MTBMaven
This is Shangri La
Lower Sam Merrill Trail is a great climb for those that can make it. The climb is 3 miles of unrelenting narrow singletrack with large amounts of exposure. This trail can be used to access several other great trails in the area to piece together long, technical rides. Use this trail to access Sunset, Middle and Upper Sam Merrill, Mt. Lowe Historic Railroad, etc.
There are large numbers of hikers on this trail on the weekends. It is recommended to only ride up this trail on weekends. Always go slow and be very vocal on this trail if descending. It can be dangerous for both uphill and downhill traffic if one descends with too much speed.
Access:
Exit Lake Ave. from 210 freeway and head up hill towards the mountains or north. Lake Ave. ends at Loma Alta Rd. Park at the end of the Lake Ave. on the street, no Adventure Pass required. Ride through gate and follow fence line to trailhead sign for Echo Mountain. Note: do not stay on paved road after it turns left heading up hill. This will lead to a reservoir and not to the Lower Sam Merrill Trail. People frequently make this mistake their first time.
There are large numbers of hikers on this trail on the weekends. It is recommended to only ride up this trail on weekends. Always go slow and be very vocal on this trail if descending. It can be dangerous for both uphill and downhill traffic if one descends with too much speed.
Access:
Exit Lake Ave. from 210 freeway and head up hill towards the mountains or north. Lake Ave. ends at Loma Alta Rd. Park at the end of the Lake Ave. on the street, no Adventure Pass required. Ride through gate and follow fence line to trailhead sign for Echo Mountain. Note: do not stay on paved road after it turns left heading up hill. This will lead to a reservoir and not to the Lower Sam Merrill Trail. People frequently make this mistake their first time.
