Mount Baden-Powell Hike: A Summit in Angeles National Forest
When we were looking for a hike that would leave us pleasantly exhausted, Mount Baden-Powell checked every box. This classic Southern California hike climbs nearly 3,000 feet over roughly 8 miles round trip, leading to a 9,399-foot summit with incredible views across the San Gabriel Mountains.
Located in Angeles National Forest, the trail begins along Highway 2, just a couple of miles west of Wrightwood. Before planning your trip, be sure to check current road conditions. Sections of Angeles Crest Highway (Highway 2) are occasionally closed because of snow, storms, wildfire damage, or road repairs.
We stopped by the local ranger station to check trail conditions, picked up a souvenir, and reached the Vincent Gap Trailhead just before 9:00 a.m. Even somewhat early, only a handful of parking spaces remained, so an early start is definitely worthwhile on weekends.
The trail joins the Pacific Crest Trail almost immediately and wastes no time gaining elevation. Although the climb is steady rather than extremely steep, the seemingly endless switchbacks keep your legs working the entire way. I started counting them early on, partly to distract myself from the climb and partly out of curiosity. I also lost count at some point, probably due to the climb.
One of my favorite parts of this hike was watching the landscape gradually change as we climbed. The lower forest slowly gave way to more rugged terrain, the views continued to open up, and the air grew noticeably cooler with every switchback.
About three-quarters of the way to the summit, we stumbled across a lingering patch of snow tucked into the shade. Snow is always a novelty for us in Southern California, and I was probably more excited about that little patch than I should have been.
Not long afterward, we reached one of the mountain's most famous landmarks: the Wally Waldron Tree. Estimated to be more than 1,500 years old, this remarkable limber pine has endured centuries of harsh alpine weather and remains one of the oldest known trees in the San Gabriel Mountains.
A short spur trail leaves the Pacific Crest Trail for the final climb to the summit, where a stone monument marks the top of Mount Baden-Powell. The panoramic views made every switchback worthwhile.
Unfortunately, our summit break was cut short when we found ourselves surrounded by an unusually determined swarm of bees. Since I'm allergic to bee stings, lingering nearly 9,400 feet above sea level without quick access to medical care wasn't a risk I wanted to take. After taking a few photos and soaking in the scenery, we started heading back down.
Mount Baden-Powell is a challenging hike, but it's also one of the most rewarding summits in Southern California. Between the changing forests, the ancient limber pines, sweeping mountain views, and the satisfaction of reaching the top, it's easy to understand why it's such a popular destination.
