![]() I’ve hiked Echo Mountain several times, but this was my first time up to Inspiration Point and Muir Peak. From here, head down the same trail we ascended a few hours earlier. Look for the lower Sam Merrill Trail on the downhill side (south). This will look familiar, because this is the same trail that took us out to Echo Mountain on our way up. Today, all that remains on the site are the foundation, seen below.įrom the old observatory, we continued down until we intersected with the railway bed trail. The 16-inch refractor survived, and remains in use today at UC Santa Clara. The observatory was constructed in 1893, and was used continuously until the building was torn apart in a wind storm in 1928. The second stop is the ruins of the Echo Mountain Observatory. The first is Sunset Point, which is notable mainly as a great spot to catch the sunset (what else?). There are a two notable stops on the way back to Echo Mountain. At this point, you are high above the Castle Canyon trail that we took up to Inspiration Point. The trail winds around the west end of Inspiration Ridge, then snakes down the ridge-line. Watch for a single track trail on the left that heads down through shady trees. The Upper Sam Merrill Trail is easy to overlook. This pungent plant is worse than poison oak, so avoid contact. Unfortunately, with the fire damage comes an invasive plant known as the Poodle Dog Bush. All the trails in the area of the fire have reopened, and new growth abounds. You’ll see signs from the 2009 Station Fire. From Inspiration Point, we took the fire road northwest to a wide open area with several trails converging. We soaked in the views and headed back to Inspiration Point.įrom here, we headed back down to Echo Mountain, but this time taking the Upper Sam Merrill trail. San Gabriel and much of the San Gabriel Mountains. The opening image at the top of this post shows the view out to Catalina Island, but you also see Mt. But what views! Here’s the crew I hiked with at the summit. The summit is rounded, with a wooden marker and a small stone cairn but no summit register. There’s only one place this trail goes - Muir Peak. After about 0.3 miles you’ll take a single track trail on the right that heads more steeply uphill. To get to Muir Peak, head southeast on the fire road from Inspiration Point. The side trip to Muir Peak is a 1.2 mile round-trip from Inspiration Point and makes a great option. Compared with the climb up Castle Canyon to Inspiration Point, this short side-hike is a breeze. And as a matter of historical record, John Muir himself climbed the peak in 1877. At 4,688′ Muir Peak is the highest point on the southeast end of what some people refer to as Inspiration Ridge. It is also one of five officially-named Inspiration Points in Los Angeles County!Īfter lunch, the more energetic group headed to Muir Peak. It’s interesting to note that this Inspiration Point is not a point at all - but a saddle. There are picnic tables, and viewports that help direct you to notable LA landmarks. ![]() We stopped here for lunch and soaked in the views. The trail rounds a bend, providing the first good look at the shade structure atop Inspiration Point (4714′). We climbed over 900 feet in 3/4 of a mile. There were numerous agave, and then deep in the canyon sycamore and oaks, giving us a bit of fall color.Īt the 3.6 mile mark, the trail begins the steepest climb up a series of switchbacks. As we made our way up Castle Canyon, we passed a small creek that actually had a small amount of running water. ![]() It’s the shortest and steepest route, but also has a good deal of shade - a worthy consideration on a warm day. The Castle Canyon Trail is one of several leading up to Inspiration Point. Ready to continue on, we retraced our steps to the Castle Canyon Trail, turning towards the mountain and heading to Inspiration Point. ![]() You’ll need it for the next leg up Castle Canyon. Take time to explore this area, refuel, rehydrate, and catch your breath. From this site, a light railway traveled further still up the mountain to one of our primary destinations - Inspiration Point. Over 100 years ago, a funicular carried wealthy tourists up the mountain to the hotel at this site, complete with fine dining, tennis, and even a bowling alley. There are interesting things to see here, and some great (albiet weathered) information signs explaining the background and history of Echo Mountain and the Mt. We stopped at the shade near the power-lines (the half-way point to Echo Mountain) to regroup, then stopped again to regroup at the ruins of the Echo Mountain house. It’s a great hike in it’s own right, and one I’ve covered earlier. The first 2-1/2 miles we hiked up the Sam Merrill Trail to Echo Mountain. ![]()
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