Mount Lowe Railway, Altadena

Mount Lowe Railway, established in 1893 near Altadena, California, was an engineering marvel designed by Thaddeus Lowe and David J. Macpherson. Part of the Pacific Electric "Red Cars" network, the railway connected downtown Los Angeles to the San Gabriel Mountains, offering a scenic ascent from Mountain Junction through the Great Incline to Echo Mountain. Here, visitors enjoyed the luxurious Echo Mountain House resort, complete with an observatory and numerous amenities. The journey continued along the Alpine Division, passing through scenic spots like Mount Curve, and culminated at the Alpine Tavern, a rustic resort designed for relaxation amidst nature. The railway ceased operations in 1938 due to natural disasters and economic decline but remains a popular historical site for hikers and history enthusiasts, featuring trails and remnants of its once-grand infrastructure.

Altadena Historic Photos

• Altadena Historic Photos

• Mount Wilson, Altadena, birthplace of modern astronomy

• Mount Lowe Railway, Altadena, only electric mountain railway (View and download photos)

• John Muir High School, Class of 1973

• Charles Eliot Junior High School, Class of 1970

• Altadena Elementary School  Class of 1967 (view and download photos)

• Arthur Amos Noyes Elementary School, Class of 1967

• Tournament of Roses Parade, historic photos