That’s when you will be very close to the summit.
Your journey will end at the Echo Mountain House. There are some other historical spots there as well. After you are done exploring the Echo Mountain House, it’s time for you to find out why it’s called the Echo Mountain. Just find the Echo Phone, and should into it, you will know why the mountain is called as such.