We can officially announce it now: February’s Go Hike L.A. event will be another history-themed hike in the front range of the San Gabriels, this time to the ruins of the Echo Mountain Hotel above Altadena.
Modern Hiker will be co-leading this hike with the Los Angeles Chapter of The Obscura Society, the activities and expeditions wing of Atlas Obscura – probably the web’s most excellent curator of off-the-beaten-path things to do all over the world.
From the 1890s through the 1930s, a sprawling complex of railways, wilderness resort hotels, observatories, and amusements dotted the mountaintops here in the front range of the San Gabriel Mountains. Once one of the most popular attractions in Southern California – and possibly the country – only ruins remain.
On Sunday, February 22nd, we will hike to the site of the Echo Mountain House, where we’ll be on the site of Professor Thaddeus Lowe’s White City – and soak in some beautiful views of the valleys below us.
The hike will begin promptly at 8:30AM and we’ll be gaining about 1900 feet of elevation in just under 3 miles (one-way). The event description says we’ll be ending at noon but give yourself some wiggle room in your schedule for some history, Q&A, and a bit of exploration.
This is a ticketed-event with a limited number of spots, so secure your place through Atlas Obscura as soon as you can.
We hope to see you there – and if you can’t make it or the event gets sold out, let the good folks at Atlas Obscura know and we might be able to do this hike again.
We’re already working on more Go Hike L.A. events for the spring, so stay tuned!
GO HIKE L.A. – Echo Mountain
- Sunday, February 22
- 8:30 AM at the gate of the Cobb Estate, near the corner of Lake Avenue and Loma Alta Drive in Altadena, CA
- No Adventure Pass or parking permits necessary
- Rain or Shine (but let’s hope for shine)
- Be sure to bring snacks and at least a liter of water, more if you’re a thirsty hiker.
- Tickets are available through The Obscura Society.
Image from the most excellent Mount Lowe Preservation Society.
Tags: atlas obscura, go hike l.a., guided hike
