I climbed Mount Baden Powell (9407 feet) once before. It was May 13th, 2021. I was somewhat new to long hikes, and it was the first high peak I had ever attempted. Much has happened since then, and I have added extensively to my peakbagging resume.
The big news of the day was the Big Pines parking fee being charged. In order to avoid paying it one must park across the street while displaying either a Forest Service pass or National Parks Pass. I had a National Parks pass, about to expire, so I was glad it got one more use.
Today I would begin at Vincent Gap, parking across the street, next to a sign for the Pacific Crest Trail. I would cross the street, and head to the summit, veering to the right. There is a hike to an old mine, were you to go left. It was all coming back to me now and I had not been here in several years.
My plan was to do a quick trip to the top, and jog back down. I was starting a little late, at 9am, and it already was warm out. I would not need a jacket today, but I brought along a long sleeve shirt just in case. I was excited I would be hiking once again amidst an alpine forest, one of my favorite environments for a peaceful hike.
It was officially summer time now in the mountains. I managed to avoid drinking alcohol on the 4th of July for once. It was so deliberate, since I wanted to climb this mountain in the morning. I had been trying to find excuses to get away from all responsibility and drive over an hour to the mountains. I basically had all day to be there. When I am in the mountains, it feels like I am completing some part of my being. I just feel at ease, totally relaxed, and all the while excited at the challenge ahead.
Flowers were abloom along the trail, in small amounts, with the cooler year we have had.
The trail steadily climbs, and it was well maintained, though narrow. Trail runners began to pass me, jogging their way on up. I am a week post-Yosemite trip, and recovered for the most part. Still, I am not in any kind of peak shape. These are the hikes that get your there.
In the distance, Pine mountain still had a big slab of snow clinging to its backside.
I came to Lamel Spring and a bench, where rest was an option, but I continued on.
I was now over a 1000 feet up above the highway and parking area.
One thing I always stop to contemplate it the large pine cones.
There were jagged pieces of metal fencing and rusty wire fencing, driven into the ground all along this trail, placed there to maintain it, so be aware.
There are some steep and some steeper parts to this. Mostly it is uphill the entire way.
As you climb higher, the landscape really begins to change. When you surpass 8000 feet, the peaceful forest of pines begins to take on an ancient allure. I am referring to the Limber Pines, Coulter Pines, Jeffrey Pines, and Ponderosa Pines that grow above 8000 feet. It’s always a welcome sight.
The ancient Limber pines are really the highlight with their twisted bark, looking half alive, even though they are over 1000 years old.
Around this point more trail runners passed me going up and also back. I passed a father and young daughter. She was hot, and not happy as he was busy convincing her that the faster they went, the cooler she would feel. It was getting hot out. I congratulated the little one on her big climb.
I knew I was just about there as the landscape became more and more sparse.
When I see the peak in my sights I am always excited.
I made it to Mount Baden Powell. Summit number two! This hike is in honor of those who served, and the reason we get to celebrate Independence Day.
This is the monument to Lord Baden Powell, founder of the Boy Scouts, for which the peak is named.
I took a relaxing much needed snack break in the shade, enjoying a Bobo’s bar, before heading back.
Alpine flowers have such an allure and mystique about them. How flowers grow here I will never know.
I took my time soaking it all in, before challenging myself with a jog, the entire way back just about. Along the way I passed by that same family, overheated, resting on the bench by Lamel Spring. It took me just over an hour to reach my car. The hike was about 9.5 miles roundtrip. It took 2.5 hrs up and 1 hour back. This was slightly faster than my first climb here, which took 4 hrs.
Tips for Visting Mt Baden Powell:
If you do decide to visit here, be aware that Highway 2 may be closed past this point, so check Cal Trans first. It does tend to get hot at this peak, despite rising to 9000 feet. If it’s a hot day I recommend starting at dawn, and leaving yourself 4-5 hours if you are unaccustomed to this type of climb. The miles are up all the way, and hence it is a great training hike. The trail tends to stay shaded in the late afternoon after 4pm, but early afternoon it may be baking hot. The hottest months to visit here are July – September. The early season in May and June have the best temps, though there may still be snow patches then. Here is a link to the alltrails map, if you go. Be sure to download it beforehand.
Until Next time Mt Baden Powell!
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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