It's hard to believe that in the 1890s a train carried Angelinos to a resort perched on the mountain slopes above Altadena. The complex of hotels and taverns was known as "The White City". Painted stark white, it was visible from the LA Basin below. By night, the complex was illuminated by the world's most powerful searchlight. Unfortunately, fires and windstorms gradually trashed the development. What remains are some ruins and a photographic display. Our hike is 5-miles roundtrip. It's a continual climb from the trailhead, but we'll take several breaks to catch our breath and savor the ever expanding vistas. 

Pack a lunch, snacks, water, and sunscreen. Rain cancels 

To get to the trailhead, drive to the very north end of Lake Ave in Altadena (off the 210 freeway). On the righ (just before Lake ends)... marked by a sign and stone pillar... is the begining of the Sam Merril Trail to Echo Mountain and beyond.