May 2021
It was in the 50’s one sunny afternoon in May, when I headed up into the mountains, on past the tiny quaint hiker town of Wrightwood, on Highway 2. I had waited for the snow in the mountains nearby to melt in anticipation of climbing up to the top of one of the high peaks there. I had been hearing about people climbing Mount Baldy, Cucamonga Peak, San Jacinto Peak, Mount San Gorgonio, and Mount Baden Powell. I figured for my first time attempting to hike at altitude, I would aim for a shorter length of a trail, and give Mount Baden Powell a try.
Vincent Gap
I was heading to Vincent Gap, which is both the parking area for Mount Baden Powell, along with being a place where trail angels retrieve hikers from the Pacific Crest Trail, shuttling them into town, for their re-supply. It was the season for hiking the Pacific Crest Trail. A unique aspect of the trail to Mount Baden Powell, is it travels along a part of the PCT. I was as equally excited to set foot on this legendary trail for the first time as I was to I was to hike to the summit of Mount Baden Powell.
Faith Not Fear
Climbing this mountain today was part of a process of re-discovery I was undergoing, moving from one chapter of my life to the next. I had been in the process of setting small attainable goals for some time, and as I would achieve one goal, I would set another. Hiking is putting one foot in front of the other. That is all it is, and any task you have at hand, breaking it down into manageable parts, makes it attainable. The only thing that often stops us in life from creating meaningful change is fear. Where there once was fear ruling my life, there was now faith.
The Pacific Crest Trail
So from Vincent Gap, I set off hiking up the steep switchbacks of the Pacific Crest Trail, toward the summit of Mount Baden Powell. It was around 2pm in the afternoon, and much later than most people begin a hike.
Afternoon Sun
The afternoon sun was warming the area up just enough to make it feel just about perfect. I did not regret not going earlier in the morning, when the temps would have been in the upper 40’s. Mountain weather can really fluctuate during the day a lot.
Lord Baden Powell
The peak is named after the leader of the Boy Scouts, Lord Baden Powell. All along the way is evidence of being a well maintained trail, that is free of brush, and relatively flat. These are some of the reasons trail runners love this trail, since it’s mostly clear, and not as uneven as other area trails could be. In addition to all this the Pacific Crest Trail Association (PCTA) plays a role in maintaining the entire length of the trail.
Thru-Hikers
I would pass several groups of PCT hikers on my way to the peak. I chatted with a few of them a bit, to see how they were doing, and where they were headed. They were mostly heading into Wrightwood, as suspected, for a re-supply. I was so much in awe of these PCT hikers passing me by and their determination.
It felt like a somewhat pivotal moment, that I was on the PCT. I had watched so many travel vlogs on people hiking the PCT, and several documentaries, such as Pacific Crest Trail: A Year of Ice and Fire. I feel the thru-hiker, narrator, and filmmaker Dixie, did an amazing job showing what to expect on a thru-hike of this magnitude.
Alone on a Mountain
After passing so many hikers with their heavy packs, I was alone once again on the trail. I was now able to take in all the scenery, and hear the sounds of nature, having the trail all to myself. At the same time, I wondered if I was alone on this mountain, and if anyone was up ahead. I did not have any type of rescue device, so the risk I was taking, hiking alone, became very real. Sure, I hoped I would be ok doing this, but what if I was not? So many questions ran through my mind. I hiked on, debating these issues. I inevitably I am not ever really alone. I remembered the footprints in the sand, and how there are always two sets of footprints throughout our lives. I just needed to have faith.
Facing Fears
I was alone in the wilderness, and it was time to face my fears. Every rustle in the leaves of a squirrel would make me jump. I was not used to being in a place like this, and had no idea what to expect. Would I see bears? Would I see mountain lions? Would I get altitude sickness? There were many unknowns I was being faced with. So I faced them like a head on collision. I felt there was no getting out of it. There are no guarantees with anything you do in life. Hiking is not 100% safe, and life is not safe either. I just had to have faith, and put one foot in front of the other.
Into the Clouds
On my way up the mountain, as I climbed higher and higher, I realized how much I was enjoying hiking amongst all this alpine scenery. It felt very much at home here, smelling the pines, and breathing mountain fresh air. This was definitely my happy place, where I could escape the crowds, get a good dose of nature therapy, and feel at peace.
An Alpine Forest
The landscape really began to change as I neared 8000 feet, and the forest here reminded me of places I had been. I had probably been to this altitude before and not ever known it. When I was in New Mexico on a vacation once, we took a drive to the mountains above Santa Fe, which are close to 9000 feet. When I had been to Mammoth Mountain Resort, skiing down a beginner run, on one of the few ski trips of my life, I had been within a forest like this too, that was just picturesque, just as this one was.
It all sort of came together for me. I was way up high, in this peaceful forest of pines. I felt no more fear, and like I was right where I needed to be.
As I neared the ridge, the sunlight was glistening through the trees. These ancient looking pines only seem to grow at high altitude. I have never seen them anywhere else.
There were Limber Pines, Coulter Pines, Jeffrey Pines, and Ponderosa Pines along the way to the peak.
This mysterious pine looks to be hundreds of years old, but I am no expert.
The last half mile or so of trail along the ridge, had a steep drop off to the left. It was easy to lose the trail, so I paid attention to my alltrails pro map, which was downloaded to my phone.
Off in the distance with clear blue skies , I could see for miles, and miles, all the way to Mount Baldy.
I did not bother to make myself dizzy by looking down, or over the edge, of the sheer cliff here.
Limber Pines
This Limber Pine, just clinging tightly to the ridge was my favorite, in particular, of the whole hike. With its outstretched roots, balancing evenly on both sides of the ridge, it literally had a split decision to make.
There were just a few patches of snow remaining around 9000 feet, in mid-May this year. After all that effort, I had made it 3.6 miles, and up 2775 feet of gain.
Mount Baden Powell
I was finally at the summit of Mount Baden Powell, elevation 9384 feet! There was just one person leaving the area as I arrived, who I congratulated. I proceeded on past the unique peak marker, set firmly in a concrete obelisk.
I became rather teary eyed making it up here, with flags waving behind me, I just felt free. That’s what our country is all about, being free to do what we wish, and achieve our dreams. I am sure there are women in other countries who do not enjoy this kind of freedom. God Bless America!
It truly felt like I was on the edge of not just this mountainside cliff, but a new chapter in my life.
Here I was, all alone, on Mount Baden Powell. I gave it all I had to get up here, and now I needed to just sit down, taking in the magnanimity of the situation. I had spent years not seeing my potential, living in the shadow of judgment, but now here I was, sitting on this mountaintop. I was on the verge of getting divorced, moving on from a time in my life where I did not believe in myself, to better times. I had faith that good things are yet to come.
As I made my way back down the mountain to my car, as the sun was setting, I was feeling entirely ready to move on to a new exciting chapter in my life, and really go places, freed from the chains of self-doubt.
Climbing a Mountain
I had climbed a mountain, which once seemed impossible at one time in my life. We all climb many “mountains” in life, and overcome so many obstacles along the way. I had hiked my way to better health over the last few months, so now anything seemed possible. All I needed to do was imagine and create the future I wanted for myself. It truly is possible to re-define yourself at any time in your life, you just need to get over your fears, moving away from negative influences in your life as much as possible. I was feeling relatively stress free as I headed down the trail, and completely free. I even started running a bit. I was something I was doing a little more each time I hike. I used to be a runner, and maybe some day I would be again.
Keeping Your Distance
I saw not one soul most of the way down the mountain. But less than a mile from the trailhead, as I was jogging along down the steep switchbacks, I spotted a tall gentleman in the distance, with a large walking stick, and a young boy around 10 years old, hiking on up the trail. He began speaking as I ran past, as if to try to get me to stop and have a conversation. I kept jogging, but as I moved, gave a quick reply to his question. He asked me how far it was to the peak. I gave an estimate of 3 hours, and kept jogging. But then he asked me a second question, as if to further try to slow me down, so I remarked quite frankly that if they went, they would be hiking in the dark, leaving so late.
Trust Your Intuition
That guy seemed like he might have been on meth. I felt sorry for the kid, who appeared to have some type of behavior issue, and seemed a little out of it. I was all alone, and if I encounter people with weird vibes, I don’t stick around. So I said “good luck,” and jogged off down the trail. It’s always better to get away if you sense something is not right. Always trust your intuition in the wilderness, and in life. Sometimes it’s better to stay more than six feet away, and I don’t mean to avoid catching a cold.
A Sunset Hike
Mount Baden Powell’s trail is illuminated in the morning, and mostly shaded in the evening. I knew I had limited time starting so late. If I went back again, which I plan to, I would begin hiking a bit earlier, to give myself more leeway. I would have also brought a headlamp, which I did not. When it is getting dark, and I am hiking alone, my focus is solely to just get back to the car. Helping out stray men carrying large sticks in the wilderness is not. Anyone of sound mind would not begin a hike at 7:00 pm, when sunset is at 7:30 pm. Logic is an important part of staying safe anywhere you go be it airports, cities, suburbia, or the mountain wilderness.
One Foot In Front of the Other
I stopped off one more time, at this pull off just past Vincent Gap to capture this sunset, over Mount Baldy. I knew this mountain, was the beginning of even great things for me. All it takes is one foot in front of the other.
Mount Baden Powell Trail on Alltrails
I hope you enjoyed reading this, and it is helpful in knowing what to expect, should you decide to visit here.
About me
I’m Serafina! I’m a writer and California girl who loves to go exploring. Hope you will get outside today, breathe some fresh air, and be happy!
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Disclaimer: The work on this blog is my opinion and my opinion alone and I am not responsible for the outcome if someone were to apply these thoughts to their own life. All text and photography copyright 2021 by Serafina, all rights reserved. Information and opinions provided are kept current to the best of the author’s ability. All readers’ usage of the ideas and opinions presented in the blog, are at their own risk. Be aware of the possible dangers of hiking, surfing, walking, cooking, and other activities, which may take place indoors or outdoors. By reading this, you agree not to hold the author or publisher of the content on this web site responsible for any injuries or inconveniences that may result from reading the blog, or partaking in any activity mentioned in the blog. Read the blog, and use its ideas, if you so desire, at your own risk.
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