|
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
         
 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 2 of 7 Submit your own review 
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.
Reviewed by Greg on 8/12/2008 A friend told me about Baden and reading the reviews here I now know to believe the difficulty level! I found it to be very beautiful with great views from the summit and also pretty strenuous, glad I borrowed poles. My knees were very sore at the last mile, I am in good shape but just a novice hiker. Very glad I came across this site and wish it was sooner!
Reviewed by JeffH on 8/11/2008 This is a really nice hike! I did it on August 9, thanks for the directions off of the 15. Note that it's about 20 miles from the freeway to the parking lot. There were about 20 cars parked when I arrived just before 1pm, and I saw about that many people on the trail. The elevation gain on the hike is steady without too much roller-coaster action, and being on the North side of the mountain provides plenty of shade. On the eastbound switchbacks the view looks like you will be walking onto a ledge, with a great view of the Mt Baldy area each time you turn a corner that direction. Note there is a false summit but then the views are spectacular when you reach the ridge just before the actual Baden-Powell pea
Reviewed by Ich on 8/2/2008 Troop 730 was back again. Started at 7:45 and made it to the summit a few minutes after 10:00. A little slower this time compared to 2006 but the scouts, carrying 40-45 pounds, had to wait for a a couple of slower adults along the way. probably lost about 15 minutes. Back down by 12:30. It was little warmer going up due to light winds - nicer on the way down.
Reviewed by Halohiker on 7/24/2008 First of all, here are the current, correct directions. From the 15 North freeway, take 138 West, toward Wrightwood. After about 8 miles on the 138, bear left at the junction with the 2. Follow the 2 through Wrightwood, and keep going until the road closure sign. You'll park in the lot on your left. Anyway, my hubby and I did this hike today, for the third time and enjoyed it as usual. It's quite lovely, and it makes for a great warm up for Mt. Baldy. I've done that hike plenty of times, so I know! 
Reviewed by Frustrated on 7/19/2008 I'm sure this is a wonderful mountain to climb, but having read the driving directions I was dismayed to find that the Angeles Crest Highway is closed a few miles past Newcomb's Ranch. Had I known this I would have gone a different way. I hope someone will correct this so others will not make the same mistake - thanks. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||