Echo Mountain via Ridge Line Trail

Fully exposed, but a true challenge especially if you are running or jogging. This trail is similar to the West ridge at Brand Park that terminates at Mt. Tongva. You do this trail to work out as it has no other function. You can head up a little trail that cuts up the hill to the left of the reservoir, or go straight through the Cobb Estate and go up the face. The electrical towers are about halfway. Not as scenic as the Lower Sam Merrill Trail, in fact not very scenic at all, but today there was a lot of yucca in full bloom. Up at the top, head down the trail to Echo Mountain, or continue as we did to Inspiration Point via Castle Canyon for a total of 10 mi. Today, in addition to the yucca, you could not pick a better time to see the wildflowers. They are sublime. We also ran into a large doe, a fast moving garter snake, beautiful raven, noisy scrub jays, and have you ever seen a hummingbird sitting still on the top of a yucca plant? The head and tail are red and purple. I got burned like a Branch Davidian up there even though I used sunscreen. You have been forewarned. Also, there is a spring on the Castle Canyon Trail with a nice flow, but you will have to filter the water.