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

Mount Lowe Summit

Mount Lowe Railway

Photographed by Craig Baker

1. Mount Lowe Summit Marker

Inscription.
This summit, previously known as Oak Mountain, was named Mt. Lowe in the fall of 1892. At the time railway construction was going on in Rubio Canyon and Echo Mtn. Professor Lowe had planned to run the railway to this summit and build a large hotel here. A suspended cable car would then reach to San Gabriel Peak to the north. There he planned to build an observatory and institute to study nature and the heavens. In 1895, with his money supply depleted, Professor Lowe had to end railroad construction at the Alpine Tavern, 1,100 feet below. From the Alpine Tavern guests could walk or ride (horseback) to the summit 2½ miles away. The flag pole, hitching post, bench and locating tubes were left by the railroad when it closed in 1937.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Parks & Recreational Areas • Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical year for this entry is 1892.

Location. 34° 13.815′ N, 118° 6.289′ W. Marker is in Angeles National Forest, California, in Los Angeles County. It can be reached from Angeles Crest Highway. Hike 1½ miles from Eaton Saddle Trailhead with an elevation gain of 600 feet. 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 walking distance of this marker: End of the Line (Alpine Tavern) (approx. 0.4 miles away); Cottages at Alpine Tavern

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(approx. 0.4 miles away); Ye Alpine Tavern Lobby (approx. 0.4 miles away); The Bungalow (approx. 0.4 miles away); Alpine Tavern (approx. 0.4 miles away); Ye Alpine Tavern (approx. 0.4 miles away); Inspiration Point (approx. 0.7 miles away); One Man and Mule Railway (approx. 0.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Angeles National Forest.

Mount Lowe Marker and Hitching Post image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Baker

2. Mount Lowe Marker and Hitching Post

Bench and Locating Tubes image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Baker

3. Bench and Locating Tubes

Mount Wilson in the distance, with television transmission antennas.

Locating Tubes image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Baker

4. Locating Tubes

Mount Lowe Summit - 5,606 Ft. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Baker, May 28, 2024

5. Mount Lowe Summit - 5,606 Ft.

Credits. This page was last revised on April 27, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 28, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 278 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on May 28, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.