Inspiration Point via Sam Merrill and Castle Canyon Loop

As the Inspiration Point via Sam Merrill and Castle Canyon Loop hike passes points of historical interest and features some wonderfully scenic views, it is a popular route that regularly sees higher volumes of foot traffic. Be sure to arrive early to secure parking and beat the crowds up to the viewpoint. Additionally, this is a fairly rugged trail in certain areas, so make sure to wear proper footwear and bring plenty of water/snacks to stay fueled while on your hike.

If this trail is a popular one it is certainly for good reason, as hikers will experience incredible views that stretch across the picturesque California landscape. Add in some interesting historical sites like the ruins of the Mount Lowe Observatory and the remains of the Echo Mountain House luxury resort, and you have all the making for an engaging day out on the trails of the Angeles National Forest.

Setting out from the trailhead, you will make your way east through the Cobb Estate, before crossing over the banks of Los Flores Creek. Here you will turn your direction to the northeast, climbing uphill across the hillside to reach a junction in 1.1mi.

Turning left along the path, you will follow the Lower Sam Merrill Trail north for another 1.1mi, before making a sharp turn south towards Echo Mountain. Just before reaching the top, you will turn left along the Middle Sam Merrill Trail, following it past the ruins of the Mount Lowe Observatory and uphill through some rugged terrain.

Keeping right along this path for the next 2.4mi, your direction will eventually turn east and you will arrive at the edge of a fire road. Turning right onto the road, you will quickly arrive at Inspiration Point, where you will be able to rest and soak up the beautifully scenic California views that extend across the undulating landscape.

After you’ve finished taking in the views, you will follow the Castle Canyon Trail as it leads to the southwest and descends some rugged terrain to arrive back near the ruins of the Mount Lowe Observatory and Echo Mountain House. From here, you can retrace the initial leg of your hike along the Lower Sam Merrill Trail, following it back downhill to Cobb Estate and the trailhead where you began your excursion.

Ruins of Echo Mountain House

Echo Mountain House was a luxury resort that opened in 1894 along the newly built Mount Lowe Railway and served wealthy tourists looking to explore the San Gabriel Mountains. It contained 80 rooms, a dance hall, casino, astronomical observatory, and even a zoo. Several setbacks eventually led to its closure, including two fires and the government realization that the railway was built on Federal lands. The ruins can still be seen by hikers passing through the area.