"I started this hike with friends at 6 AM at the Sam Merril Trailhead. Then we went up the trail passing by Cobb Estate ruins. Then I went up the trail to get some great views and to summit Echo Mountain. Then saw some yellow poppies and then had a great oak forest and more great views. Then I summited Echo Mountain. The summit had some ruins, the echophone, and the summit historical signs. The summit had great views too. Then I went into the Castle Canyon. I saw some small waterfalls, rock formations, the V tree, great views, and Castle Canyon Falls. Then I summited Inspiration Point. The overlook had great views and a pavilion with loads of viewfinders. Then I went down the fire road to get to the Mt Lowe East Trail. Then I went up the trail. I went up a firebreak along the trail and saw great views of nearby Muir Peak. Then I crossed a creek and encountered the first snow. Then the snow got deeper and then I forked off on the trail to the summit. Then there was deeper snow and a sketchy snow crossing. The summit was so cool. It had 2 signs, a bench and viewfinders, great views toward Los Angeles, and a historical sign. This is my second summit of Mt Lowe. " — lc444 • Mar 22, 2023

"Checked out the railway and hotel ruins up on Echo Mountain before taking the Castle Canyon Trail up to Inspiration Point and looping back down. Interesting to learn about the history. Very hot day, we brought plenty of water and certainly needed it. Took a nice break sitting under the pavilion at Inspiration Point while looking out over LA." — jodola • Jun 11, 2022

"Our Hike Beyond the Hills Annual Santa Hat Hike. Takes us from the Cobb Estates to Echo Mountain, Inspiration Point and Muir Peak and then looping back down via the Middle Sam Merrill Trail." — Philip-Yoho • Dec 14, 2019

"Another Hike Beyond the Hills Santa Hat Hike. Took us from the Cobb Estates to Echo Mountain, Inspiration Point and Muir Peak, before looping back down on the Middle Sam Merrill Trail." — Philip-Yoho • Dec 2, 2017

"My very first Santa Hat Hike with Hike Beyond the Hills. In fact I think it was the inaugural hike. Great fun and great people. We hike up to Echo Mountain from the Cobb Estate. Continued on to Inspiration Point and Muir Peak. Then looped back down on the Middle Sam Merrill Trail." — Philip-Yoho • Dec 3, 2016

"Had an apple at the picnic shelter/ old tavern. Then hiked up to the true inspiration point, which the summit west of the picnic shelter, NOT the picnic shelter itself, which is at a low saddle. The summit has an impressive cairn that was taller then me!" — Christopher • Apr 2, 2013