Great day for a walk. The road was closed at Grassy Hollow vistor center and had to walk to Vincent Gap to start the climb. My son and I talked all the way about why do you think the road is closed. We saw the reason at the trail head parking lot. Big Boulder in the middle of the road. Great views of the peaks all around us. We did not see anyone the whole day. Very wierd.
Route Climbed: Mt. Baden Powell Date Climbed: January 18, 2003
Left the parking lot with my son, Jeremiah and made it 2.0 miles to the sign. We hit alot of very icy patches of snow that became constant from 2.0 miles and finally stopped at 2.5 miles. The weather was clear, warm and beautiful. Visibility was excellent. We will come back once the snow is gone and will summit.
Route Climbed: Vincents Gap Date Climbed: December 24, 2002
This was my first time on Baden Powell. With 18-22 inches of power snow, depending on the elevation, I was thinking snow shoes would have been nice. Oh well, It was still a blast making post holes all the way to the summit. Near the top, a couple caught up with me. They were using the tracks I had made and thanked me for leading the way up. They had snow boards on their backs. Hmmm, good idea but I don't think I have the skill required to dodge all the trees on the way down the thickly forested slopes. Great views of Mt. Baldy, the high desert and clear to the Southern Sierras. What a day!
Route Climbed: Vincent gap Date Climbed: 10 Nov 2002
Beautiful day. I could be wrong but i think that me and my wife were just about the first people to hike up Baden powell since the fire restrictions were lifted. nice hike, wanted to hike somewhere in the sierra but the massive snowstorm kinda halted those plans.
Route Climbed: Vincent Gap Date Climbed: November 17, 2002
A relaxing, leisurely morning hike to the summit of Mt. Baden-Powell with mdostby. It was a bit windy on the final ridge towards the summit and at the summit itself. We then headed to Mike's house to discuss final logistics and sorting gear for our upcoming Pico de Orizaba attempt, Nov. 23-Dec. 1, 2002.
Route Climbed: Vincent Gap Date Climbed: July 13, 2002
Trying to beat the heat, my son and I started at 5:00 am. 70 minutes later, he was at the top. I arrived 30 minutes after him. There was a nice breeze at the top, but the temps were already getting high on the way down.
Route Climbed: Dawson Saddle to Vincent Gap Date Climbed: May 11, 2002
After the rollercoaster drive along angeles crest hwy set parked one car at Vincent Gap and took the second car 5 miles back to Dawson Saddle (mile marker 69.5) where you can start up an unmarked trail just across from the parking area.. From here we hike the 1.8 miles to the junction of the PCT. Went up and ate a snack on Throop Pk. Next we traversed along the PCT and went up Mt Burnham, and then on to Mt Baden-Powel. Like the last summit post a week earlier there was a glider cruising around the summit area. Cool wind up top, but very nice in the sun. Relaxed on the summit for 1/2 hour before trotting down to Vincent gap where our second car was. After descending, I would reccomend this traverse more than the traditional up-down from Vincent gap if you can take two cars. Different scenery and you don't have to do the neverending switchbacks both ways. Trail was clear with no snow left.
Route Climbed: Vincent Gap Date Climbed: May 3, 2002
Made my first hike up to the summit for the season today under clear skies, 40 degree temperatures and no wind. I had forgotten how much of a pounding the knees take on the way back down even with the yuppie sticks.
I hit the trail head at 7:50 a.m. and was on the top in a leisurely 2.5 hours. Since it was the first climb of the year I took my time and rested my old 59 year old legs several times - besides I like to look out over the San Gabriel range and the Mojave and enjoy the scenery and tranquility. That's how I approach my hikes. The scenery is at least as important as getting to the top.
The trail was in pretty good condition with only a couple of small patches of snow left over from the winter. Now all I need is a tube of Ben-Gay.
My house is about 10 miles from the Vincent Gap trail head so I'll be doing it a few more times during the season. However I think I'll try it from Dawson Saddle next time.
Route Climbed: Vincent Gap to Baden-Powell Date Climbed: April 20, 2002
Made the trek for the first time today. It was very cold when we got there. Hit the trail head at 9am. The cold wind was making it very difficult to get going. Once we got out of the wind, it wasn't as bad.
Had lunch on the summit just past noon. The clouds were forming over our heads, and we ate half in the clouds / half out of the clouds. It was great to watch them roll over the summit as we sat there.
The return trip was a little more trying than I had anticipated, but we made it back after taking a few breaks to rest.
The summit log was missing, so perhaps if someone could bring a new one, that would be great.
Last climb was on New Year's Eve day (12/31/01). It was a stormy day, and I was the only person on the mountain. Wind howled high in the trees as I plowed up the mountain, sometimes postholing knee-deep. Despite the wind, conitions weren't bad until I reached the summit-ridge. At that point, winds were gusting from the North side at least 30-MPH, probably closer to 40+. I choice to get about six vertical feet below the trail to protect from the wind. Seemed silly, but I put crampons on at the summit trail-junction. Turned out to be a good idea. Got to the top, signed in unable to see a thing. Nevertheless, it was a great climb. And as always..."It's a beautiful day to be alive!"
Troop 883 Nailed another one. The trail was not to bad only ice in the shady areas of the trail. This trail has special meaning for Scouts. The peak is named after Lord Baden Powell the founder of scouting. At the top is a monument to him and scouting with the scout law inscribed. Adults Mike Z , Anthony Boys, Kyle Z, Shea and Seth. Cold chicken and a soda not exactly backpacking food but it was good!!!!!
Route Climbed: Dawson saddle, Vincent Gap Date Climbed: often
This is the summit that first got me hooked on hiking. It was difficult the first time, but the views from the top were spectacular. Since I live close by, this is one of those 'spur of the moment' hikes that can make for a great weekend afternoon or morning. It is especially fun in the snow and ice - but be careful. A snowy trail can become icy while you are enjoying the views from the top, making for a very dicey descent.
A nice afternoon hike. I wore running shoes, shorts, and a light jacket. I tried to run the trail, but running uphill in wet snow is not easy, so I had so settle for walking. On the way up, I exchanged funny looks with a few people who looked like they were outfitted for a Himalayan expedition. There were a few inches of wet snow around the parking lot, but up high there were 1-2 ft drifts. I postholed to above my knee several times. For the most part, the trail was well broken, so it was fairly easy going. Poles might have been helpful, but crampons/ice-axe/snowshoes were definitely not necessary. I recommend wearing pants. Round trip: 2 hours.
NOTE: The summit register is completely full and needs to be replaced.
Route Climbed: Vincent Gap and Islip approach Date Climbed: Various
First time I hiked to Mt. Baden-Powell was starting from Islip Saddle parking lot, traversing thru Mt. Hawkings, Throop Peak, on 5/20/2000. Even in mid-May there was snow above 8000 ft.
My second hike to Mt. Baden-Powell I did it on Christmas' eve, 12/24/2000, using the Vincent Gap trail approach.
I remember there were some icy sections I carefully had
to traverse with my lightweight hiking boots. I did this hike late, starting at 2:00pm and so when I encountered the icy sections the trail was shaded. Stayed only a few minutes at the summit and got back to my car by 6:00pm.
Third hike up to Baden-Powell: I did this one on 12/8/2001 starting
from Vincent Gap (6565 ft). Mainly it was a snow hike up to
9000 ft. At 9250 ft, it turned icy (about 1" of ice). Had to deployed my crampons for the last 150 vertical feet. Excellent views
from the summit on this cool Saturday afternoon; could see Santa Catalina island, Pacific Ocean, downtown LA, San Jacinto, San Gorgonio, and even the snow-capped Sierras (perhaps, Olancha Peak).
Mike Zastoupil - Feb 19, 2003 5:02 pm
Route Climbed: Date Climbed: 2/16/03Great day for a walk. The road was closed at Grassy Hollow vistor center and had to walk to Vincent Gap to start the climb. My son and I talked all the way about why do you think the road is closed. We saw the reason at the trail head parking lot. Big Boulder in the middle of the road. Great views of the peaks all around us. We did not see anyone the whole day. Very wierd.
reedfish - Jan 18, 2003 5:39 pm
Route Climbed: Mt. Baden Powell Date Climbed: January 18, 2003Left the parking lot with my son, Jeremiah and made it 2.0 miles to the sign. We hit alot of very icy patches of snow that became constant from 2.0 miles and finally stopped at 2.5 miles. The weather was clear, warm and beautiful. Visibility was excellent. We will come back once the snow is gone and will summit.
medicpenn - Jan 8, 2003 3:34 pm
Date Climbed: fall 01did it again!
notinkansas - Dec 26, 2002 6:46 pm
Route Climbed: Vincents Gap Date Climbed: December 24, 2002This was my first time on Baden Powell. With 18-22 inches of power snow, depending on the elevation, I was thinking snow shoes would have been nice. Oh well, It was still a blast making post holes all the way to the summit. Near the top, a couple caught up with me. They were using the tracks I had made and thanked me for leading the way up. They had snow boards on their backs. Hmmm, good idea but I don't think I have the skill required to dodge all the trees on the way down the thickly forested slopes. Great views of Mt. Baldy, the high desert and clear to the Southern Sierras. What a day!
stephenz - Nov 21, 2002 8:08 pm
Route Climbed: Vincent gap Date Climbed: 10 Nov 2002Beautiful day. I could be wrong but i think that me and my wife were just about the first people to hike up Baden powell since the fire restrictions were lifted. nice hike, wanted to hike somewhere in the sierra but the massive snowstorm kinda halted those plans.
forjan - Nov 17, 2002 9:05 pm
Route Climbed: Vincent Gap Date Climbed: November 17, 2002A relaxing, leisurely morning hike to the summit of Mt. Baden-Powell with mdostby. It was a bit windy on the final ridge towards the summit and at the summit itself. We then headed to Mike's house to discuss final logistics and sorting gear for our upcoming Pico de Orizaba attempt, Nov. 23-Dec. 1, 2002.
tonyo - Jul 13, 2002 8:49 pm
Route Climbed: Vincent Gap Date Climbed: July 13, 2002Trying to beat the heat, my son and I started at 5:00 am. 70 minutes later, he was at the top. I arrived 30 minutes after him. There was a nice breeze at the top, but the temps were already getting high on the way down.
kdonaldson - May 13, 2002 8:19 am
Route Climbed: Dawson Saddle to Vincent Gap Date Climbed: May 11, 2002After the rollercoaster drive along angeles crest hwy set parked one car at Vincent Gap and took the second car 5 miles back to Dawson Saddle (mile marker 69.5) where you can start up an unmarked trail just across from the parking area.. From here we hike the 1.8 miles to the junction of the PCT. Went up and ate a snack on Throop Pk. Next we traversed along the PCT and went up Mt Burnham, and then on to Mt Baden-Powel. Like the last summit post a week earlier there was a glider cruising around the summit area. Cool wind up top, but very nice in the sun. Relaxed on the summit for 1/2 hour before trotting down to Vincent gap where our second car was. After descending, I would reccomend this traverse more than the traditional up-down from Vincent gap if you can take two cars. Different scenery and you don't have to do the neverending switchbacks both ways. Trail was clear with no snow left.
rikmek - May 3, 2002 3:22 pm
Route Climbed: Vincent Gap Date Climbed: May 3, 2002Made my first hike up to the summit for the season today under clear skies, 40 degree temperatures and no wind. I had forgotten how much of a pounding the knees take on the way back down even with the yuppie sticks.
I hit the trail head at 7:50 a.m. and was on the top in a leisurely 2.5 hours. Since it was the first climb of the year I took my time and rested my old 59 year old legs several times - besides I like to look out over the San Gabriel range and the Mojave and enjoy the scenery and tranquility. That's how I approach my hikes. The scenery is at least as important as getting to the top.
The trail was in pretty good condition with only a couple of small patches of snow left over from the winter. Now all I need is a tube of Ben-Gay.
My house is about 10 miles from the Vincent Gap trail head so I'll be doing it a few more times during the season. However I think I'll try it from Dawson Saddle next time.
Any thoughts?
43moon - Apr 20, 2002 6:07 pm
Route Climbed: Vincent Gap to Baden-Powell Date Climbed: April 20, 2002Made the trek for the first time today. It was very cold when we got there. Hit the trail head at 9am. The cold wind was making it very difficult to get going. Once we got out of the wind, it wasn't as bad.
Had lunch on the summit just past noon. The clouds were forming over our heads, and we ate half in the clouds / half out of the clouds. It was great to watch them roll over the summit as we sat there.
The return trip was a little more trying than I had anticipated, but we made it back after taking a few breaks to rest.
The summit log was missing, so perhaps if someone could bring a new one, that would be great.
beautifulday2bealive - Mar 5, 2002 4:29 pm
Route Climbed: Vincent Gap Date Climbed: ManyLast climb was on New Year's Eve day (12/31/01). It was a stormy day, and I was the only person on the mountain. Wind howled high in the trees as I plowed up the mountain, sometimes postholing knee-deep. Despite the wind, conitions weren't bad until I reached the summit-ridge. At that point, winds were gusting from the North side at least 30-MPH, probably closer to 40+. I choice to get about six vertical feet below the trail to protect from the wind. Seemed silly, but I put crampons on at the summit trail-junction. Turned out to be a good idea. Got to the top, signed in unable to see a thing. Nevertheless, it was a great climb. And as always..."It's a beautiful day to be alive!"
Troop883 - Feb 28, 2002 4:49 pm
Date Climbed: 12/8/01Troop 883 Nailed another one. The trail was not to bad only ice in the shady areas of the trail. This trail has special meaning for Scouts. The peak is named after Lord Baden Powell the founder of scouting. At the top is a monument to him and scouting with the scout law inscribed. Adults Mike Z , Anthony Boys, Kyle Z, Shea and Seth. Cold chicken and a soda not exactly backpacking food but it was good!!!!!
tonyo - Jan 12, 2002 10:52 am
Route Climbed: Dawson saddle, Vincent Gap Date Climbed: oftenThis is the summit that first got me hooked on hiking. It was difficult the first time, but the views from the top were spectacular. Since I live close by, this is one of those 'spur of the moment' hikes that can make for a great weekend afternoon or morning. It is especially fun in the snow and ice - but be careful. A snowy trail can become icy while you are enjoying the views from the top, making for a very dicey descent.
Josh - Dec 28, 2001 1:41 pm
Route Climbed: Vincent Gap Date Climbed: 12/27/01A nice afternoon hike. I wore running shoes, shorts, and a light jacket. I tried to run the trail, but running uphill in wet snow is not easy, so I had so settle for walking. On the way up, I exchanged funny looks with a few people who looked like they were outfitted for a Himalayan expedition. There were a few inches of wet snow around the parking lot, but up high there were 1-2 ft drifts. I postholed to above my knee several times. For the most part, the trail was well broken, so it was fairly easy going. Poles might have been helpful, but crampons/ice-axe/snowshoes were definitely not necessary. I recommend wearing pants. Round trip: 2 hours.
NOTE: The summit register is completely full and needs to be replaced.
tiogap - Nov 20, 2001 9:08 pm
Route Climbed: Vincent Gap Date Climbed: 9/3/01my best time ever :90:00 mins. have climbed this peak many times.
forjan - Nov 20, 2001 6:28 pm
Route Climbed: Vincent Gap and Islip approach Date Climbed: VariousFirst time I hiked to Mt. Baden-Powell was starting from Islip Saddle parking lot, traversing thru Mt. Hawkings, Throop Peak, on 5/20/2000. Even in mid-May there was snow above 8000 ft.
My second hike to Mt. Baden-Powell I did it on Christmas' eve, 12/24/2000, using the Vincent Gap trail approach.
I remember there were some icy sections I carefully had
to traverse with my lightweight hiking boots. I did this hike late, starting at 2:00pm and so when I encountered the icy sections the trail was shaded. Stayed only a few minutes at the summit and got back to my car by 6:00pm.
Third hike up to Baden-Powell: I did this one on 12/8/2001 starting
from Vincent Gap (6565 ft). Mainly it was a snow hike up to
9000 ft. At 9250 ft, it turned icy (about 1" of ice). Had to deployed my crampons for the last 150 vertical feet. Excellent views
from the summit on this cool Saturday afternoon; could see Santa Catalina island, Pacific Ocean, downtown LA, San Jacinto, San Gorgonio, and even the snow-capped Sierras (perhaps, Olancha Peak).