Mount Baden-PowellAbout Mount Baden-Powell
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.
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -4° - 6° | -4° | 141 mm | - | - | 5.0 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -4° - 6° | -4° | 137 mm | - | - | 5.0 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | -4° - 7° | -3° | 124 mm | - | - | 4.6 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | -2° - 10° | 4° | 68 mm | - | - | 4.8 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 1° - 15° | 5° | 21 mm | - | - | 4.3 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 6° - 21° | 13° | 6 mm | - | - | 3.9 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 10° - 25° | 17° | 14 mm | - | - | 3.3 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 10° - 25° | 17° | 26 mm | - | - | 3.4 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 7° - 22° | 14° | 29 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 4° - 17° | 10° | 25 mm | - | - | 4.0 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | -1° - 11° | 2° | 104 mm | - | - | 4.6 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -3° - 7° | -3° | 124 mm | - | - | 5.0 m/s | - | - |
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.