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

Alpine Tavern

Mount Lowe Railway

Photographed by Craig Baker

1. Alpine Tavern Marker

Inscription.
Originally planned as a small clubhouse for friends, Professor Lowe's Alpine Tavern became the temporary end of track when funds for construction ran out, then became the principal tourist attraction, terminus of the Alpine Division, and premier hotel on the line.

Opened December 14, 1895, the Alpine Tavern offered to its guests cozy rooms, a fine dining room and a main parlour warmed by a cavernous fireplace.

After the destruction of the hotels on Echo Mountain, the Alpine Tavern was enlarged and soon became one of the most popular hostelries in Southern California. The Tavern offered all the amenities of city living. Guests could enjoy the band room, card room or circulating library. They could enjoy croquet, tennis, riding, biking, or miniature golf, and a silver fox farm was located nearby. The music room with its famed dance floor was the summertime home of the "Alpine Quartet." The Tavern's dining room was justly renowned, and curios from the souvenir shop are today treasured collector's items.

Many bungalows and tent cottages were constructed around the Tavern. Guests could take their pick of fine riding and hiking trails, many of which survive today.

This idyllic spot, long Southern California’s most popular tourist attraction, came to an abrupt

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and disastrous end on September 15, 1936, when fire destroyed the Tavern. The cottages in the surrounding area which were not damaged by the fire were subsequently destroyed by vandals.

Today, the Mt. Lowe Trail Campground occupies the site of the Alpine Tavern.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Parks & Recreational Areas • Railroads & Streetcars • Sports. In addition, it is included in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1895.

Location. 34° 13.585′ N, 118° 6.636′ W. Marker is in Angeles National Forest, California, in Los Angeles County. It can be reached from Mount Lowe Road near Mount Lowe Railroad Trail. Hike 5 miles from the Cobb Estate trailhead with an altitude gain of 3,000 feet, or 2½ miles with a 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: Ye Alpine Tavern Lobby (a few steps from this marker); Ye Alpine Tavern (a few steps from this marker); Cottages at Alpine Tavern (a few steps from this marker); The Bungalow (a few steps from this marker); End of the Line (Alpine Tavern) (within shouting

Alpine Tavern Marker, at right image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Baker

2. Alpine Tavern Marker, at right

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 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.

Excerpts from Tavern brochure - 1931 image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Baker

3. Excerpts from Tavern brochure - 1931

National Register of Historic Places image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Baker

4. National Register of Historic Places

Alpine Tavern Site image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Baker

5. Alpine Tavern Site

The markers are at far right.

Alpine Tavern - circa 1896 image. Click for full size.

from Wikimedia Commons

6. Alpine Tavern - circa 1896

Mt Lowe Trail Camp image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Baker

7. Mt Lowe Trail Camp

Mt Lowe Railway Map image. Click for full size.

from Wikimedia Commons

8. Mt Lowe Railway Map

Mt Lowe Advertisement image. Click for full size.

Public Domain

9. Mt Lowe Advertisement

Credits. This page was last revised on April 17, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 15, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 664 times since then and 63 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 15, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 5. submitted on May 30, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 6. submitted on June 16, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 7, 8. submitted on May 30, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 9. submitted on April 17, 2025, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.