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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. (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: Summer, Fall User Groups: Hikers, Dogs Ranger Contact: US Forest Service, 661-296-9710 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Jim Zuber, who has posted 105 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 5 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by JimZ on 5/3/2008 We were surprised by the snow on the trail, almost from the start. We had couple kids that ran out of gas pretty quick, so we didn’t get very far up. There were a surprising number of cars in the parking lot, so I assume that the snow on the trail is passable all the way up. Note that you need to come in through Wrightwood as highway 2 is closed coming in from the west.
Reviewed by Jason on 5/3/2008 My friends and I hiked Mt. Baden-Powell from Vincent Gap on 5/3/08. ALOT OF SNOW... We completely lost sight of the trail at 8000' due to snow and ice. We pushed on towards the summit to 8600' and turned around because we didn't have crampons and we were concerned about how long it would take to decend on the sheet of ice we were walking on. Beautiful views though! We'll have to try again in a few weeks when the snow melts. 
Reviewed by Tim and Lynn on 4/5/2008 We hit it on an unusually clear day. Spectacular views.
Reviewed by Ron on 12/8/2007 Did this on 7 December 07. The wife and I started at 825 a.m. It was a bit chilly and windy and after the rains last night the trail was pretty wet. As we gained altitude the trail became frozen and a storm came through and started to snow on us. We made it to about 9150' just short of the ridge line but decided to turn back because of the icy trail conditions. Plus we had past are turn around time in order to get back to Palmdale and get the boys from school. The first mile down took forever due to the ice conditions, must of slipped and fell about five times. Note to self: It takes longer to go down an icy trail than it takes to go up! Took a lot of beautiful pictures of the ice formations on the trees and bushes. Another great hi
Reviewed by Ron on 11/19/2007 19 Nov 07 - Well now that the forest is open again I thought I would get up the mountain at least one more time before they close the short cut I take to Vincent Gap. (N11 is Big Rock Creek road, it turns into a dirt road and is 3 miles to Vincent Gap rather than the 20 miles around.) I hit the trail at 0815 and was back at the truck at 1236. Since all my hiking partners were working it was a solo trip. Nice day and saw one other hiker. Was back in Palmdale to get the kids from school.
Reviewed by Ron on 10/17/2007 Two of us did this hike on 16 Oct. 07. We left the parking lot at Vincent Gap at 0810 and summited at 1030, we left the summit at 1050 and were back in the parking lot at 1220. The day was a bit chilly but the wind was really blowing as we gained elevation. At the summit we had gusts exceeding 50+ mph. The views were nice with the clouds surrounding the lower mountains. This was my 3rd trip up this year and the 1st for my friend. This is one of my favorite hikes and gets easier everytime. Want to get one more trip in before the dirt road from big pines closes for the winter as this is a nice shortcut. Another great day on the mountain!
Reviewed by Johnny Hill on 9/17/2007 I really like the Views on this hike. I hiked up last weekend about 4:20am. I had a great breakfast at the top and went on my way. This is a personal favorite, even with 41 switchbacks.
Reviewed by Ron on 8/22/2007 The kids are back in school!!! Wife and I dropped them off and ran to the mountains. Left the parking lot at Vincent Gap and hit the trail at 0815. Reached the summit at 1025, spent about 20 minutes at the top and then headed down. Midway down spoke to one hiker going up for about 5 minutes and then hit the parking lot at 1207. Had plenty of time to get back to Palmdale to get the kids from school. Another great hike!! 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||