Mount Baden-Powell via Pacific Crest Trail
11.1 mi
Distance
5 hrs 13 min
Time
terrain
2,700 ft
Elev Gain
Overview
This is a difficult one way trail in Sheep Mountain Wilderness.
This trail goes by Islip Saddle, Cortelyou Spring, Little Jimmy Spring, Mount Hawkins, Throop Peak, Mount Burnham, Mount Baden-Powell, and Lamel Spring.
Sights to See
Rate this Hike
★★★★★
Solo hiked Fri 5/17/2024 – Too bad that Dawson Saddle is still closed but Islip Saddle is accessible using the Upper Big Tujunga Canyon Road Detour to Hwy 2. This span of the PCT (miles 381-386) is in fine shape with a few boot-packed snow patches remaining on the northern aspects. I’ve always enjoyed this scenic trail when ice free, as it offers so many peaks to pick and choose from, starting with Mt. Islip and ending with Mt. Baden-Powell. I decided to head up Mt Hawkins on this trek to follow the south-southeast Copter Ridge which takes you to a vantage point overlooking the interior of the Sheep Mountain Wilderness. The close up views of the Mt. San Antonio ridgeline, Iron Mountain and Rattlesnake Peak are some of the standouts. Hiking the ridge between Mt Hawkins and Copter Ridge Point is a direct route and will not test your navigation skills. Climbed up Peak 8426 on the way back on which I found both east and west use trails which made it easy to leave and then rejoin the PCT trail. Met several, very nice PCT through hikers and backpackers on shorter treks, all of whom appeared to be in good spirits. Now is a great time for this trail area with the great weather and no crowds since the Tujunga detour is not well known. I did bring micro spikes for Pk 8426 but they weren’t necessary as there was only a small amount of ice in the early morning that melted by mid-day. There are a handful of fallen trees on this route but all are easy to climb over or bypass. The bugs were out in force so repellent and/or head netting is recommended (I used both). Logged 13.2 miles/3524 vertical ft with Gaia.
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