Angeles National Forest in Los Angeles County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Echo Mtn Service Pit
Mount Lowe Railway
Photographed by Craig Baker
1. Echo Mtn Service Pit Marker
This service pit was built in 1914 to maintain the cars that ran between Echo Mtn and Alpine Tavern. The 127 curves of the route to the Tavern wore heavily on the wheel flanges. This required regular wheel replacement. Because of the difficulty of transporting 1,600 lb. wheel-sets to and from the Pacific Electric shops in Torrance, Mt Lowe cars used wheels with replaceable tires (outer section of wheel). The steel tires on these wheels were replacements that were newly machined and were never used due to the closing of the railway. Some time after 1939, vandals pushed these wheel sets over the mountainside, which prevented the scrappers from taking them. In 1993 these, along with the snowplow, were recovered by helicopter and placed here on display.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical year for this entry is 1914.
Location. 34° 12.724′ N, 118° 7.295′ W. Marker is in Angeles National Forest, California, in Los Angeles County. It can be reached from Mount Lowe Railway Trail south of Sam Merrill Trail. Hike three miles up the steep trail with a
this page online
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: Casino, Tennis Courts, Power Plants, and Car Barn (a few steps from this marker); Mount Lowe Power Plants (a few steps from this marker); End of the Line (within shouting distance of this marker); Caretakers Cottage and Cable House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); New Line to Alpine Tavern (about 400 feet away); The White City (about 400 feet away); Mount Lowe Railway (about 400 feet away); Forces of Nature (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Angeles National
Photographed by Craig Baker
2. Echo Mtn Service Pit and Marker
Regarding Echo Mtn Service Pit. On January 6, 1993, the Mount Lowe Railway was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 8, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 12, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 217 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 12, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.
