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Echo Mountain facts for kids

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Echo Mountain
Echo Mountain.jpg
Echo Mountain as seen from higher point in Las Flores Canyon.
Highest point
Elevation 3,210 ft (978 m) NAVD 88
Prominence 0–7 ft (0–2 m)
Geography
Location Los Angeles County, California, U.S.
Parent range San Gabriel Mountains
Topo map USGS Mount Wilson
Climbing
Easiest route Trail hike

Echo Mountain is a cool spot in the San Gabriel Mountains near Altadena, in Los Angeles County, California. It's part of the Angeles National Forest. This mountain is famous for its amazing echoes.

What is Echo Mountain?

White City
The Echo Mountain area around 1896, showing the White City resort and the Mount Lowe Railway. You can see the Echo Chalet, Echo Mountain House, and other buildings.

Echo Mountain is a part of the San Gabriel Mountains. It sits above the town of Altadena. This mountain is surrounded by three canyons: Castle Canyon, Rubio Canyon, and Las Flores Canyon.

Why is it called Echo Mountain?

The mountain gets its name because of the incredible echoes you can hear there. If you shout into Castle Canyon, your voice can bounce back many times! People have even tried to find the "sweet spot" where you can hear the most echoes.

Years ago, when the Mount Lowe Railway was running, special "echophones" were set up. These helped visitors hear their voices echo even better.

History of Echo Mountain

Echo phone
A replica of an "echophone" used to hear echoes at Echo Mountain.

On January 6, 1993, Echo Mountain became a special historical place. The U.S. Forest Service added it to the National Register of Historic Places. It's part of the Mount Lowe Railway monument area.

The White City Resort

On top of Echo Mountain, you can find the ruins of an old resort called "White City." This resort was a popular stop along the beautiful Mount Lowe Railway. People in the valley below could easily see the resort from far away.

The Mount Lowe Railway had a special train called the Great Incline funicular. Its white cars would go up and down the mountain, connecting the resort to Rubio Canyon below.

How to Visit Echo Mountain

You can reach Echo Mountain by hiking! There are two main ways to get there:

  • The Sam Merrill Trail: This trail starts at the top of Lake Avenue.
  • The Fire Road: This road goes from Millard Canyon and connects to an old railway path. This path will lead you to the back of the mountain.
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