Mount Lowe


Book Description

Tucked away in Southern California's San Gabriel Mountains, the Mount Lowe Railway was an internationally renowned tourist destination, serving nearly four million passengers between 1893 and 1936. Few riders of "The Railway to the Clouds" are around to relate their experiences now, but postcards and photographs remarkably reflect the history of this amazing attraction. Virtually nothing of the once-famous landmark remains on the mountain today, except a few timeworn foundations and part of the original right-of-way, which has become a hiking trail into the Angeles National Forest.




Mount Lowe Railway


Book Description

Since Mount Lowe Railway's abandonment in 1936, millions of hikers, mountain bikers, and railfans have followed the long-deserted rail beds to glimpse the scenic grandeur of what was once the "Earth's Grandest Mountain Ride." Now, readers can enjoy local history and fabulous vistas without the effort of a day's hike. Authors Michael A. Patris and Steve Crise serve on the board of the Mount Lowe Preservation Society, which provided most of the images in this book from its archives.




Scenic Mount Lowe and Its Wonderful Railway...


Book Description

Promotional brochure for the Mount Lowe Railway, one of four versions by George Wharton James, public relations director for the Railway. The booklet begins with background on the origin of the railway, first envisioned by Thaddeus Lowe in 1892 as a way to make the beauty of the San Gabriel mountains and valleys accessible to all. Included is description of each segment of the railway: an electric railway from the terminus near Altadena up to Rubio Canyon; the cable incline railroad from Rubio Canyon to the summit of Echo Mountain, where Lowe built two hotels, The Chalet, and Echo Mountain House; from the hotel, tourists may walk up to the Observatory on a slope above Echo Mountain; the final portion of electric railroad takes visitors from Echo Mountain to Ye Alpine Tavern, a distance of five miles. James describes the beauty of the landscape and views, activities available to the tourist, such as horseback riding, and the health benefits of mountain climbing. The booklet concludes with brief descriptions of other picturesques accessible by Pacific Electric Railway, such as Long Beach, Whittier, San Gabriel Mission, and Monrovia and Baldwin's Ranch.




Mount Lowe Railway


Book Description




The San Gabriels


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Forget Me Not


Book Description

In 2005, a previously nameless 10,031-foot mountain in Montana's Gallatin Range was officially designated Alex Lowe Peak by the U.S. Board on Geographic Names. It was a hugely appropriate act. Not only was Alex Lowe one of the modern era's most extraordinary mountaineers, his life was intricately woven into the landscape of southwestern Montana.




Best Bike Rides Los Angeles


Book Description

Los Angeles is home to some of the best paved roads, dirt roads, mountain bike trails, and bike paths. Best Bike Rides Los Angeles describes over forty of the most diverse recreational and scenic rides in the Los Angeles area. With most rides between 3 and 50 miles, ranging in altitude from just above sea level along the beaches to over 5,600 feet ascending a peak in the San Gabriel Mountains, it's easy to find a ride that suits your tastes. Each route includes complete point‐by‐point miles and directions, map, text description of the riding area, GPS coordinates of the start/finish point, and full‐color photos of the ride's features. More than just a trail guide, Best Bike Rides Los Angeles gives the reader important information, such as flora and fauna, history, folklore, special events, and cultural happenings. Look inside to find: GPS coordinates Detailed miles and directions Descriptions of what you'll see along the way Full-color photos




101 Hikes in Southern California


Book Description

Discover 101 of the best hikes in Southern California, from family outings to 50-mile treks. The Southland is unparalleled for its beauty and diversity. A coastal trail, a desert hike, and a mountain trek are always just an hour or two away. Experience 101 of the region’s best hiking trips with authors David Harris and Jerry Schad. See a spectacular geological showcase cradled between two faults at the Devil’s Punchbowl. Find the ruins of a once grand Malibu mansion, now Solstice Canyon Park. Enjoy the natural hot springs alongside a mountain stream at Deep Creek. Take the guesswork out of choosing a trail that’s right for you. Each entry in this guidebook provides vital information like total distance, elevation gain or loss, hiking time, highlights, and difficulty—not to mention a full description of the route. You can take the entire family on a 1-mile stroll, or challenge yourself with a 52-mile backpacking trip. Inside you’ll find: 101 spectacular hikes, ranging from 1 to 52 miles Essential details such as distance, elevation change, and difficulty Route descriptions and directions to the trailheads Full-color maps and photographs Leave the urban world behind and discover the natural splendor of Southern California—from the Santa Monica and San Gabriel Mountains to the Laguna Mountains and Anza-Borrego Desert, from the Torrey Pines beaches to the summit of San Jacinto Peak.