Mount Lowe, in particular, offers a variety of descent options. Want to enjoy an easy, scenic cruise from mountaintop to city limits on an abandoned railroad grade? You can do just that, as the now-defunct railway (complete with a tunnel through the mountainside) is the anchor of all the routes in this region.

Want to drop down narrow, technical singletrack with breathtaking views and death-defying exposure? Mount Lowe offers that type of mountain bike ride as well.

The route mapped here follows the classic Mount Lowe descent, but follows all the sections of the Sam Merrill trail down the mountain to the outskirts of the city. While the classic descent does follow the Middle Sam Merrill Trail, this route option continues onto the Lower Sam Merrill Trail before ending at the edge of the city.

Lower Sam Merrill is a switchbacked descent with constant tight turns and exposed ledges. This trail is one of the most popular hiking trails in the region, so if you choose to descend this option, be sure to ride aware of trail traffic and yield the trail to hikers.

Sources: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/echo-mountain-via-sam-merrill-trail--4