Mount Baden-Powell Hike

8.3 miles - Hard Effort
4:30 Hours (Total)
2,800 Total Feet of Climbing
Max Elevation of 9,399 feet
Leashed Dogs Allowed

The Mount Baden-Powell hike packs a lot into a relatively short distance. On your way to the summit of Mt Baden-Powell (9,399 feet), you'll experience the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) where you can channel your inner Reese Witherspoon, 40 hardcore switchbacks, a monument for Mt Baden-Powell's namesake, Lord Baden-Powell, they guy who founded the Boy Scouts, a barren saddle with jaw-dropping views, and a 1500-year old limber pine. And at the summit you'll enjoy sweeping panoramic views of the San Gabriel Mountains. So you got all that going for you if you do the hike. It's tough but very doable, I highly recommend it.

In this Guide:

Turn by Turn Hike Directions & Video
Mt Baden-Powell Trail Maps
How to Get to the Mt Baden-Powell Hike

Quick Links: Parks Pass - Angeles National Forest - Weather Forecast - Top Gear Picks (Sep 2023)

When planning, always check the park website and social media to make sure the trails are open. Similarly, check the weather and road conditions.

If you look at old topographic maps, Mt Baden-Powell is named "North Baldy." It was renamed in 1931 after the founder of the Boy Scouts, Lord Robert Baden-Powell.

Getting to the Mount Baden-Powell Trailhead

Use this trailhead address: Vincent Gap, CA, 93563, USA.

bighorn sheep sign — The drive to the trailhead is a world away from LA and urban SoCal.

In the winter, the roads can be closed because of snow. Likewise, in the winter this hike requires winter hiking experience. Call the park office to check on conditions before you make the trip.

Check out my Angeles National Forest travel tips here!

Mount Baden-Powell Hike parking signs — Big roadside PCT parking signs make it easy to find the parking lot.

Mount Baden-Powell Hike parking — There’s plenty of parking at the trailhead. This lot is the junction for several trails.

You need a parking pass for the trailhead lot. I use the affordable National Parks Pass, which gets me in every park, monument, and national forest. You can also use an (Southern California only) Adventure Pass, or buy a $5 day permit from the ranger’s office.

Gear For the Hike

This is a backcountry hike and you need to be well prepared with layers, water, and food. The summit is in an alpine zone and is exposed. Check the summit weather and call the ranger office to check conditions before you leave. Don't do this hike in the winter unless you have mountaineering experience.

If you want to check if there's snow on your hike, read this guide.

I've seen people do this with hike wearing sneakers and holding a bluetooth speaker, but I don't recommend it. Although popular, this is a "hike hike."

My Latest Gear Picks

Garmin inReach Mini 2 ( Amazon | REI )
HOKA Speedgoat 5 ( Men | Women )
Zpacks Sub-Nero Ultra ( Zpacks | Review )
Alpine Carbon Cork Poles ( REI | Amazon )

As a hiking guide, I test lots of hiking gear. On my picks page, I'll show you all of the gear that I actually use. I don't accept paid promotions or talk about the stuff that doesn't make the cut. It's just the gear that works best, so you don't have to waste your money.

All My September 2023 Top Gear Picks

Mount Baden-Powell Trail Maps

Explore Map on CalTopo View a Printable PDF Hike Map Download the Hike GPX File

Best Smartphone Apps to Navigate: AllTrails | GaiaGPS | OnX

Mount Baden-Powell Hike 3d map — The Mount Baden-Powell hike is famous for it's 40 switchbacks. The trail is sheltered in trees for most of the way too.

Mount Baden-Powell Hike elevation — The Mount Baden-Powel hike is pretty straightforward. You climb up, then come down. There are a few places to rest (see below).

Mount Baden-Powell Hike Directions

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Mount Baden-Powell Hike bathrooms — These are the only bathrooms on the Mount Baden-Powell hike, so go before you hike at the trailhead.

Mount Baden-Powell Hike trail — Start hiking up the trail, to the right along the fence.

fence on Mount Baden-Powell Hike — If you see this fence when you start hiking, you’re on the right trail.

Look back to get a good photo with the PCT sign.

bench on Mount Baden-Powell Hike — At 0.9 miles, there’s a bench where you can catch your breath and enjoy the view.

Lamel Spring turnoff — At 1.8 miles, you’ll see the turnoff for Lamel Spring. Keep hiking up the switchback to the right.

cris hazzard rests on tree — This hike is tough. Don’t be afraid to take a break and make friends with a tree.

rest area on Mount Baden-Powell Hike — After hiking for about 3 miles, there’s a little log off the trail where you can take a break in soak in the views.

Mount Baden-Powell Hike views — The trees start thinning as the hike gains altitude, and you’ll have views into the desert to the east.

The hike passes some beautiful and weather-worn pine trees.

Almost there! At 4 miles you come to the Mount Baden-Powell saddle, which has breathtaking views.

Mount Baden-Powell Hike trail junction — At the end of the saddle, you’ll come to a trail junction where the PCT splits off. Keep hiking straight (up, ouch).

The last trail mileage sign before the summit.

Stop to see the Wally Waldron tree, said to be 1500 years old and believed to be the oldest living thing in the entire San Gabriel Mountains. After paying homage to the tree, keep heading up the last stretch of the hike to the Mount Baden-Powell summit.

You made it to the Mount Baden Powell summit! There's a monument to Lord Baden-Powell here.

American flag on Mount Baden-Powell Hike — The summit sometimes has a large American flag.

cris hazzard on Mount Baden-Powell Hike — Spend some time taking in the views, grab a bite, and hike down the way you came. This hike is a tough one, you should be proud.

Have a question about the guide or want to see what other people are saying/asking? View the Youtube comments for this video. Leave a comment and I will do my best to respond.

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This Guide Was Written by Cris Hazzard

Cris Hazzard 4 Mile Trail Yosemite
Hi, I'm Cris Hazzard, aka Hiking Guy, a professional outdoors guide, hiking expert, and author based in Southern California. I created this website to share all the great hikes I do with everyone else out there. This site is different because it gives detailed directions that even the beginning hiker can follow. I also share what hiking gear works and doesn't so you don't waste money. I don't do sponsored or promoted content; I share only the gear recommendations, hikes, and tips that I would with my family and friends. If you like the website and YouTube channel, please support these free guides (I couldn't do it without folks like you!).

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