I’m a sucker for a scenic hike. Take me on a trail that leads to panoramic views and I’m like a happy pup with my head hanging out the car window. And just when I thought I had experienced all the best trails in Southern California, I accidentally stumbled upon this incredible hike with a delightful surprise that’s unlike any trail I’ve ever experienced in SoCal.
Ever heard of Inspiration Point? Not the one from Happy Days, but the one located in SoCal? That’s where we’re headed on this little adventure and it’s a beauty. Take a look and see for yourself and let me know if you’ve ever hiked this spot before. Are you as in love with it as I am?
Off we go to Inspiration Point…
yelp/kathy v. Start the hike at Cobb Estate. You can find this spot at Lake and E. Loma Alta Drive in Altadena.The earlier you go the easier it is to find parking, so time your visit accordingly. I’m not a morning person, but I dragged myself out of bed at the crack of dawn to beat the crowds. Not only does an early start make parking a lot easier, but you’ll probably have the trail to yourself.
yelp/bonny b. To reach Inspiration Point you have two options. You can take the Sam Merrill Trail, but it’s longer and not nearly as scenic in my opinion. Personally, I like the Castle Canyon Trail. It’s steeper than the Sam Merrill Trail, but it’s shorter and it has quite a bit more scenery to see along the way. A popular route for many hikers is to take the Castle Canyon Trail to the top and return via the Sam Merrill Trail, which is the route I suggest.
yelp/aileen r. When you start the trail you want to head toward Echo Mountain. Be prepared for a long hike as the route is approximately 10 miles round trip. Depending on your speed this could take anywhere from 3- 5 hours.
yelp/julie l. There’s a lot of variation on the trail ranging from rocky terrain to tree covered paths that provide some coverage from the hot sun.
yelp/adam p. You’ll also find lots of switchbacks as you navigate your way up the mountain. This is a strenuous hike, but the reward at the top is well worth it.
yelp/sk It’s tempting to watch your feet as you climb the mountain, but make sure to look up and see the beauty that surrounds you. This picturesque spot on the way up to Inspiration Point is one of my favorite views.
yelp/Ben A. Once you reach Echo Mountain you’ll be about 2.5 miles from Inspiration Point. What’s better than reaching Echo Mountain? Making that last switchback to the top where you can see Inspiration Point in sight.
yelp/craig r.
yelp/kathy v. You did it! You reached Inspiration Point. But there’s another surprise waiting for you as a reward for all your hard work.
yelp/joanne y. Before I show off the real surprise, I just want to share with you what happens when you reach Inspiration Point. It’s so inspiring that you can’t help but jump up and down with delight that you made it to the top. And then you’ll want to strike a victory pose! I did all of those things before I collapsed with exhaustion. But don’t let that discourage you.
And here’s your surprise!
yelp/abby m.
yelp/stephanie r. You’ll find a collection of telescopes that look out at designated viewpoints across the Los Angeles area.
yelp/edison t.
yelp/sue m. From Glendale to Hollywood and all the way to Seal Beach, you can look out across the city and pick a spot to observe through a telescope. I was blown away by this moment and I think you’ll love it, too. It’s the perfect way to invigorate you for the walk back down the mountain.
So there you have it! One of my all-time favorite trails that will challenge you and completely leave you in awe at the same time. If you haven’t yet hiked the Castle Canyon Trail to Inspiration Point, mark a date on your calendar and gather your friends. You’ll need some buddies on this trip so you can photograph each other in front of all those telescopes. That will make for one fine FB cover photo if you ask me.
yelp/kathy v.
Start the hike at Cobb Estate. You can find this spot at Lake and E. Loma Alta Drive in Altadena.The earlier you go the easier it is to find parking, so time your visit accordingly. I’m not a morning person, but I dragged myself out of bed at the crack of dawn to beat the crowds. Not only does an early start make parking a lot easier, but you’ll probably have the trail to yourself.
yelp/bonny b.
To reach Inspiration Point you have two options. You can take the Sam Merrill Trail, but it’s longer and not nearly as scenic in my opinion. Personally, I like the Castle Canyon Trail. It’s steeper than the Sam Merrill Trail, but it’s shorter and it has quite a bit more scenery to see along the way. A popular route for many hikers is to take the Castle Canyon Trail to the top and return via the Sam Merrill Trail, which is the route I suggest.
yelp/aileen r.
When you start the trail you want to head toward Echo Mountain. Be prepared for a long hike as the route is approximately 10 miles round trip. Depending on your speed this could take anywhere from 3- 5 hours.
yelp/julie l.
There’s a lot of variation on the trail ranging from rocky terrain to tree covered paths that provide some coverage from the hot sun.
yelp/adam p.
You’ll also find lots of switchbacks as you navigate your way up the mountain. This is a strenuous hike, but the reward at the top is well worth it.
yelp/sk
It’s tempting to watch your feet as you climb the mountain, but make sure to look up and see the beauty that surrounds you. This picturesque spot on the way up to Inspiration Point is one of my favorite views.
yelp/Ben A.
Once you reach Echo Mountain you’ll be about 2.5 miles from Inspiration Point. What’s better than reaching Echo Mountain? Making that last switchback to the top where you can see Inspiration Point in sight.
yelp/craig r.
You did it! You reached Inspiration Point. But there’s another surprise waiting for you as a reward for all your hard work.
yelp/joanne y.
Before I show off the real surprise, I just want to share with you what happens when you reach Inspiration Point. It’s so inspiring that you can’t help but jump up and down with delight that you made it to the top. And then you’ll want to strike a victory pose! I did all of those things before I collapsed with exhaustion. But don’t let that discourage you.
yelp/abby m.
yelp/stephanie r.
You’ll find a collection of telescopes that look out at designated viewpoints across the Los Angeles area.
yelp/edison t.
yelp/sue m.
From Glendale to Hollywood and all the way to Seal Beach, you can look out across the city and pick a spot to observe through a telescope. I was blown away by this moment and I think you’ll love it, too. It’s the perfect way to invigorate you for the walk back down the mountain.
If you want to add some other hikes to your bucket list, here are a few more Southern California trails that I can’t live without. You can find them here: 10 Trails You Must Take In SoCal If You Love The Outdoors.
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