Mount Baden-Powell
Mountain San Gabriel peak popular with hikers and views
A San Gabriel Mountains summit named for scouting founder Baden‑Powell; the peak sees hikers on the Silver Moccasin route and offers sunrise views over the Los Angeles basin.
Mount Baden-Powell is a peak in the San Gabriel Mountains of southern California within the Angeles National Forest, rising to 9,407 feet (2,866 metres). The peak was named in honor of Robert Baden-Powell in the early 20th century.
The summit is reached by established hiking routes that traverse forested slopes and exposed ridgelines, and it is often combined with sections of the Silver Moccasin Trail and nearby peaks for multi-peak outings. On clear days the summit provides extensive views across the Angeles National Forest and toward the Los Angeles basin and the Pacific.
The name and dedication date from the 20th century and reflect the mountain’s use as a recreational hiking and backpacking destination; the area has long been managed by the U.S. Forest Service. Trails, signs, and a small summit plaque are maintained for hikers.
The mountain lies in Los Angeles County in southern California, within the San Gabriel range and Angeles National Forest, roughly northeast of the Los Angeles metropolitan area. Trailheads such as Vincent Gap provide the usual access points for day hikes.
- Elevation: Summit elevation is 9,407 feet / 2,866 metres, making it one of the higher peaks in the San Gabriel Mountains.
- Common routes: Common approaches start from Vincent Gap and the Silver Moccasin Trail, with routes used as long day hikes or overnight treks for experienced hikers.
How to Get to Mount Baden-Powell #
Mount Baden‑Powell is reached from the Angeles Crest Highway (California State Route 2). Drive from the Los Angeles area on I‑210/CA‑2 to the Vincent Gap/Islip Saddle area on the Angeles Crest Highway and park at the Vincent Gap trailhead. From Vincent Gap follow the Pacific Crest Trail / Mount Baden‑Powell Trail to the summit - a steep hike of roughly 3-4 miles (one way) from the trailhead.
Tips for Visiting Mount Baden-Powell #
- Start very early on clear days - sunrise starts give cooler temperatures, better views along the ridge, and avoid the frequent afternoon thunderstorms common in the San Gabriel Mountains.
- Use trailheads along Angeles Crest Highway (the Vincent Gap / Islip Saddle area) - these are the common, well-marked access points to the Baden‑Powell summit and Pacific Crest Trail approaches.
- At the top look for the Baden‑Powell plaque and views down into Big Pines and the high desert; to avoid weekend crowds either go midweek or extend your hike along the PCT a short distance for quieter viewpoints.
Best Time to Visit Mount Baden-Powell #
Aim for late spring through early summer to climb Mount Baden-Powell when trails are most accessible and conditions are reliable.
Weather & Climate near Mount Baden-Powell #
Mount Baden-Powell's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental (Dry Summer) - Warm-Summer Continental (Dry Summer) climate with mild summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -4°C to 25°C. Moderate rainfall (819 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -4°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (141 mm).
Comfort
Weather
February
February is the coolest month with highs of 6°C and lows of -4°C. Significant rainfall (137 mm).
Comfort
Weather
March
March is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -4°C. Significant rainfall (124 mm).
Comfort
Weather
April
April is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (68 mm).
Comfort
Weather
May
May is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 1°C. Light rainfall.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 6°C. The driest month with just 6 mm.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is cool with highs of 25°C and lows of 10°C. Light rainfall.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is cool with highs of 25°C and lows of 10°C. Light rainfall.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 7°C. Light rainfall.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 4°C. Light rainfall.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of -1°C. Significant rainfall (104 mm).
Comfort
Weather
December
December is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -3°C. Significant rainfall (124 mm).