History
of Mount Lowe Railway
links
Write-up courtesy of U.S. Department of Agriculture / Forest Service
This exotic 1890s railway once provided trolley and cable service for Los Angeles residents to nearby mountain resort areas. Built by entrepreneur T.S.C. Lowe, the railway carried its passengers up to a small city on Echo Mountain that included two hotels, a casino, observatory, residences, gardens, a small zoo, and a power plant. Another hotel complex was built further into the mountains at the Ye Alpine Tavern and was connected to Echo Mountain by a 3.5 mile railway.
Getting There...Best access is from the 210 Freeway in Pasadena. From the freeway, take Lake Avenue north to Loma Alta. The Cobb Estate/Sam Merrill Trailhead is at this intersection. Park and proceed east along the Lower Sam Merrill Trail for 2 miles to the top of Echo Mountain and the beginning of the Mount Lowe Railway interpretive trail. Mt. Lowe is open year round, with temporary closures at times due to snow or rain conditions.
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