Hike Mount Lowe to a Secret Swing

Rock tunnel, secret swing and stunning panoramic views!

Last updated: Jan 2024

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Description

Explore Mount Lowe via Eaton Saddle Trail, just 1 hour away from Los Angeles. It is a 5.6-mile loop trail located near Palmdale, California. This trail combines all the best hiking offers: stunning views, tunnels, observation points, history, nature, and a fantastic summit with a resting area. Mount Lowe via Eaton Saddle trail is dog-friendly, so bring your pets with you on this journey! The best time to do this hike is early in the morning or a little later in the day for a sunset experience. Make sure to pack snacks and lots of water with you, as this adventure will test your endurance!

Pro tip: The Secret Swing can be removed, so bring your own hammock, swing or improvise to take that photo for Instagram!

Perfect for

For solo

For two

For groups

Outdoorsy

Challenging

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Itinerary

Park on either side of Mt. Wilson Red Box Road.
Display your Adventure Parking Pass.
The trailhead is located on the bottom corner of the parking area on the west side.
Pass through the tunnel and continue on Mount Lowe Road.
Once you reach a spot with trails intersecting, stay to the left.
When the West trail connects with the East trail, you can turn right and climb a short, moderately steep trail directly to the summit or continue straight through the trail junction on a slightly longer, but much easier grade circling around to the south side of the summit.
Congratulations! You've reached the summit of Mount Lowe!

Location

Eaton Saddle Mt. Wilson Red Box Road Angeles National Forest Los Angeles, CA

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Packing List

hat
sunscreen
water
snack and food
trashbag
hiking shoes
layers
sunglasses
flashlight for post sunset times
Adventure Parking Pass (can be purchased at stores like REI and Big 5)
hammock/swing (to make sure you will take that photo)

4.7 ● Google reviews

I went there from eaton saddle. I guess it was the closest trail to this peak, but there was limited parking, only for 2-3 cars. This one is not a challenging trail. Easy walking with small rock along the way. Highly recommend to go around afternoon, the shade would be on your side more than half of the trail. The view along the way was actually better than the peak. You can see several peaks from there, but not that stunning. The sign was quite clear through the trail, just don’t miss it

Great Hiking place. Enjoy the trail made from previous railway. It would be great while the weather is good to see the sea of clouds. Prevent hiking in a cloudy or windy day.

A trail to test your legs and heart. Start early under the fog cover, bring plenty of water & sunblock. The rewards: infinite blue horizons under a relentless sun, lots of typical mountain desert plants and critters. The hotel ruins and abandoned rail line gives it a nice historical twist.

An Amazing Hike. The views were absolutely stunning. Definitely go early in the morning.

[Mount Lowe via Eaton Saddle; 5.6 mile loop] There was no snow when we visited on 2/27/2021. The difficulty was rated 3/10 in my opinion; however, many little rocks along the way, so prepare yourself a pair of good shoes. The swing on the top was indeed fun. And a good view for lunch/picnic :P

Show all 45 reviews