O: Mt. Baden-Powell (9,405') via Dawson Saddle (7900') Register

Date and Time:
Sat, Sep 27, 2025; 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM  (Pacific)

Organized By: Angeles Chp Gay and Lesbian

Event Organizers:
Gail Wise
   gailwise2@gmail.com
   310-433-2298
Jennifer Dooley
   jencdooley@gmail.com

If you have not hiked Baden-Powell from Dawson Saddle, you have missed out! This is your chance to enjoy a spectacular classic.
 
This trail has been inaccessible for a few years due to a landslide, but the road has recently reopened and it is now accessible again. Our hike will follow two ridges offering expansive views in every direction. First, we will hike up about two miles from the trailhead at Dawson Saddle to the Pacific Crest Trail just below Throop Peak.  We will then dip down on the PCT about 350 vertical feet before ascending again on our approach to Mount Baden-Powell. We will pass below Mount Burnham before reaching the short spur trail to the summit. Here, we'll say hi to the Wally Waldron tree, which, at approximately 1,500 years old, is the oldest limber pine in all of California. We'll then head for the summit (9405') and enjoy lunch there where we will have the entire Angeles National Forest to gaze upon in 360 degree splendor. We will return the way we came, which is almost completely downhill, except for the short pitch near Throop Peak that we had previously descended. This 9-mile hike with its 2,300' elevation gain will be challenging for the weekend day-hiker as almost all of it is above 8,000 feet. 
 
We will be below treeline the entire hike, but sunscreen is still a must and a hat is highly recommended due to the strength of the UV rays at that elevation. Bring snacks and lunch.  Also bring layers and at least two liters of water -- three liters are even better. Sturdy shoes with well gripping soles are mandatory.  We'll start in the morning to avoid afternoon thunderstorms, but bring a waterproof shell/poncho/garbage bag just in case. Meet at 7:20 am at the La Canada rideshare point, as we will leave at 7:30am sharp.  (The rideshare point is on the Angeles Crest Hwy (Hwy 2), just N of Foothill Fwy (I-210).  Park on the east side, along the narrow island parallel to Flanders between Milmada and Wiladonda.) The drive to the trailhead will be about an hour and 15 minutes.  For questions contact Gail at gailwise2@gmail.com or 310-433-2298.

This is a back country hike, which requires a completed and signed medical form. Help save time by going to this link, printing out the form and filling it out ahead of time: Medical Form.

All participants in Sierra Club activities are also required to sign a standard Participation Agreement. If you would like to read the Participation Agreement in advance, you can find it here.

Level: Strenuous

Carpool: Yes, about 1 hour 15 minute travel time each way

Note: Carpool transportation is at the sole risk of the participants.

Cancellation Policy: Rain or nearby wildfires will cancel