Trailhead: Cobb Estate Trailhead

Note: Trailhead is not directly connected to the parking area.  See trailhead page for directions.

Cobb Estate Trailhead for Lower Sam Merrill Trail

Trail: Lower Sam Merrill Trail, Castle Canyon Trail, Inspiration Point, Mt. Lowe Road, Tom Sloane Saddle Trail, Middle Sam Merrill Trail.

Stats: Round Trip as described in Trail Segments section below: 16 miles, 3969′ of gain and loss.

Option to Shorten: Skip the return to Inspiration Point and eliminate 0.6 miles and 30′ gain and loss.

Last Hiked: 2-15-13

Trail Segments:  Take the Lower Sam Merrill Trail up to the JCT near Echo Mountain and take the Castle Canyon Trail to Inspiration Point. From Inspiration Point, continue to the junction at Lowe Saddle. From Lowe Saddle continue on Mt. Lowe Road to the Tom Sloane Saddle Trail and take that to Tom Sloane Saddle. Return to Mt. Lowe Road and hike back to the junction at Lowe Saddle. At this point, I like to go to Inspiration Point and have a snack and short rest before returning back to Lowe Saddle. From Lowe Saddle take the Middle Sam Merrill Trail to the JCT near Echo Mountain and return via the Lower Sam Merrill Trail.

Points of Interest: 

• Inspiration Point.

Photos:

• Lower Sam Merrill Trail
• Castle Canyon
• Tom Sloane Saddle Trail
• Middle Sam Merrill Trail.

View from the Tom Sloan Saddle Trail.