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

Ye Alpine Tavern

Mount Lowe Railway

Photographed by Craig Baker

1. Ye Alpine Tavern Marker

Inscription.
This is how the Tavern looked circa 1920. It was built in 1895 & destroyed by fire in 1936. The hotel ruins were dynamited in 1959 to allow for construction of the Mt. Lowe Trail Camp. Debris from the hotel now covers most of the area in the photo.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Parks & Recreational Areas • Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical year for this entry is 1895.

Location. 34° 13.579′ N, 118° 6.646′ W. Marker is in Angeles National Forest, California, in Los Angeles County. It can be reached from the intersection of Mount Lowe Road and Mount Lowe Railroad Trail. Located at Mt Lowe Trail Camp. It’s a strenuous five mile hike from the Cobb Estate trailhead with an altitude gain of 3,000 feet, or a 2½ mile hike with 1,200 foot gain from Eaton Saddle. 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: Alpine Tavern (a few steps from this marker); Ye Alpine Tavern Lobby (within shouting distance of this marker); The Bungalow (within shouting distance of this marker); Cottages at Alpine Tavern (within shouting distance of this marker); End of the Line (Alpine Tavern) (within shouting

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distance of this marker); Inspiration Point (approx. 0.3 miles away); One Man and Mule Railway (approx. 0.3 miles away); Easter Rock (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Angeles National Forest.

Regarding Ye Alpine Tavern. 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. The hotel burned down in 1936 and was not rebuilt due to the Great Depression.

Photographed by Craig Baker

2. Ye Alpine Tavern Marker

Ye Alpine Tavern - 1920 image. Click for full size.

3. Ye Alpine Tavern - 1920

This postcard is featured on the marker.

Tavern Site / Trail Camp image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Baker

4. Tavern Site / Trail Camp

Photographed by Craig Baker

5. Tavern Site / Trail Camp

Mt Lowe Trail Camp image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Baker

6. Mt Lowe Trail Camp

Alpine Tavern Ruins - 1958 image. Click for full size.

courtesy PacificElectric.org

7. Alpine Tavern Ruins - 1958

Mt Lowe Railway Map image. Click for full size.

from Wikimedia Commons

8. Mt Lowe Railway Map

Credits. This page was last revised on April 17, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 30, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 617 times since then and 45 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on May 30, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 7. submitted on June 20, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 8. submitted on May 30, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.