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Challenging singletrack with high exposure and a view of the LA basin.


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Map Key

2.6

Miles

4.1

KM

Singletrack

4,489' 1,368 m

High

3,210' 978 m

Low

39' 12 m

Up

1,316' 401 m

Down

10%

Avg Grade (6°)

27%

Max Grade (15°)

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

Description

This trail starts just north of Inspiration Point. First, you'll head west along the ridge through trees on a narrow trail. The exposure and rock obstacles can be intimidating and the penalty for mistakes is high. The difficulty rating for this trail may feel like double black diamond for some not used to riding narrow trails with exposure.

As you come out from the trees and starting heading south down towards Echo Mountain, you'll encounter some challenging switchbacks, more exposure and grand views of Los Angeles. On a clear day, you should be able to see some of the Channel Islands.

The end of the trail intersects with the Mount Lowe Railway Trail. Head southeast to check out the ruins of the historic Echo Mountain House. Otherwise continue down the Lower Sam Merrill Trail or continue up the Mount Lowe Railway Trail to connect to the Sunset Ridge Trail.

Contacts

Shared By:

Chris W

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 19 votes

#858

Overall
  4.5 from 19 votes
5 Star
63%
4 Star
26%
3 Star
11%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#69

in California

#858

Overall
7 Views Last Month
4,302 Since Apr 16, 2014
Difficult Difficult

0%
0%
0%
0%
83%
17%

Photos

Pic from Mountain Bike Action Magazine showing Gary Fisher hitting this trail back in 1991.
Feb 11, 2016 near Altadena, CA
A steep section challenges riders on the Middle Sam Merrill Trail.
Jan 8, 2017 near Altadena, CA
Middle Sam Merrill on a fall evening.
Jan 3, 2017 near Altadena, CA
Cresting the ridge during last light.
Sep 14, 2016 near Altadena, CA
Mid-morning in the wooded section.
Oct 5, 2016 near Altadena, CA
Just about to come around to the front side.
Sep 14, 2016 near Altadena, CA
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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

May 8, 2021
Brandon Hanna
Dec 1, 2018
Nils-Erik Hilliard
Jun 3, 2018
Antonio Cr
Mar 18, 2018
J P
Awesome trail
Nov 8, 2017
Andrew Keller
Mar 10, 2017
Alex Johnson
Nov 4, 2016
Alex Johnson
Sep 15, 2016
Mike Collard
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