LA’s Most Difficult Hiking Trail | Echo Mountain via Rubio Canyon
Today I’m solo hiking the most difficult hiking trail in Los Angeles I’ve hiked, Echo Mountain via Rubio Canyon. AllTrails rates this trail as Difficult and they aren’t kidding because it’s basically a 1400 foot ascent straight up the mountain. Once you get to the top of Echo Mountain though it’s well worth the view of Altadena, Pasadena, and the Los Angeles metro area. Definitely an awesome LA solo hiking trail.
AllTrails Stats
Echo Mountain via Rubio Canyon
Type: Loop | Rate: Difficult | Traffic: Light | Length: 3.9mi | Elevation Gain: 1411ft
The Echo Mountain trail on AllTrails marks this as an out an back trail, but I highly encourage going down Sam Merrill Trail as it is less steep.
Echo Echo Echo Mountain Mountain Mountain
Echo Mountain sits on the edge of the Angeles National Forest in the San Gabriel Mountains just north of Altadena in Los Angeles County, California. At 3,210 feet it’s not the highest peak in the area, but it offers beautiful views of the valley below. The summit features a picnic area with remnants from the Mount Lowe Railway and an old resort lovingly dubbed the “White City” ruins. The most fun are the echophones which amplify your voice as it echos through the canyons.
Difficult Hiking Trails in Los Angeles
Up until this hike the most difficult hiking trail in Los Angeles had to be Vital Link Trail in Burbank, but now Rubio Canyon Trail takes the crown. The trail is skinny and steep with several spots of scrambling up rocks. If you’re looking for a technical hiking trail in LA this is it.
Follow me on Instagram @mshepjordan9 to see more photos from my Echo Mountain hike!
More Los Angeles Hiking Trails
Vital Link Trail in Burbank
Corral Canyon Trail in Malibu
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The Equipment and Gear I’m using to film my YouTube hiking videos
APP
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PACK
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*I like this hydration pack better than what comes with the Wenzel.
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