Originally named Oak Mountain, it was renamed for Professor Thaddeus S.C. Lowe, who is credited for being the first person to set foot on and plant the American flag at its peak, and who built the Mount Lowe Railway to its foot in 1896.

A number of trails stem from it due to the Mount Lowe Tavern which was built at Crystal Springs below the summit and operated from 1895 to 1936.

One of the historic trails was the "Mount Lowe Eight" which was a mule ride attraction of the hotel that made a figure eight shaped route starting at the Tavern, ascending the summit of Mt.

Lowe, returning to the Tavern, and crisscrossing to a trail that headed down Castle Canyon.

Lowe is approachable from Echo Mountain or Chaney trail via a fire road which was graded over the old railway right-of-way.