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 Reporter |
Summary: This is a strenuous hike up to the 9400 foot peak of Mount Baden-Powell. The hike, up 40 switchbacks, takes you through an amazing range of vegetation. Along the way you will see Oaks, Jeffery pines, Sugar Pines, Incense Cedar, Lodgepole Pines, White Fir, and near the summit the knarled Limber Pines. The views from the summit are breathtaking, looking over the Mojave desert and Southern Sierra. This is a great training day hike for a future backpacking trip. Trailhead: Take the Angeles Crest Highway (2) for 53 mikes from La Canada to the Vincent Gap Parking area. The signed trailhead is at the northwest edge of the parking area. NOTE: DUE TO A ROAD CLOSURE, THIS HIKE CAN ONLY BE ACCESSED VIA WRIGHTWOOD, NOT OVER ANGELES CREST EAST BOUND! (Lat:34.372526 Lon:-117.767223) Trail Guides for Mount Baden Powell: Day Hikers Guide to Southern California by John McKinney (Olympus Press) Trails of the Angles - 100 Hikes in the San Gabriels by John W. Robinson (Wilderness Press) 101 Hikes in Southern California by Jerry Schad (Wilderness Press) Best Seasons: Fall, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Ranger Contact: US Forest Service, 661-296-9710 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Jim Zuber, who has posted 104 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 7 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Tom N. on 6/12/2009 06-11-09 Nice hike. I got to the top in 2hrs 8min. The trail was in great shape. I wish people would not cut the switchbacks though. Even though there were lots of clowds the views were great. The many moutain peaks rising above the lowlying fog banks was beautiful. The temp was about 55 degrees at the top with a 15mph breeze making it chilly when the clowds obscured the sun. It is really too bad that the register box is so bad. I did not bother leaving my name as it seems to be more of a trash can than anything else. The Limber Pine grove is worth a visit. I will be hiking either Baden-Powell or Baldy weekly for the next month as preparation for the JMT in August. This was a nice hike. 
Reviewed by pisi on 6/8/2009 5 stars despite the road noise. well maintained trail with an easy grade in most places. about half the hike is spent walking along ridges with spectacular 180 degree views. this is definitely our preferred approach to baden-powell. the sharp ridges and rugged terrain reminded us of devil's backbone on the way to baldy. trail was not too crowded. we probably saw 20-30 or so people on a sunday compared with well over 100 in icehouse canyon the day before.
Reviewed by Joseph on 5/25/2009 I'm 6'5" 300lbs i was able to do this hike with a bit of a push, it was beautiful did the mountain in 4.5 hours with a 20+ min stay on the summit and some joggign back down. Snow is still there on the upper slopes around mi 3.5 so try and take the little side trail especially of the snow banks have been in the sun for a while..
Reviewed by Bettie on 5/22/2009 Did this one again, but this time without the snow! Most of it is gone, except for a little covering the trail near the top. Went up Vincent Gap, over to Dawson's Saddle and back along the highway. Really nice, and the 2 to Glendale is open now!
Reviewed by Bettie on 4/29/2009 My husband and I did this today. We encountered snow soon after beginning on the trail. The trail disappeared about a mile and half up. We were able to trudge across a few passes, but had to make our own snow route all the way up. Once we got to the ridge the snow disappeared but appeared again right below the summit. I wouldn't recommend this hike without crampons or at least some poles at this point.
Reviewed by Mike on 11/3/2008 Very rewarding hike to the summit. I counted 38 switchbacks, that got shorter after 20 and much shorter after 30. Magnificent views from the top and much more scenic after sw20. Took lots of great photos. 1500 year old tree at the top is amazing. First time to the top and I was a bit frightened for a while looking at the valley below. 9300 feet is very high, especially on the ridge of a mountain. Also had high wind gusts and temps in upper 30s to mid 40s. Clear at the top but a lot of heavy fog on the way down. Alot of climate changes can happen during a 2800 ft hike. Happy to say I saw no litter, and only encountered one other group on their way down.
Reviewed by Ron on 9/18/2008 Wife and I did this yesterday 9-18-08. Started at 0810 on top by 1025 and back at the 4runner at 1205. Nice day early on but the wind and clouds moved in on the way down. On the way up at about 7200' had a rattlesnake about 2 feet off the trail, he was kind of slow moving because of the cool weather. Keep a look out.. Saw about 12 other hikers today which is the most I've ever seen during the week. Another great day on one of are favorite mountains. Please do not cut switchbacks and trails, I have climbed BP about 8 times in the last 2 years and it is getting really bad. Also pick up your trash, We picked up a grocery bag full of trash during the hike. OK I'll get off my soap box..
Reviewed by Greg A. on 9/13/2008 Thanks to Halohiker who posted the directions below. I made the round trip in about 3hrs 20 mins. I got a late start around 12:30. The trail is easy to follow and in good condition. A good quick work out with some excellent views on the top. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: California Hiking, California Trails, California Hikes, Los Angeles County Hiking, Los Angeles County Trails, Los Angeles County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||