Mt Baden-Powell Hike
PLAY VIDEO
Los Angeles Hikes

Mt Baden-Powell Hike

By Cris Hazzard, Professional Hiking Guide
Updated January 19, 2025

Hike Stats

Total Distance
8 miles
Time
4-5 Hous
Total Climbing
2800 feet
Difficulty
Hard
Crowds
Crowded
Dogs
Leashed
Gear
What I Use
Weather
Latest Report
Park
Angeles National Forest

Hiking Mount Baden-Powell gives you a spectacular taste of the Angeles National Forest's high peaks without that much effort. You have to climb up the PCT, but the hike's shorter distance and steady gradient make it more of a challenging workout than a backcountry expedition. Baden-Powell is one of the classic hikes in the San Gabriels that you must add to your peak-bagging bucket list.

Getting to the Mount Baden-Powell Trailhead

Mount Baden Powell Trailhead Location
The hike starts at Vincent Gap, deep in the heart of the Angeles National Forest. It's along Angeles Crest Highway, which can close in or after bad weather, so check the CalTrans website (search for route 2) before you go.

Use this trailhead address:
Vincent Gap Trailhead, Azusa, CA 91702

Baden Powell Hike Parking 1
There's a large parking lot but it fills up quickly on weekends.
Baden Powell Hike Parking 2
There are primitive toilets but no water fills at the trailhead.

Parking Update

A third party is now charging $5 for trailhead parking and is not accepting parking passes. You can park accross the street for free. Be careful crossing the road.

Gear For the Hike

Baden Powell Hike Exposure
While the majority of the hike climbs up through the trees, the final stretch of the hike is completely exposed. Bring extra layers for the top, which will be cooler than the trailhead.
  • This is a backcountry hike and you need to be well prepared with the essentials.
  • I bring 2 liters of water. You can refill at Lamel Spring along the way.
  • Trail runners and trekking poles are a good combo on the sl0pes here.
  • There's not good (if any) cell reception here so bring your satellite communicator.
  • In the winter after the snow and ice arrive, this fairly tame hike becomes more of a mountaineering experience. Give it a skip unless you have experience in these conditions.

Essentials I’m Using Now

Mount Baden-Powell Trail Maps

Baden Powell Hike 3d Map
There's not a lot to navigating the hike, just follow the switchbacks uphill until you reach the summit. You'll have about 2800 feet of climbing in 4 miles.
Click to activate map
CalTopo
Print Map, Work With It Yourself
GPX
Bring the Guide to Any GPS

Worth Noting

Baden Powell Portrait
This is Robert Baden-Powell, 1st Baron Baden-Powell, the guy that the mountain was named after.
  • Mt Baden-Powell was named after Lord Baden-Powell, who founded the Boy Scouts. In the 1950s, local Boy Scout chapters restored the trail here and named the mountain in his honor. Before that, this peak was called North Baldy.
  • Near the top, you'll see the Wally Waldron tree, named after a Boy Scout leader who restored the trail and created the Baden-Powell monument at the summit. The tree is approximately 1500 years old and is considered the oldest living thing in the San Gabriel Mountains.
  • Most of the hike follows the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), which goes from the borders of Mexico to Canada. If you want more of the PCT without hiking its 2650 miles, read Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail, a best-selling book later adapted into a movie.

Mount Baden-Powell Hike Directions

Baden Powell Hike Directions 3
Start the hike by hiking uphill at the end of the parking lot, behind the trail board and toilets.
Baden Powell Hike Directions 4
Don't give to much heed to the distances on the trail signs, they're not all correct.
Baden Powell Hike Directions 5
You'll start climbing above the road.
Baden Powell Hike Directions 6
As you ascend the switchbacks, some sections are steep but some are gentle.
Baden Powell Hike Directions 7
The only thing that can be tricky is missing a switchback. If you are hiking and the trail fizzles out, you probably went straight when you should have made a sharp turn back.
Baden Powell Hike Directions 1
There are some benches to rest along the way.
Baden Powell Hike Directions 8
At about 1.7 miles you'll reach the Lamel Spring junction. If you need water, you can visit the spring, otherwise continue right and uphill.
Baden Powell Hike Directions 9
Now it's just a matter of putting in the work and hiking up the 37 switchbacks.
Baden Powell Hike Directions 10
At about 3.7 you'll break out of the switchbacks and tree line and emerge on the ridge. That's the summit of Mt Baden-Powell in front of you.
Baden Powell Hike Directions 11
When the trail splits and the PCT goes right, continue straight toward the summit.
Baden Powell Hike Directions 12
Just past the junction, the Wally Waldron tree is on your left. Please be respectful.
Baden Powell Hike Directions 2
It's a short stretch up to the summit once you pass the Wally Waldron tree.
Baden Powell Hike Directions 13
First you'll arrive at the Boy Scout memorial. The actual summit is a short ways past this.
Baden Powell Hike Directions 14
And here you are at the summit. Enjoy the views and return the same way that you came up.

Originally published December 10, 2023