Mt Lowe Railway Trail

We did the Mt. Lowe Trail Loop, which goes from the Mt. Lowe fire road (mostly paved), to the Alpine Tavern, over to Inspiration Point, back to the Sunset Trail, down town to the Echo Mountain Trail, which links back up to the Mt. Lowe Fire Road. This loop is about 12 miles, though we added two extra miles since when we were at Inspiration Point we accidently went on the Fire Road above Castle Canyon Trail thinking it would take us over to Echo Canyon, but it did not … it actual dead ends though there is a somewhat of a trail that extends beyond the dead end, it just isn’t maintained and I am unsure where it leads.
I enjoyed this loop but be sure you have anywhere from four to six hours to dedicate, pack plenty of water, and definitely some hearty snacks to keep your energy levels up. I’d say about the first 4 to 5 miles is all uphill, a fairly steep climb that doesn’t let up. The Tavern is a good half way point and a nice spot for a snack break. Once you leave the Tavern you will be heading up to Inspiration Point, which is still uphill but in a nice gradual climb. At Inspiration Point if it is a clear day it is a great place to take in some great views, I am sure this place would be awesome after a nice rain storm when the air clean & clear.
You have two options at Inspiration Point, you can do the Castle Canyon Trail down to Echo Canyon which starts right at inspiration point and I think about a mile shorter than the Sunset Trail and you must back track to this trail as if heading back to the Tavern. We took the Sunset Trail which is about 2.5 Miles to Echo Canyon. I enjoyed this trail because it is mainly shaded for the first 1.5 miles, though it is a one man trail and after that 1.5 Miles you are in the sun for the rest of your trek.
We finally reached the Echo Mountain Trail, at this point we were fairly tired so we didn’t go see the old ruins of the old Hotel or call out on the Echo Phone (I have been to this location and done all of this before, but if you haven’t I recommend checking it out). This part of the trail takes you back up hill to the Mt. Lowe Fire Road and is probably a lil less that two miles, this is where having plenty of water kicks in.
We finally made it back to the Lowe Fire Road, which is all down hill, THANK GOODNESS!!! By this time you are probably pooped, and the entire downhill descent will be in the BLAZING SUN!!!
TIPS:
–Lots of Water (ICED, or FROZEN for later in the Hike) you will be thankful for nice cold water
–Plenty of hearty snacks (Jerky, salty nuts, a small sandwich,) fruit
–SUNSCREEN
–HAT
–GO EARLY, I say a 6AM Start is perfect though a lil dark it isn’t too bad.
–GO WITH OTHERS and NOT ALONE
I must say that this time of year the hike was very lovely especially with all the flowers in full bloom, their fragrance wafted throughout our hike and it was heavenly.