Altadena in Los Angeles County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Mount Lowe Scenic Railway

1893 - 1936

Photographed By Craig Baker, March 19, 2024

1. Mount Lowe Scenic Railway Marker

Inscription.
Mt. Lowe Scenic Railway was considered an engineering wonder and southern California's most popular tourist attraction during its heyday, carrying a total of 3.1 million visitors.

8th Wonder of the World
The brainchild of Thaddeus Sobieski Lowe, Mt. Lowe Scenic Railway was one of the most ambitious railways of its era. Designed and built with engineer David J. MacPherson, it earned the title of "the eighth wonder of the world" according to promotional literature of the day.
The mountaintop railway complex included a breathtaking vertical railway trip up Mt Echo and a trolley ride ending at the Alpine Tavern on Mt Lowe. Hotels, a zoo, dance hall, tennis courts, grand pavillion, miniature golf, an observatory, and its own power plant were attractions along the way.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Parks & Recreational Areas • Railroads & Streetcars.

Location. 34° 12.236′ N, 118° 7.821′ W. Marker is in Altadena, California, in Los Angeles County. Marker is at the intersection of Lake Avenue and Loma Alta Drive, on the right when traveling north on Lake Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3302 Lake Ave, Altadena CA 91001, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker

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, measured as the crow flies. Cobb Estate (here, next to this marker); Farnsworth Park (approx. ¼ mile away); Holmes House (approx. 0.3 miles away); MacPherson Parkway (approx. half a mile away); Mount Lowe Railway (approx. ¾ mile away); Andrew McNally House (approx. 1.1 miles away); Zane Grey Estate (approx. 1.1 miles away); Christmas Tree Lane (approx. 1½ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Altadena.

Regarding Mount Lowe Scenic Railway. During the early 1900’s, tourists could take the Pacific Electric trolley from Los Angeles to Rubio Canyon, then take the Incline Railway to the top of Echo Mountain, and then take another electric trolly to the Alpine Tavern hotel, all for one dollar round-trip. The hotel burned down in 1936, and was not rebuilt due to the Great Depression.

Photographed By Craig Baker, March 19, 2024

2. Mount Lowe Scenic Railway Marker

Photographed By Craig Baker, March 19, 2024

3. Mount Lowe Scenic Railway Marker

Incline Railway image. Click for full size.

circa 1915

4. Incline Railway

Alpine Tavern image. Click for full size.

circa 1913

5. Alpine Tavern

Credits. This page was last revised on March 22, 2024. It was originally submitted on March 22, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 62 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 22, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 4, 5. submitted on August 29, 2018, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.