Echo Mountain
Location : Echo Mountain, Angeles National Forest
Total distance : 5.5 miles round-trip (out and back)
Elevation gain : 1,800 ft
Peak elevation : 3,200ft
Tree Cover : Partial tree cover. Sunscreen recommended.
Parking : Street parking.
Trailhead : Click here
Landmark : Big gate at the intersection of Lake Ave and E Loma Alta Dr.
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Note : Dogs must always be on a leash. There is a drinking water fountain in the first quarter mile of the hike. There is a picnic area at the end of the hike.
Detailed directions : At the intersection of Lake Ave and E Loma Alta Dr you will see a big gate, pass through that. Look for the Sam Merrill trail trailhead that's on the right side once you enter.
Stay on the trail until you see these three metal poles and make a left there. It wasn't until I reached the Echo mountain point that I realized or even wondered why its called Echo mountain. The Echo phone at the end of the hike is so much fun, if you shout really loud into it and can hear the echoes of your voice. Hence the name! Duh!
Stay on the trail for 2.5 miles (or until you get tired) and you will reach a trail junction with one trail making a 'U-turn', continue straight. Once you find this sign with an arrow towards 'Echo Mountain' just follow that.
On the way to the Echo mountain you will see a picnic area with two wooden benches, its a nice area with plenty of shade to take a break and spend some time if you are hiking with kids. This hike can be combined with Inspiration point hike to turn it into a challenging 10 mile hike. Click here to read about Inspiration point hike.
Continue straight on the trail and at the end of the trail you will see steps made of stone, leading to this bell and the Echo phone that I mentioned earlier. Ring the bell and shout into the Echo phone. Ding ding ding... You did it!!
You really don't need to shout into the Echo phone, you can hear the echo even without it. The magic is not in the echo phone, its in your voice! Don't believe me? Go ahead and try once you get there!
It can be a bit challenging if you are a beginner but its not too bad, I definitely recommend it. Also the view from the bell is great. Do this hike coming weekend and let us know how it went.
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