Professor Lowe had a dream to make the beautiful Mountains overlooking the cities of Altadena / Pasadena accessible to average citizens. After much planning, many exploratory trips on horseback, he and Engineer Thomas McPherson located a series of routes that could be built upon with a series of rail cars to reach miles back into the forest and eventually all the way to the top of Mount Wilson. Financing the project himself, Professor Lowe proceeded to build his dream which eventually reached all the way to the base of Mount Lowe (named after Professor Lowe, previously known as Oak Mountain). At its peak, it was the top honeymoon destination in America. Beginning with the famous red car lines in California, Professor Lowe extended the line up through the rolling hills in Rubio Canyon where a small hotel was built at the base of new incline rail systems that would take a visitor up a mile along a ridge overlooking the LA Basin to the top of Echo Mountain.

The top of Echo Mountain became a little city of its own with places to eat, order picnic lunches, shop at stores, dormitories for employees, power generating station to power Echo Mountain facilities. There was also a trolley repair building and pit, observation decks at various spots, trails that could be taken by hikers both up and down the mountain and into the Alpine regions, tennis courts, stables and a now little known zoo. The entire assembly of buildings were painted white and because of the view from far below, became known as "The White City in the sky". The “opera box” great incline cars were also white and could be seen from afar ferrying up and down the hill. On a ridge behind the Echo Mountain ridge was an observatory building with a working 16 inch telescope housed in a round domed building. The foundations can still be found at the site as well as the cement stand which is what the telescope was mounted upon. It was Professor Lowe's intention to build the rail system all the way to the top of Mount Wilson along with additional hotels and facilities on the top of Mount Wilson. Later, much of the path of the large 100" telescope and observatory built on Mount Wilson was used to transport the delicate 100" mirror to the top of Mount Wilson.
[From Wikipedia]

Best Resorts in Altadena

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Our top choices for Altadena resorts

Pacific Palms Resort

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Brenda

$166 nightly

Jan 7 - Jan 8, 2026

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Amazing resort with AC in La Puente - 2 bedrooms container house

Valinda

$181 nightly

Jan 4 - Jan 5, 2026

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Top Altadena Hotel Reviews

citizenM Los Angeles Downtown

10/10 Excellent

"Really consistant hotel brand. Clean room, friendly staff, and easy to use amenities and lobby seating. Rooms are small, but beds are big. Better for a solo or couple."

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Altadena Resorts information

Number of reviews	1,010
Accommodation	5 Resorts
Lowest Price	$181
Highest Price	$183

Frequently asked questions

What can I expect from a resort vacation in Altadena?

Longing for a relaxing getaway? Indulge in the comforts of a resort, where you can find everything you want for your stay from convenient dining options to activities and shopping. There are 6 resorts in the area, offering you a variety of options that may have the luxurious suites or fun activities you're looking for.

What's a top resort for my stay in Altadena?

Here are our top-rated resorts near Altadena: Pacific Palms Resort - Spa resort. 16.6 mi (26.7 km) from Altadena. Features 2 restaurants, a golf course, and a full-service spa. Bowmont - Resort-style Beverly Hills Escape w/ Pool, Garden and Privacy - 16.2 mi (26 km) from Altadena. Has pool loungers, an outdoor pool, and a hot tub. Crystal Palace at the crest of Beverly Hills. A world traveler's paradise. - 16.8 mi (27.1 km) from Altadena. Enjoy the fitness center and hot tub. Amazing resort with AC in La Puente - 2 bedrooms container house - 15.2 mi (24.5 km) from Altadena. Luxurious Beverly Crest Resort in Beverly Hills 90210 Private Road - 17.7 mi (28.5 km) from Altadena. Access to a hot tub.

What can I do in Altadena?

Universal Studios Hollywood offers fun for the whole family, while Crypto.com Arena is one of the most popular places to visit nearby. Rose Bowl Stadium and Dodger Stadium are a couple additional top attractions in the area.

What's the weather like in Altadena?

The hottest months are usually August and July with an average temp of 75°F, while the coldest months are December and February with an average of 54°F. Average annual precipitation for Altadena is 14 inches.

What's the best way to get to and around Altadena?

Fly into Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR), which is located 12.7 mi (20.5 km) from the heart of the city. You can also search for flights into Van Nuys, CA (VNY), which is 20.4 mi (32.8 km) away. If you'd like to venture out around the area, consider renting a car to take in more sights.

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Pasadena Vacation Rentals

Things to do in Pasadena

Best Resorts in Altadena

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Our top choices for Altadena resorts

Pacific Palms Resort

Amazing resort with AC in La Puente - 2 bedrooms container house

Top Altadena Hotel Reviews

citizenM Los Angeles Downtown

Kimpton Hotel Palomar Los Angeles Beverly Hills by IHG

Biltmore Los Angeles

The Delphi Hotel

Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City

The LINE Hotel

Omni Los Angeles Hotel at California Plaza

Loews Hollywood Hotel

Sheraton Universal Hotel

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Altadena Resorts information

Frequently asked questions

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