1.7 hr
Overview
Look for the start of the trail 0.1 miles south of the end of Lower Sam Merrill Trail 12W14.1 on Echo Mountain. It gently contour around the side of the mountain and enters a canyon shaded with oaks, bay and maple trees. A spring once provided water to Echo Mountain, and the pipes are still visible along the path. <br><br>The trail continues a short distance and enters the well-shaded Castle Canyon in 0.8 miles. It can be steep in places but the canyon is usually much cooler than the surrounding areas. After climbing several switchbacks the trail emerges out of the canyon and reaches a saddle known as Inspiration Point. There is a shaded pavilion with tables and historical displays.<br><br>Taking a left turn on the Muir Peak Road #2N50.A leads northwest to the saddle where the Mt. Lowe Road #2N50, Middle Sam Merrill Trail 12W14.2 and Idlehour Trail 12W16 all converge in about 0.2 miles. Going right leads to the Muir Peak Trail.<br><br>Thanks to John McKinney, The Trailmaster, for sharing this trail description. To learn more about trails in California, check out his guides at <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://trailmasterstore.com/">The Trailmaster Store</a>.
Trail Stats
3.0 km
400 m
1376 m
976 m
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Photos
Where did it go?
Where did it go?
Lush treed area near the waterfall.
Lush treed area near the waterfall.
Site lines at Inspiration Point.
Site lines at Inspiration Point.
Inspiration Point
Inspiration Point
View from Inspiration Point at Night
View from Inspiration Point at Night
Wide, flat portion near the ruins at the top. This is the portion of the trail where other spur trails are noted via signage.
Wide, flat portion near the ruins at the top. This is the portion of the trail where other spur trails are noted via signage.
View of LA from the top of Inspiration Point
View of LA from the top of Inspiration Point
Inspiration Point, Altadena, CA 6 miles up.
Inspiration Point, Altadena, CA 6 miles up.