Name: Lower Sam Merrill Trail 12W14.1
Rating: 3.8

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Need to Know

There are no restrooms at the start of the trail or on Echo Mountain. The nearest restrooms are at Farnsworth Park on Lake Ave., 3 blocks south of Alta Loma Dr. This is a very popular trail, and it can get very warm. Dogs often suffer due to heat and lack of water. Do not cut switchbacks which cause extensive trail damage.

Parking is in a residential neighborhood. Please be quiet and don't block driveways.

Description

From the intersection of Lake Ave. and Loma Alta Dr., go east 0.1 miles from the Cobb Estate iron gate to the start of the signed trail. The trail descends and crosses a usually dry stream bed before climbing an easily manageable grade. The route passes through open chaparral of laurel sumac, sage, scrub oak and ceanothus with occasional shade from live oaks.

At 2.6 miles there is a junction with Mt. Lowe Railway Trail. The left fork leads to the Mt. Lowe Road. The right forks leads to the junction of the Middle Sam Merrill Trail 12W14.2, the Castle Canyon Trail in 0.1 mile and the Echo Mountain ruins slightly beyond.

Thanks to John McKinney, The Trailmaster, for sharing this trail description. To learn more about trails in California, check out his guides at The Trailmaster Store.