Our route takes us up the Dawson saddle and connects with the PCT just east of Throop Peak. From there we proceed east on a steady grade on the PCT passing Mt. Burham and then up and onto Mt. Baden Powell. At the top we will plan on having a snack, signing the register and taking some great photographs of the scenery and the Boy Scout summit monument.
Distance: 9.5 miles Duration: 5-6 Hours.
Lunch and or drinks at Newcomb’s Ranch Cafe after is an option.
Elevation Gain: 2,600 ft.
Elevation at Mt. Baden Powell: 9,380 ft.
Rating: Moderate 6/10 Out and Back
About the hike:
Some years ago the Boy Scouts built a beautiful feeder route to the Pacific Crest Trail from Dawson Saddle on Hwy 2. The neat thing is, the trail head at the highway is at 7,900 feet, the highest elevation for the entire Angeles Crest Hwy 2.
What does this mean for us? Simply put, with a moderate amount of effort you can experience the prettiest portion of the PCT in Southern California and summit Mt. Baden Powell through the back door, all without the 4 mile vertical slug fest coming up from Vincent Gap. This entire route generates incredible vistas as you traverse the spine of the back range of the San Gabriels. On one side is the the Mojave Desert while Los Angeles spreads out beneath on the other. The views on this hike just keep getting better and better until they culminate on the summit of Baden-Powell with 360 degree views that go on to infinity, simply an amazing place. Equally as important, from start to finish, this section of the PCT is all beautiful Alpine forest, you’d swear you should be seeing folks walking by in Lederhosen!
To contact me call my cell at 805-630-4277
Dawson Saddle is at:
Mile Marker 69.5
(measured from its start down in LA). Look for a large
Cal Trans metal service building on the north side of the road
A sign on the building reads Dawson Saddle. Continue on about 200 ft to the apex of the curve and park on the north side of the road where it is widened out for parking.
VHC HIKE RATING SCALE
Rating a hike is subjective, meaning the difficulty of a hike will be in direct relation to how often you hike and the type of hike you prefer. Keep in mind that any hike can have the following: un-even hiking surfaces, various obstructions, water and/or water crossings or bouldering and/or rock hopping. A great hike will have all of these!
1 – A long walk
2 – 4 mile hike w/little elevation gain
3 – 5 mile hike w/up to1000 ft. elevation gain
4 – 5+ mile hike w/up to1500 ft. elevation gain (heart rate increases at times)
5 – 7+ mile hike w/over 1500 ft. elevation gain (heart rate increasing even more at times)
6 – 7+ mile hike w/over 2000 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be trying to remember how to perform CPR)
7 – 5+ mile hike w/over 2000 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be muttering expletives to yourself)
8 – 10+ mile hike w/over 3500 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be angry with the hike leader)
9 – 10+ mile hike w/over 5000 ft. elevation gain (at times you might be thinking of reporting the hike leader to the authorities)
10 – Use your imagination
Class 3 Scrambling: Scrambling or un-roped climbing. You must use your hands at times to hold the terrain or find your route. This may be caused by a combination of boulders, steepness and extreme terrain. Some Class 3 routes have ropes in place for assistance.
DISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY
IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY:
I am a volunteer (i.e. not liable for the group). Safety is a priority for everyone in the group. Think of this as hiking with a group of friends.
Outdoor sports and other events we plan can be inherently dangerous and accidents may happen. By participating in any posted event, you’re taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being. The Valencia Hiking Crew Meetup Group and its organizers are not trained leaders and we do not confirm the qualifications of any of its members to lead or participate in trips. All participants take full responsibility for their own actions. If you choose to sign up for any Valencia Hiking Crew Meetup events, you are releasing the Valencia Hiking Crew Meetup Group and it’s organizers from all liability in case of possible injuries as stated in paragraph 6.2 of the Meetup “Terms of Service” located on the bottom of the Meetup website. Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience.
