Mount Lowe Railway – Mountain Bike Trail

The Pasadena Mount Lowe Railway trail is a fun intermediate-level ride that involves steep climbs on your way up and fast descents on your down. The singletrack follows the United States’ only electric traction railroad used to attract tourists between 1893 and 1938 when it was abandoned. The railroad was seven miles long, although the network of singletrack trails added to the area is significantly longer. Riders who want the fun of riding downhill without the hard work involved in going up the mountain can shuttle up to the trailhead at the top. That said, going downhill is no walk in the park, either.

Before you go:

Drinking water

Restrooms

Fee required

Lift service

Fat bike grooming

Family Friendly

Night riding

E-bikes allowed

Dogs Allowed

Obstacles

Shuttles

Detailed Trail Description

The Pasadena Mount Lowe Railway trail is a point-to-point trail that you can start either at the bottom or the top. If you start at the bottom, you may have to go through some steep climbs to the top before turning around. That said, you can avoid the hassle by taking a shuttle to the top for a fun and exciting ride down.

The top trailhead is on Mount Lowe Motorway, just off Mount Wilson Red Box Road. As for the bottom trailhead, you can find it on Mt Lowe Road at an intersection of the road and two trails, i.e., Chaney Trail and Brown Mountain Truck Trail.

While some of the original railway is gone, there are still some segments left, and you may even encounter signs telling the story of the railway, complete with pictures. If you’re on your way up, you may be able to stop to read these signs while you rest for a minute or two before resuming your climb. However, it might be a little risky if you’re on your way down, given how technical the trail is.

There are multiple switchbacks and hairpin turns that you’ll whizz past on your way down, and if you’re careless, you might end up with an injury or two. Nevertheless, the trail offers plenty of beautiful views of the landscape. There’s even a mountainside tunnel on the trail which isn’t something you see every day.

Parking is available at the bottom of Mt Lowe, but you’ll need to purchase a National Forest Adventure Pass. That said, we did find other parking spots in the area that won’t cost you a thing.

Additional Trail Features

• Extra fees: If you use the parking at the bottom of Mt Lowe, you’ll have to pay for a National Forest Adventure pass.
• Obstacles: Given that it’s an intermediate trail, you’ll have to overcome plenty of obstacles to complete the trail.
• Shuttles: There are shuttles that could get you to the top trailhead, so you don’t have to make the climb on your bike.

Sights of Interest, Landscapes, Views

All along the trail, you get beautiful landscape views with the available signs telling the history of the railway that once was. There are also a few ruins of old hotels that you can explore at the top.

Recommendations and Precautions

• If you’re on a one-time trip there, you can get away with looking for free parking near the trail instead of paying for the National Forest Adventure pass. However, getting the pass might not be a bad idea if you plan on being a regular.
• Also, avoid staring at the sights and signs too long on your way down if you want to make it through unscathed.