Best trails in Altadena, California

This trail is good for running but can be crowded. This route is the Lower San Merrill trail towards Lake. At the beginning, take the second trail further back towards mountain. At the top, turn right for Echo Mtn. Alternatively, turn left for Sierra Saddle (turn left again once you hit the paved road and the sign for Sierra Saddle should be on the right; you can take the paved road back up to backtrack to Echo Mtn after you reach the tables—adds on 4 miles). Show more

When the road leading up to the trail is closed, there is an extra mile walk to the trailhead.Show more

In addition, the gates heading up and leading to the parking lot are closed on holidays and weekends so there may be an additional major uphill trek along the road to get to the trailhead. This trail is scenic and features waterfalls. It is shared with mountain bikers so there will be traffic going in both directions. You may encounter rattlesnakes on this trail. Show more

The trail itself is beautiful. There is plenty of shade and a tree covered stream, which users report as very peaceful. Parts of the hike require users to cross the stream a few times and climb rocks, so it is recommended to bring proper footwear and to be ready for high water at times of heavy rain. The namesake Dawn Mine is tucked into the mountain next to an old steel water pump. The gate may be closed on weekends, which adds approximately 1.2 miles roundtrip from the lower parking area. If coming from Fire Road from Loma Alta Drive, users will come to a split with two signs. In this case, users recommend taking the left path.Show more

Fascinating historic railway, great views, pine trees, deep canyons. This is a hike along the ruins of the Mt Lowe railway, Echo Mountain, and the Alpine Tavern. These locations were the most popular in Southern California in the late 1800's, before being destroyed by floods and fire. More than a dozen historical markers along the way tell the fascinating story of this railway. To top it off, the hike includes stunning views, pine forests, deep canyons, and lots of hiking. The first half of the hike, up to Alpine Tavern (now Mt Lowe Camp) and Inspiration Point, follows the Sunset Ridge Fire road to the top. The return leg is a bit more convoluted, but quite fun. A quarter mile down hill from Inspiration point, take the Sam Merrill Trail to Echo Mountain and visit the ruins of the former Inn at this location. Next head right on Echo Mountain Trail back to the Sunset Ridge Fire road. A hundred yards down the fire road on the right, take the unmarked trailhead for Sunset Ridge Trail, which parallels the fire road, and will get you home.Show more

This is a very popular mountain biking trail, so take caution if you are a hiker. It is important for all users to share the trail with others and help make your whereabouts known with bells, or using your voice.Show more

There are signs at the entrance gate indicating that it closes on weekends but users have reported that this is not always the case. The first 2.5 miles of the route are very uphill - on a fire road. The trail back is fantastic but not great if you’re afraid of heights.Show more

It is easy to miss the actual trailhead for this trail. The trailhead is right before the small parking area. If you pass the gate on the paved fire road, you've gone too far. Both trails lead to the peaks.Show more