Exploring the Secret Ruins of Echo Mountain

Support OUR adventures securely with PATREON:
/ oddityodysseys
High atop a mountain north of Altadena are the remains of a 100-year-old hotel resort brought to ruin by a string of disasters.
Written by: Bethany Guerrero
Cinematography and Visual Effects by: C. Drew Unser
CAMERA GEAR AND SETUP (AFFILIATE LINKS!!)
(Amazon) GoPro Hero2: amzn.to/2tfT2vY
(Amazon) Canon 5D: amzn.to/2Dvw6xn
(Amazon) Canon 7D: amzn.to/2tlaM93
(Amazon) Camera Lens: amzn.to/2DyJXDf
(Amazon) (Our amazing drone!): amzn.to/2WPTJJY
(Amazon) DJI Osmo+ : amzn.to/2E5COvn
(Amazon) Audio: amzn.to/2GyLg7C
(Amazon) Audio: amzn.to/2IxXX58
Instagram► / oddityodysseys
Facebook► / oddityodysseys
Music by: incompetech.com and freepd.com
"Mountain Emperor" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
creativecommons.org/licenses/b...
"Movement Proposition" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
creativecommons.org/licenses/b...
"Lost Frontier" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
creativecommons.org/licenses/b...
"Funkorama" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
creativecommons.org/licenses/b...
All images and video clips utilized under Educational Fair Use:
commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi...
mountlowe.altadenahistoricalso...
airandspace.si.edu/multimedia...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_L...
www.thaddeuslowe.name/mlechoho...
/ 337488565796661961
www.flickr.com/photos/kansas_...
waterandpower.org/museum/Mt_L...
mountlowe.altadenahistoricalso...
www.pacificelectric.org/pacif...
mountlowe.altadenahistoricalso...
www.mountlowe.org/mount-lowe-v...
www.mountlowe.org/mlpsi-collec...
Information Sources:
californiathroughmylens.com/e...
modernhiker.com/hike/hiking-e...
www.mountlowe.org/category/mou...
Textures by: startextures.com
Fonts by: fontsquirrel.com

[@toxicbandit]

Oddity Odysseys definitely should have more subscribers ! You guys are Ace !!

[@Lawomenshoops]

The bench at about 1:20, she is using to stretch is the Lee Tracy Memorial Bench. Lee used to lead hikes up to Echo every Wednesday night for almost 10 years. In 2017, he slipped and fell about 50 feet, and died. His friends raised money to build that bench.

[@grant2584]

thanks for that update,that's important for people to know. :)

[@dpete33]

Urban exploration, a history lesson, and a complete lack of breathless over-exaggeration. Loving what your doing!

[@cartman4885]

These guys need a tv show...........

[@lsmith1625]

💯

[@andyquinteros5596]

Los Angeles native here and I’ve never heard of this beautiful and tragic past. Our city is full of history and secrets a lot of us don’t know about. Thanks to you guys my LA history knowledge just grew richer. Now I have a new spot and ruins to go check out. 😎

[@KevConc]

You guys can have your own Tv Show! Awesome Quality Videos. Keep it up!!

[@andyblack5687]

I think you deserve your own television channel.

[@mikehenry7156]

I grew up in LA, Glendale actually. I thought I'd been everywhere and seen everything there is to see in all the surrounding mountains. Thank you for all of this, makes me want to come back and explore . . . almost.

[@PrehistoricPro]

See, this kind of channel is one of the reasons I love KZbin! It's such a weirdly specific niche: urban exploration in CA, that I never even considered it a possible interest. But here I am, half a world away, binge-watching every second and feeling inspired to not only visit Cali but to get out and look for this kind of stuff in my own back yard (London). Keep it up guys, hope you make this channel into everything you want it to be!

[@gabybiz6089]

Im in LOVE with this channel!!Ok so I promise last 3 places I will mention to visit from around my hometown 😂.. Shea's Castle, Western hotel and Club Ed movie set. And a couple bonus ones Hahaha, In Santa Barbara the Chumas Indian Cave paintings, Olivas adobe ranch and in Filmore Rancho Camulos👍

[@OddityOdysseys]

We love the suggestions, keep it up! :) Thanks so much for watching. Hopefully, we can make a trip soon to see all these great places you've recommended. Take care!

[@charleshartz4814]

First I have ever heard of this magnificent place in it's day. The picture comparisons brought it to life. What an incredible place it must have been. Thank you for the trip, and for doing these vlogs.

[@brillblonde6705]

Excellent episode with a magical quality. The way you integrated the historical photos and information with footage of the current site is masterful. Great job!

[@Heyzues21]

49 seconds in and Bethany already done with Drew lol

[@justdave3571]

Great vid! I've done that hike several times. In the late 80's, we'd call the area behind the gate The Enchanted Forest (at night). In the early 70's, my brother knew it as Frankenstein's Lane.

[@intothedeeptv2938]

Another awesome vid! I am always left wanting more. I guess I will just watch it again. Will someone please give them a full show on the travel channel or something! Great work!

[@ULTRA1BOB]

If you had gone further uphill on the trails, you would have seen old-fashioned view tubes along the way. If you go left away from the hotel along the trail, you follow the path of the railroad, and there are photos mounted along that trail showing the train. In some spots you even can see the railroad ties. It's a great place to run. Bring plenty of water in the summer.

[@rikacomedyletsplays2581]

Im amazed that you guys essentially made your own show xD

[@corieddings5713]

Wow I have lived in California all my life and never new of this.

[@maindrianpace6898]

Fantastic as always

[@rolfathan]

The tracking of the photos, with the modern shots you're taking is so fantastic. I can't believe I never knew about this channel before. Subscribed, and already a fan!!!!

[@thatonekidisback9223]

When are you guys visiting the fancy skid row?

[@carolyncomings521]

Very enjoyable. Well done. Keep up the great work!

[@enigmaone7055]

Great content you guys! Love the abandoned themes! 👍✊👊

[@signalsyyz]

Awesome adventure....!

[@adventureswithchristian6967]

You guys find things that have never been shown before. Making those gears had of been a job in 1888 I believe you said. Definitely want to visit this. Thank you! I'm going to share this video, and your channel. You both deserve more for what you share.

[@Canuckgirl152]

Subscribed because I love ur judgement !

[@navydogsadventures3500]

These two are good, fun times! Thanks for sharing😂

[@adventureswithchristian6967]

@@Canuckgirl152 thank you they have a great channel!

[@adventureswithchristian6967]

@@navydogsadventures3500 thank you buddy, and I'm glad good people are showing up here!!!

[@navydogsadventures3500]

@@adventureswithchristian6967 Thanks, I enjoy adventurous hikes like this myself, it is like you are right there with them!!

[@markj1069]

Good Day Bethany and Drew If you are still looking for future shows, you might want to investigate the Goat Canyon Tresses east of San Diego. It is the longest free-standing wooden Tressel. It was built for the San Diego and Arizona Eastern Railroad. Challenging hike.

[@leotovar6346]

You guys really need your own tv show

[@catphishing2]

Love all the info you 2 put out there. I never new these places even exist. Cant wait to take my daughter to these new places u have shown me. Thanks. Keep up the great work. And happy trails!!!!

[@paulpetersen3764]

Thank you for taking me back....I did this in 1969...continued past the Mt Wilson Rd, slept in Devore Campground, and out by way of Chantry Flat. Great weekend.

[@KennethStone]

Reminds me of the Mount Tamalpais & Muir Woods Railway, across the Golden Gate from Sutro Baths. It was also built in the late 19th Century, and would take people up to the Tavern on Mt. Tam. This was after they took the ferry from San Francisco (this being pre-Golden Gate Bridge). They then could choose to take the Gravity Car back down to Mill Valley, or to Muir Woods. The whole thing burned down in 1929. Being a former park ranger at Mt. Tam State Park, I find this all very fascinating! en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Tamalpais_and_Muir_Woods_Railway

[@residentpotato6023]

Craptown

[@user-jh2pp5xh9h]

Great stuff guys :) I'm fairly new to your channel but I find myself here on the daily, keep it up !!

[@xxxxpandaxxxx]

Hey guys, just wanted to comment it makes me happy seeing the wholesome content you guys produce! looks like you two have gone lots of amazing places together :)

[@stevemoravec2555]

Fascinating. As usual. Thanks!

[@bruceaisher]

Great video and I liked how you showed us the pictures too. It is amazing that all that used to be up there and also very sad it has all gone. Can only imagine how popular that would be now if the railway was still running!

[@bongox2777]

The more videos of yours that I watch the more professional they seem. Great work!

[@OddityOdysseys]

Thank you, our friend!

[@21cascadia]

Nice work lining up your shots with the historical photos. I’ve been enjoying your adventures. Thanks!

[@UKMarkPope]

How you guys have only 11K subscribers is beyond me. Seriously a great channel

[@xorgelopez4740]

xChevy Toughx they have literally gained 2k subs since this comment

[@coreylahey1711]

@@xorgelopez4740 try 9 k more

[@dm11817]

This is one of my favorite videos so far. I read about this place a few months back. So happy you made a video about it.

[@westcoastbronco]

I am very impressed with your channel. Each episode I have seen is well thought out, informative, and entertaining. You both are great presenters, you should be proud. Keep up the good work.

[@Vulturefist]

You said it Mayor West, Amen brother!

[@AbandonedMines11]

Hey, guys! Really have been enjoying the vids on your channel which I just recently found. You certainly find some out-of-the-way places to feature in your videos, and it's given me some ideas for places to explore on my own. Nice job with the filming and editing! Very watchable all the way through. Keep up the good work!

[@OddityOdysseys]

Thank you so much! We have been enjoying your work and we're so glad you're enjoying our videos! Do you have a favorite spot that you've explored? Take care :)

[@AbandonedMines11]

@@OddityOdysseys When you ask "favorite spot", are you asking about above ground or underground? haha I only started exploring and documenting unusual places above ground a couple years ago. Before that, my channel was exclusively abandoned mine exploration. As for the handful of above ground spots I've already looked at, the waterfall back in Pennsylvania where Fred Rogers (of Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood fame) spent time as a young boy was a nice one. Also, my recent trek to Maidenhair Falls in Anza-Borrego Desert was also pretty spectacular. I'm still getting used to exploring things above ground and in broad daylight -- such a change from always being underground and in total darkness! I see you guys made it to the Big Horn Mine, too. Did that one several years back. I'm sure this year it will be flooded with a lot of water due to the extreme amount of snow the mountains got this winter. When I was there, we only encountered a couple inches of water in some of the tunnels. I knew another guy who had gone there a couple years before I did, and the water was up to his knees in some parts! Anyway, thanks again for your interesting channel. Such a nice presentation. Keep up the good work!

[@johnwayne6501]

wow...you guys are awesome. I think a TV network should take your show on TV. You make exploring fun again.

[@osker5706]

Your channel deserves more subs!!!

[@Praxeus7]

Well done, just found you guys tonight and binged a handful of videos. Fantastic work!

[@nathanielanderson8753]

This is awesome, such great exploration destinations for SoCal residents

[@BeyondTheCompass817]

Very cool, that looked a serious hike!

[@mickeysplane7980]

Nice summary. Thanks!

[@johnnada586]

Excellent job you two

[@jennifurzoe1302]

Another great video and the history you two add is awesome,don't forget Sturvent falls,Strawberry Peak & Mt.Disappointment while up there.

[@peggycarlyle6409]

So interesting and so sad. Thank you for sharing!

[@DrugsforKids]

My wife and I did this hike and it was wonderful thanks for a great video!

[@YoursTrulyChris]

Fascinating. Love all your content!

[@Two_Wheels_Only_ADV]

Another Great Video !!

[@jflow08]

This was an awesome hike. Thanks for this video explaining all the history.

[@residentpotato6023]

The camera should have never left her booty.

[@dvolada81]

great work guys..

[@mrdave777]

Thank you for the great videos and content!

[@murlough23]

This has been one of my favorite hikes since childhood, though I only knew bits and pieces of the history. Haven’t hiked it in a while because all those switchbacks are a real butt-kicker!

[@warrenskidmore7344]

Great video! Really good to see the old views in context with what is there now.

[@sawseeelekss2310]

I wish I would have known about this place while living in Pasadena..wowww

[@8ballout]

What a beautiful place and great hike to the top. Also top, this video. Thanks

[@keithjohnson6352]

HELLO ODDITYS, I'M A NEW SUBSCRIBER, I FIND YOUR TRAVELS VERY INTERESTING.!!! CAN'T WAIT TOO START WATCHING YOUR VIDEOS.!!!!!! THANKS.!!

[@JEFFDI]

You guys have a cool way of doing vids. Interesting, educational, accessible; keep up the good work! Many thanks.

[@MattFangCreates]

I just hiked this trail today and didn’t know anything about this trail. Y’all did an amazing job on this and it made my experience even more fascinating!

[@jamesg2609]

My Dad and Grandmother rode the train in the 1920s. Also years ago down the hill there is a former powerhouse that was or maybe still is a real estate office that doubles as a museum of artifacts from the MLRR. I visited the museum in the 1990s. Great video B and D .

[@1WideRide]

Love ur adventures you learn a lot from watching your vide😎s 🤙🏽🤙🏽🤙🏽

[@ranawilliams6947]

So glad I found this channel. You guys rock! Two thumbs up & a biscuit!

[@amyalvarado3762]

I just discovered you two gems this morning. Thank you for all your work!💛

[@amyalvarado3762]

Still binging😉

[@bunnyfaceface]

Awesome 👍

[@random22026]

Loving the photo match-ups, Bethany and Drew! Good job! :D

[@bartandrews5789]

Nice video guys. I've been up there many times. Lots more up there to see!

[@RavenswoodProductions]

You missed the Power House, the Zoo and the platform for the Alpine Lodge. But its a nice video.

[@concerned1313]

1st time I watched a video from you all. As a local amateur historian and local hiker, very accurate, thank you!

[@giuliom8520]

You guys make top quality videos! You really do your homework and make them great.

[@danielwoodbeck779]

Love the Channel! Becoming a certified Binge watcher myself! Keep up the great work!

[@esau93631]

First Saturday Of The Month!!!! Enjoy your channel. Always Interesting things to see.....

[@baronvg]

This was a well produced video. Good job, guys.

[@OddityOdysseys]

Thank you for watching! We really appreciate it. :)

[@greyroom6730]

Thank you for putting these together....I love these sorts of things and you two do a great job!! If you ever want to do a series of shows in and around Lake Tahoe (abandoned ski resorts and other oddities) let me know!!!! I'd be happy to help out.

[@KB6YAF]

Good video, but there's more! Thaddeus Lowe played an important part in the Civil War. He operated balloons, that when launched, would carry a man to spy on the troops (enemy) and even caught the attention of then President Lincoln. Lowe lived in a beautiful big mansion in San Marino, CA, adjacent to Pasadena after moving west. Thaddeus Lowe's granddaughter was Pancho Barnes. She organized Hollywood's first group of aviators called 'stunt pilots' for the film industry. She was a famous pilot herself winning many events, even one where she beat Amelia Earhart in a race. You also might remember her famous "Happy Bottom Riding Club near Edwards Air Force Base, then called Muroc Field where many of the early test pilots would relax for a drink and a steak dinner. Her bar was featured as a segment in the film "The Right Stuff". Sadly her "Happy Bottom Riding Club" burnt to the ground. Pancho was a local celebrity and a hero among the aviation community. Do more research on her. You will be amazed.......Russell D.

[@weeniedogwrangler7096]

For more info on Echo Mt. check out "Mount Lowe, The Railway in the Clouds by Charles Seims. Lots of great pics and good overview of the history of the railway and all that went with it. There was another smaller lodge further up the mountain called Alpine Tavern. It also burned back in the 30's.

[@kevinhagberg1648]

Love this Channel.

[@goingslightlymad7172]

New subscriber here! I love your channel! I've hiked up there and its really cool. I am so fascinated by this story. Its hard to believe all those buildings were up there. Thanks for including the history and the old pictures in your videos-Awesome! :)

[@HarryCoal]

Very interesting, I enjoy these videos.

[@Canuckgirl152]

Great video !

[@StlSinger]

I dig your channel. Do you guys ever question the narrative we're given though? I've been to that place. So In a time of horse and buggy they had electric motor powered railcars??

[@fernandochavez4312]

Nice job👍

[@eikenhein]

well done, nice editing

[@jbidnezz101]

One of my favorite hikes.😁

[@maxiepattie85]

when I was a teenager they'd sell fire wood at the top (for the few that made it to the top) Cal Tech hasing people got lost at night? and the trail washed away more than once

[@strykernecro]

I loved echo mountain! Great vuew uptop_

[@californiathroughmylens]

Great job on the video guys, one of your best!

[@OddityOdysseys]

Thank you, good sir! We were just enjoying your video on Yosemite Valley in the winter last night.

[@michaelwalters7333]

You Guys Rock, Love the Videos

[@treeclimbing7798]

Wow cool places

[@tom_p9075]

How this is I found this channel just now its mistery. You do awesome job.

[@howdy90]

I remembered hiking in the evening there. Beautiful view when the sun is setting. I also bumped into a couple of deer that evening. Good workout to get up there.

[@scottleeper8332]

Love your channel!!!!

[@jrblazinarrow727]

👍🇬🇧 very enjoyable adventures

[@mikieson]

thanks for the video

[@michaelhenderson9039]

There is a book available called " Afoot and Afield in Los Angeles county" which is loaded with great hikes all over LA. I discovered Echo MTN and Mt. Lowe as well as many others. Thanks Drew and Bethany for your great videos. They are appreciated.

[@johnburwell6609]

I've been up there many times. At one point much of the remnants were there and in pretty good condition. The Alpine Tavern which was higher up on the mountain was left intact and in very good condition. All that is there now though is some walls and a large flat group camping area since the USFS demolished the derelict buildings that had become a dangerous eyesore due to vandalism and squatting. John Robinson said it best in one of his trail guide books, the "human termites" took their toll.

[@tedmitchell5286]

Damn, I really like your unique style. You guys put a lot of thought into this. Great work!

[@dmdbdmdb]

Excellent job putting your videos together. A lot of videos have a lot of unnecessary verbiage-yours do not. Good historical information-interesting places. Length is just right. Your voices are easy to listen too. I live on the east coast in Travelers Rest, SC at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains . Totally amazed with the geographical and historical diversity in California . Look forward to seeing more of your videos .

[@OddityOdysseys]

Thank you so much! Would love to make it out to that side of the country one day so feel free to e-mail us any episode suggestions at [e-mail] :)

[@Paulnikon]

Great cooler.