Angeles National Forest in Los Angeles County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Cape of Good Hope
⎯⎯⎯
Circular Bridge
Mount Lowe Railway
Photographed by Craig Baker
1. Cape of Good Hope/Circular Bridge Marker
Cape of Good Hope (top photo)
The Stone Wall that can be seen below you to the right of the road cut through the ridge is part of a sharp 200 degree curve. This enabled the railway to cross from Las Flores Canyon (beyond ridge) to Millard Canyon (on the right) around the Cape of Good Hope.
Circular Bridge (lower photo)
On the left is the location of the World Famous Circular Bridge. The bridge was the solution to allow the railway to travel into the upper regions of the steep Millard Canyon. The bridge was 400 feet long with a diameter of 150 feet, on a 4½% grade and was 20 feet higher from beginning to end. It seemed to run into empty space before returning to the mountain side.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Notable Places • Parks & Recreational Areas • Railroads & Streetcars.
Location. 34° 13.278′ N, 118° 7.596′ W. Marker is in Angeles National Forest, California, in Los Angeles County. It can be reached from Mount Lowe Railroad Trail. Its a strenuous 4½ mile hike with an altitude gain of 2,000 feet from Cobb Estate trailhead. 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 Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Circular Bridge (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Dawn Station (about
this page online
Regarding Cape of Good Hope / Circular Bridge. During the early 1900s, 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. Cape of Good Hope/Circular Bridge Marker
from Wikimedia Commons
3. Mt Lowe Railway Map
4. Circular Bridge
This postcard is featured on the marker. The view is from the location of the marker.
courtesy Mount Lowe Preservation Society
5. Circular Bridge postcard
Credits. This page was last revised on January 25, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 30, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 383 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 30, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 4. submitted on June 4, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 5. submitted on May 30, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.
