Hiking Mt. Baden Powell via Vincent Gap

| | , ,

Mt. Baden Powell is a 9,407ft peak that can be accessed via an 8 mile roundtrip hike along the Pacific Crest Trail. The mountain is named after Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of the World Scouting Movement (Boy Scouts). Mt Baden Powell is one of the largest peaks in the San Gabriel Range, and is the highest peak outside of the Mt. San Antonio massif.

Hiking Mt Baden Powell Via Vincent Gap Hiking Guide With Dogs and Children


Directions And GPS Tracks:

Hiking Mt Baden Powell Via Vincent Gap Hiking Guide With Dogs and Children
Vincent Gap Parking Lot With Restrooms and Trailhead In The Distance

Key Points:

  • Distance: 8 miles
  • Elevation Gain: 2753 ft
  • Minimum Elevation: 6644 ft
  • Maximum Elevation: 9406 ft
  • Time: 4 hours
  • Difficulty: (3/5)
  • Dog Friendly: Yes, on leash
  • Permit Required: No
  • Parking: Vincent Gap has a large parking lot right off of HWY 2. Adventure Pass required.
  • Trail Condition: The entire trail is switchbacks of single track. Snow and ice can linger late into the year which makes the higher elevations potentially dangerous.
  • Cell Phone Reception: Slim to none

Make sure to hike with the right gear. See my current hiking gear list. 


Hike Map And Elevation Profile:

Hiking Mt Baden Powell Via Vincent Gap Hiking Guide With Dogs and Children

Hiking Mt Baden Powell Via Vincent Gap Hiking Guide With Dogs and Children


Hike Description:

0.0 Miles (6664ft)- Starting from the Vincent Gap Parking Lot, head towards the restroom and trailhead. You’ll see a trail sign directing you to follow the path along the wooden gate. Do not take the trail that passes the gate on the left, that is for the Big Horn Mine hike.

Hiking Mt Baden Powell Via Vincent Gap Hiking Guide With Dogs and Children
At The Trailhead
Hiking Mt Baden Powell Via Vincent Gap Hiking Guide With Dogs and Children
Trail Signage

The hike to Mt. Baden Powell is one of the more uneventful in the San Gabriels, as it consists of 4 miles of switchbacks that take you from the trailhead to the summit. Still, the beauty of the San Gabriels and the commanding views of the high desert more than make up for the lack of trail action.

0.9 Miles (7254ft)- You’ll come across a bench with views of Vincent Gulch. If you’re taking a slow pace, or just in need of a rest, this is a nice place to take a break.

Hiking Mt Baden Powell Via Vincent Gap Hiking Guide With Dogs and Children
On The Bench
Hiking Mt Baden Powell Via Vincent Gap Hiking Guide With Dogs and Children
Switchbacks To The Top

3.0 Miles (8694ft)- The switchbacks start to get shorter and steeper, as the trial provides commanding views of the High Desert to the north.

Hiking Mt Baden Powell Via Vincent Gap Hiking Guide With Dogs and Children
High Desert Views
Hiking Mt Baden Powell Via Vincent Gap Hiking Guide With Dogs and Children
Looking Out

3.6 Miles (9094ft)- You’ll reach a ridge that covers the final half mile to Mt. Baden Powell. You’ll see the summit block right in front of you as the views of Mt. Baldy and the southern San Gabriels come into play.

Hiking Mt Baden Powell Via Vincent Gap Hiking Guide With Dogs and Children
Summit Views

Along the ridge, you’ll pass by the Wally Waldron Tree. This 1500 year old limber pine is a California icon, and marks the junction point with the Pacific Crest Trail. The final .25 miles of this hike leaves the PCT behind to head to Mt. Baden-Powell.

Hiking Mt Baden Powell Via Vincent Gap Hiking Guide With Dogs and Children
Wally Waldron Limber Pine
Hiking Mt Baden Powell Via Vincent Gap Hiking Guide With Dogs and Children
Wally And The PCT Junction Sign

4.0 Miles (9406ft)- The summit of Mt. Baden Powell is marked with a concrete marker to honor Lord Baden Powell. From the summit, you’ll have some of the best views in the San Gabriels.

Hiking Mt Baden Powell Via Vincent Gap Hiking Guide With Dogs and Children
Summit Marker
Hiking Mt Baden Powell Via Vincent Gap Hiking Guide With Dogs and Children
Mt. Baldy

This is an out and back hike, so you can return to your car at Vincent Gap using the same trail that you arrived on.

 

Previous

Hiking The Mobius Arch Loop And Camping At Alabama Hills

Hiking Black Mountain In Tehachapi

Next

12 thoughts on “Hiking Mt. Baden Powell via Vincent Gap”

    • I’ll bet! We had a lot of fun hiking alongside the PCT hikers this weekend. On our way back we picked up a hiker and gave her a ride into Wrightwood. Hopefully the warm weather continues to melt some of that Sierra snowpack for you guys!

      Reply
  1. I grew up going to Brownies and Guides (and then qualified as a leader) and never knew Robert Baden-Powell had a mountain named after him! The views look stunning, though I imagine it must be a gruelling hike on a hot day.

    Reply
  2. Baden Powell is my favorite SoCal day hike. I use it as my litmus test every year to see how good of hiking shape I am in.

    Reply

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

%d bloggers like this: