Print Echo Mountain, amid the 700,000 acres of national forest that is L.A.’s backyard, was once a playground for the well-to-do. More than a century ago, the barren mountaintop above Altadena was transformed into a resort where the wealthy came to party in a civilized manner, breathe fresh air and immerse themselves in nature — all without setting foot on a trail. Some ruins remain, giving modern-day hikers a glimpse of what passed for luxury back in the day. An incline car approaches Echo Mountain House. (Los Angeles Public Library) Advertisement The sprawling four-story Echo Mountain House opened in 1894 at the dawn of L.A.'s great hiking era, when thousands of Angelenos became enthralled with exploring their wild backyard.