San Gabriel Mountains-Vincent Gap to Mt. Baden-Powell, August 8, 2001

This was a steep but fairly easy 8 mile RT up Mount Baden-Powell and back. The mountain was named after the founder of the Boy Scouts, and the scouts maintain this trail very well. The trek goes through 44 switchbacks,the most of any climb in the San Gabriels, mostly through lodge pole pine, some fir, and limber pine on top..., and just above 9,000 feet the view opens up to reveal the large expanse of Mojave Desert to the north and NW, the Hawkins ridge of mountains to the west, Saddleback Mountain, Riverside and Orange Counties to the south, and the ever present Mt. Baldy to the east...the top ridge of Mt Baden-Powell is quite expansive, and time should be allowed to relax and enjoy the great views from atop this 9399 toot tall behemoth. Many of the small gnarled limber pines are over 1,000 years old.

said mountainmaster1 2001.08.09 at 13:23:43 PDT

Thanks for the card telling me new pics were on!! Was such a beautiful day for your hike with wonderful scenery.1,500 years old trees and plus-wow!! So interesting and hardly a soul around!!Love it! I just walked from Ashmore's to Ellsworth Library and all those souls were heading to Bar Harbor!!!!:) Was a hot day for my hike but am glad I did it I might be in better shape for our month's of Day shifts now-LOL-Now sending your hike out!!

said dottie 2001.08.09 at 18:03:48 PDT

Nice hike! Love the woods.

said 2001.08.10 at 02:10:47 PDT

Thanks for the card, Susan. Mt. Baden-Powell is spectacular! On my birthday I hope to hike to my bathroom!!

said dan 2001.08.14 at 11:36:03 PDT