Inspiration Point (4,525') and Echo Mountain (3,250') from Altadena

     While the sights and sounds of Professor Robert Lowe's Echo Mountain Resort and Inspiration Point tourist traps are now long gone; the sights and sounds of nature, which has reclaimed these places, still beckons.  This is a wonderful half-day trip to sample the beautiful natural wonder of the San Gabriel Mountains Front Country.  The first half of this trek, from the trailhead to Echo Mountain is flooded with hikers and mountain bikers each weekend,but the 2.5 mile section from Echo Mountain to Inspiration Point, though Rubio and Castle Canyons, with their steep granite and metamorphic outcroppings, should be relatively void of crowds.  Many extensions are available see HERE for more information.   

Stats: 

Category: Moderate/Strenuous 
Miles: 10.6
Elevation Gain: 2700'
Location: Angeles National Forest 
Directions: From the I-210 in Psedena, exit Lake Ave. and head towards the mountains.  Follow this street through Altadena until it ends.  Park here and enter through the Iron  Gates of Cobb Estate.  

The Hike:     From Cobb Estate (1780') trailhead follow the trail signs and obvious route Echo Mountain 2.8 Miles and 1400' higher.  From there, back track a bit to the Castle Canyon Trail which drops off to the east into Rubio Canyon.  Follow the trail over a few ups and down and across a brook, until you enter the next vale over, Castle Canyon; with its high rocky ramparts and noble firs crowing them looming high above you.  From here the trail stays predominately in the shade, before its sweet grade ends and the abrupt switchbacks commence.  After about fifteen switchbacks you will have gained the crest and found yourself at Inspiration Point (4,525'), with its telescopes and shelter.  Enjoy the stupendous view from Huntington Beach to San Fernando, and either add on more (see link above), or return the way you came.  

It should be noted that I had a late start on this hike, finishing at 10:30 pm.  

Hiked: 4-19-2015, Los Angeles County, No Adventure Pass Required.    

Castle Canyon

In the canyon

Castle Canyon outcroppings 

Firs and Los Angles from 4000'

Inspiration Point (4,525')

Mount Lowe from Inspiration Point

Mount Wilson, Occidental Peak and Harvard Peak

Neat view-finders

A setting sun

Wierd rock formation on Echo Mountain

9 PM: Echo Mountain Summit, Pasadena and LA

East San Gabriel Valley and OC

La Canada, Glendale, Burbank, West LA