Mt Baden Powell: A Stunning Six Pack of Peaks Hike
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I took advantage of the July 4th holiday to drive up to LA and conquer Mt Baden Powell, my fourth peak in the 2024 SoCal Six Pack of Peaks challenge. The trail was filled with never-ending switchbacks, breathtaking views, and unforgettable moments. Below is everything you need to know to tackle this hike for your next adventure.
About Mt Baden Powell
Mount Baden-Powell is a prominent peak in the San Gabriel Mountains, located within the Angeles National Forest in Los Angeles County, California.
Named in honor of Lord Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of the Boy Scouts, the peak stands at an elevation of 9,407 feet (2,867 meters), as indicated by a wooden sign at its summit. The ascent is commonly made via the Pacific Crest Trail, starting from the Vincent Gap trailhead, where hikers navigate a series of rigorous switchbacks. Those who reach the top are rewarded with breathtaking views of the Mojave Desert, the Los Angeles Basin, and surrounding mountain ranges.
The summit reveals ancient limber pine trees and also features a memorial plaque dedicated to Baden-Powell. There’s also an American flag and a wooden sign for the obligatory summit photos!
Additionally, Mount Baden-Powell is a notable part of the SoCal Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge, making it a popular destination for adventurers aiming to complete this series of iconic Southern California hikes.
Gear Recommendation for your Mt Baden Powell hike
Hiking Mt Baden Powell from Vincent Gap trailhead
Reaching the trailhead
The Mt. Baden-Powell trailhead starts at Vincent Gap, just a few miles beyond Wrightwood. The drive up from I15 is quite scenic, and I was taken aback when I saw the imposing height of Mt. Baden-Powell looming ahead. The steepness of the mountain was quite intimidating.
Parking at Vincent Gap Trailhead
There is a lot of commotion online about parking for this hike. There is a large parking lot at the Vincent Gap trailhead, but a sign was recently installed that reads that parked vehicles must display a big pines pass. From what I read online, this Big Pines pass is only going to be enforced from January 1st, 2025, however, they have already installed a pay station to buy a pass near the restrooms inside the parking lot. You simply provide your name, license plate, and $5.00 in the envelope and deposit it into the slot. You then place the filled-out receipt on your dashboard. You can also buy a pass in Wrightwood.
I didn’t have any cash on me, so I chose to park in the dirt lot across the street, and I displayed both my America The Beautiful and Southern California Adventure passes on my dash. I didn’t have any issues, but I also hiked on a holiday, so may have been less risky to get a ticket.
I spoke to a hiker who frequently visits this trailhead, and he mentioned that since the parking lot requires a Big Pines pass, the toilets are cleaner and always stocked with lots of toilet paper! So I guess that’s where the $5 fee goes!
The parking lot also offers picnic tables and bear-proof trash containers.
Scenic hike to the summit
The hike primarily consists of switchbacks—40 of them, according to AllTrails. The trail leads you through a stunning variety of vegetation, including oaks, Jeffrey pines, sugar pines, incense cedars, lodgepole pines, and white firs. Near the summit, you’ll encounter the gnarled limber pines. Hiking in early July, I spotted only a few red wildflowers along the path.
As you ascend, the views become increasingly spectacular. The trek is well worth the effort, with breathtaking vistas from the summit overlooking the Mojave Desert on one side and Baldy on the other. Be sure to take some time to enjoy the scenery once you reach the top.
Terrain and Conditions
The terrain is steep, but the numerous switchbacks make the ascent more manageable. However, it’s easy to understand why PCT thru-hikers might be concerned about this section when it’s snow-covered. I would be petrified to tackle this trail in snowy conditions.
I began my hike at 11 am, and it was already warm due to an excessive heat warning that day. I enjoy warm weather, and the trail offers plenty of shaded spots as you wind through the switchbacks. I wore shorts and a tank top, but the bugs were a nuisance, so I switched to my sun hoodie after getting stung by a bee.
This trail is part of the PCT CA Section D and is in excellent condition, typical of alpine terrain, with loose rocks, packed dirt, and scattered tree roots. I encountered only one downed tree across the trail, which was easy to navigate.
PCT thru-hikers always say the trail provides, and it’s true of this section too. A mile up from the trailhead, a bench offers scenic views for a quick rest, and it even comes with a natural tripod to take your own photo!
I met several other hikers on their way down, along with many trail runners.
Summit Experience
The summit provides spectacular 360-degree views: to the south, you can see Mt. Baldy and many other peaks, while to the north, you can glance at the Mojave Desert and, on a clear day, even the southern Sierra Nevada range.
Unfortunately, I was unable to use my Peak Finder app to identify all the peaks because I recently purchased a new phone and I didn’t have cell service at the summit to download the Peak Finder data.
There is also a monument to Lord Baden-Powell, the founder of the Boy Scouts of America, which has been at the summit since 1957!
The summit is very exposed, but there are small shaded areas where you can rest and enjoy a meal. There are no water sources, so be sure to carry enough water for your entire hike. I carried 3L with me and didn’t run out.
Post-Hike Recommendation
On your way back, consider stopping by the Grizzly Bear Cafe in Wrightwood for lunch and a cool drink!
Relive my hike to Mt Baden Powell
I kept taking breaks on the way up, so it took me 3 hours to hike up to the summit, and only 1 hour to come back down! Check out my Mt Baden Powell hike on Relive! It’s a fantastic platform for adventure lovers to capture and share outdoor experiences like never before. With Relive, you can create custom videos that vividly depict your journeys, turning memories into captivating stories for sharing. Share the beauty of your adventures and inspire others to explore nature through Relive’s immersive storytelling.
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Final thoughts on hiking Mt Baden Powell
I thoroughly enjoyed my Independence Day adventure to Mt. Baden-Powell. The drive up from San Diego was surprisingly smooth, thanks to the holiday, and the scenic views along the way made the journey delightful. The ascent, with its numerous switchbacks, was made even more rewarding by the breathtaking views and the rich diversity of vegetation. The thrill of summiting and the panoramic views were unmatched, making this hike a memorable highlight of my holiday. Have you experienced any unforgettable hikes on special occasions? I’d love to hear about your adventures!
Post originally published on July 6, 2024, and last updated on December 4, 2024.
