Trekking Through the Reopened Burn Areas Near Mount Lowe

Christmas came early for me this year when it was announced that many of the closed trails would be opening this past Monday. I have missed hiking these trails for quite some time. Of course, I wasted no time getting out there; I was up at the trailhead for Echo Mountain/Mount Lowe on Monday afternoon after my shift at work.

To hike up towards Mount Lowe, my preferred method has always been to follow the 2.7 mile trail up to Echo Mountain.   From there, there are a few different routes to take.   In order to get the best view of the burned hillside, I hiked across the Sunset Ridge Trail to Cape of Good Hope, a small storage area used by the Angeles National Forest rangers. As I approached the Mount Lowe Fire Road and Cape of Good Hope, I was greeted by a barrage of Scotch Broom, an extremely bright and fragrant wildflower that is in bloom this time of year.  

I turned right (north) and followed the well-marked Mount Lowe Fire Road. This is where the damage from the Station Fire first became obvious up close. Structures that had existed many years, including the old Dawn Mine shelter, have been reduced to nothing. However, it would be impossible for me to simply focus on the destruction of the fire, since there is so much growth and wildlife coming back, as evidenced by more wildflowers, blooming yucca, and resilient conifers.  

I traveled along the fire road for about 3 miles. The Mount Lowe Fire Road winds and curves as it increases in elevation – this presented me with beautiful views of Los Angeles, Catalina Island, mountains out towards Santa Barbara, and the Los Angeles’ version of the Grand Canyon.

As I traveled on, the amount of singed landscape around me increased, until I reached Inspiration Point, a popular overlook. I could see here that a firebreak certainly did its job in 2009, by the clear separation of what was blackened and what was perfectly green.  

On this night, I foregoed traveling another two miles to the beautiful summit of Mount Lowe and, instead, continued east down the fire road and up to the wonderful exposed summit of Muir Peak. I enjoyed my new traditional summit reward – a Pay Day candy bar – threw on the headlamp, and began my descent home, retracing my steps.  

Two years ago, I watched the Station Fire illuminate the sky and felt saddened and helpless. The catastrophe was widespread and costly. However, this recent hike provided me with optimism and excitement. Life is coming back to our precious forest and now we can witness it up close.

Year-round, but snow does accumulate in the winter.

Drive north on Lake Avenue to where the street ends – this is the trailhead (it’s the same as Echo Mountain’s trailhead).   No Adventure Pass is required for parking here but please respect the street signs regarding parking regulations.