hiking-with-friends.com Supermoon hike to Echo Mountain 8-10-13

Echo Mountain via the Sam Merrill Trail is a popular Los Angeles hiking location. Located just north of Pasadena in Altadena where Lake Avenue and E. Alta Loma Drive meet. I would rate this trail as an easy intermediate level hike approximately 6.5 miles and an elevation gain of just over 1,500 feet.

The group started a little past 6 p.m. with over 60 enthusiastic hikers! It was really cool to watch the group wind its way up the mountain. It was really hot for the first hour and we did not get any relief until the sun began to set and the trail was in shadow. We reached the top in about 90 minutes and had amazing views of the sunset. Shortly after the sunset, we were treated to a magnificent full moon rise over the mountains to the east. It was certainly a sight to see! After some group photos, we headed down to our vehicles as some streets near the trailhead had parking restrictions that began at 10 P.M.

Another great hike! Please check out http://www.hiking-with-friends.com for a list of all their upcoming hikes!