Brown Mountain - Advanced levels | Moderate levels read carefully

Alright everyone, check it out...

I did a quick map of the intended route which doesn't cover Mt. Lowe, and the estimated distance is about 16-18 miles. I actually DO NOT want to go that distance, and the only thing that is making it so long is Brown Mtn.

Therefore, I am NOT going to be bagging Brown Mtn. These legs aren't excited for the distance, and I'm not all that enthused either. If one or all of you want to go to Brown, then please do. Don't let me stop you.

Here's my new plan.

1. Take the steep route up to the Mt. Lowe fireroad. Steep uphill.
2. Take the Sunset trail to Millard Canyon. Downhill
3. Hike in the canyon towards the Dawn Mines. Slight incline.
4. Follow the canyon all the way back up to the Mt. Lowe fireroad. Incline increases gradually towards the end nearing the fireroad.
5. Here's the option: Some of you can go back from here, but I may take the road to Inspiration Pt. if the day is still short. Downhill back to the cars. Slight incline to Inspiration Pt.

This hike I would estimate to be around 12 miles. 14 with Inspiration Pt. added. Except for the first part, I would downgrade this hike to a moderate. After the beginning, it's downhill, then slight incline back up to the fireroad along the Dawn Mine Trail.

IGNORE EVERYTHING BELOW. JUST KEPT IN CASE I WANT TO REFER BACK TO IT IN THE FUTURE.

Here's the preliminary quick write up...

This is catered towards Advanced Levels. However, I'm opening it up to moderate levels who want to try my definition of an advanced hike. Note though, the first portion is steep and involves scrambling up a steep slope. If you are uncomfortable with this, then you can turn around and hike up to Echo Mtn. if you wish.

Just know though that I will NOT be waiting for anyone to catch up. This is going to be a moderately long hike and the pace must be set.

Also, I haven't hiked up to Brown Mtn before, so I do not know what to expect in terms of gain etc.

Here's a quick description of what I would like to do:

1 - From Lake ave take the steep ridge opposite Sam Merrill Trail (Echo mtn trail) up to the Mt. Lowe fire road.

2 - Bag Brown mountain (wherever that may be...).
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3a - If possible, head down Brown Mtn. into Bear canyon. I have to read about any trails in this canyon or if it's even accessible. We may have to do some bushwhacking.

4a - From Bear Canyon, connect with the Mt. Lowe fireroad and take that and bag Mt. Markham and Mt. Lowe.
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3b - If not possible, make our way back towards Echo mtn and head up to Inspiration Pt.

4b - Head up to Mt. Lowe. Note: if there's a sudden heat wave or if it's going to be a warm day, I'll wait at Inspiration Pt. You can go onto Mt. Lowe.
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5 - Return to the cars via Castle Canyon trail then Sam Merril trail.

6 - Dinner and beer.

Total mileage and gain still pending. I'll get to that next week.