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

Eaton Saddle

Trailhead

Photographed by Craig Baker

1. Eaton Saddle Marker

Inscription.

Eaton Saddle. Trailhead. , Eaton Canyon Saddle , Eaton Saddle is located between San Gabriel Peak (6,161') and Occidental Peak (5,732') and on the ridge leading from Red Box to Mt. Wilson. It separates Eaton Canyon to the south from Falls Canyon to the northeast. This is the first place on the Mt. Wilson Road where you can get a view south over the Los Angeles Basin. , As you follow the Mt. Lowe Road, you pass through the Mueller Tunnel towards the old Alpine Tavern terminus of the vanished Mt. Lowe Scenic Railway. , Head of Eaton Canyon and Beyond , Once passing the metal gate crossing the Mt. Lowe Fire Road (elevation 5090') a spectacular view down into the cliff-ringed amphitheater head of Eaton Canyon can be seen. Take a moment to enjoy the surroundings. From this elevated viewpoint examine the progress of the canyon as it winds its way off to the south, southeast. , Further in the distance, on a clear day, one can see the canyon turn west and disappear. Just around that turn is Idlehour Campground which you will pass later on the hike. The Mt. Lowe trail down to Idlehour may also be seen as it switchbacks down the west slope of the canyon just before the westerly turn. , Mount Lowe Scenic Railway , Originally, Professor Lowe's mountain railway was to head northeast from Rubio Canyon through Eaton Canyon (as shown in the 1891 artist's depiction). However, plans changed due to the instability of the canyon wall and the inability to come to terms with Mt. Wilson landowners. Mt. Lowe became the destination instead. The railway took a northwest route over Echo Mountain, then twisted along a trail above Millard and Grand Canyons before reaching its terminus. , Things to Remember When Recreating in the Area , Poison Oak lives here! , Avoid contact! Causes an itchy, blistery rash lasting up to 10 days. Grows in a cluster of 3 shiny leaves that have a scalloped edge. Changes color seasonally, green to yellow and finally red. Wash skin under cold water if contacted, and as leaf oils can remain on clothing for up to 2 weeks, wash clothes immediately. , Be Bear Aware! , Bears are in the area so hike in groups, never alone. Choose a campsite free of bear signs. Store your food, garbage and other bear attractants well away (100 yards) from your sleeping area and keep your camp clean. Cook well away (100 yards) from sleeping area. Don't burn or bury garbage, pack it out! , Control Your Pet! , Your dog must be on leash while in the forest. , Leave No Trace. , Pack it in, pack it out. , Leave what you find. , Historical sites and archeological items are irreplaceable and protected by Federal Law. Protect your cultural heritage by leaving structures and artifacts intact for future visitors. Violaters will be prosecuted.

Eaton Canyon Saddle
Eaton Saddle is located between San Gabriel Peak (6,161') and Occidental Peak (5,732') and on the ridge leading from Red Box to Mt. Wilson. It separates Eaton Canyon to the south from Falls Canyon to the northeast. This is the first place on the Mt. Wilson Road where you can get a view south over the Los Angeles Basin.

As you follow the Mt. Lowe Road, you pass through the Mueller Tunnel towards the old Alpine Tavern terminus of the vanished Mt. Lowe Scenic Railway.

Head of Eaton Canyon and Beyond
Once passing the metal gate crossing the Mt. Lowe Fire Road (elevation 5090') a spectacular view down into the cliff-ringed amphitheater head of Eaton Canyon can be seen. Take a moment to enjoy the surroundings. From this elevated viewpoint examine the progress of the canyon as it winds its way off to the south, southeast.

Further in the distance, on a clear day, one can see the canyon turn west and disappear. Just around that turn is Idlehour Campground which you will pass later on the hike. The Mt. Lowe trail down to Idlehour may also be seen as it switchbacks down the west slope of the canyon just before the westerly turn.

Mount Lowe Scenic Railway
Originally, Professor Lowe's mountain

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railway was to head northeast from Rubio Canyon through Eaton Canyon (as shown in the 1891 artist's depiction). However, plans changed due to the instability of the canyon wall and the inability to come to terms with Mt. Wilson landowners. Mt. Lowe became the destination instead. The railway took a northwest route over Echo Mountain, then twisted along a trail above Millard and Grand Canyons before reaching its terminus.

Things to Remember When Recreating in the Area
Poison Oak lives here!
Avoid contact! Causes an itchy, blistery rash lasting up to 10 days. Grows in a cluster of 3 shiny leaves that have a scalloped edge. Changes color seasonally, green to yellow and finally red. Wash skin under cold water if contacted, and as leaf oils can remain on clothing for up to 2 weeks, wash clothes immediately.

Be Bear Aware!
Bears are in the area so hike in groups, never alone. Choose a campsite free of bear signs. Store your food, garbage and other bear attractants well away (100 yards) from your sleeping area and keep your camp clean. Cook well away (100 yards) from sleeping area. Don't burn or bury garbage, pack it out!

Control Your Pet!
Your dog must be on leash while in the forest.

Leave No Trace.
Pack it in, pack it out.
Leave what

Mount Lowe Scenic Railway Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Baker

2. Mount Lowe Scenic Railway Marker

you find.

Historical sites and archeological items are irreplaceable and protected by Federal Law. Protect your cultural heritage by leaving structures and artifacts intact for future visitors. Violaters will be prosecuted.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Parks & Recreational Areas.

Location. 34° 14.353′ N, 118° 5.621′ W. Marker is in Angeles National Forest, California, in Los Angeles County. It can be reached from Mount Wilson Red Box Road 2.3 miles south of Angeles Crest Highway (California Route 2), on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Altadena CA 91001, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Los Angeles

and in the Transverse Ranges.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Mount Lowe Scenic Railway (here, next to this marker); Mount Lowe Summit (approx. 0.9 miles away); End of the Line (Alpine Tavern) (approx. 1.3 miles away); Cottages at Alpine Tavern (approx. 1.3 miles away); Ye Alpine Tavern Lobby (approx. 1.3 miles away); The Bungalow (approx. 1.3 miles away); Alpine Tavern (approx. 1.3 miles away); Ye Alpine Tavern (approx. 1.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Angeles National Forest.

Regarding Eaton Saddle. During the early 1900’s, tourists could take the Pacific Electric trolley from Los Angeles to Rubio

Photographed by Craig Baker

3. Mount Lowe Scenic Railway Marker

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. The hotel burned down in 1936, and was not rebuilt due to the Great Depression.

Credits. This page was last revised on April 17, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 28, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 292 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 28, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.