Lost In The Los Padres: MT Baden Powell & Labor Day Weekend in Wrightwood Ca

Lord Baden-Powell Summit Monument

It was exactly 5 years ago that the wife and I had our last getaway weekend to ourselves with no kids. Long overdue we decided to spend our Labor Day together in Wrightwood CA. Home of the famous Mountain High Ski Resort. This cute little mountain town has a mammoth feel but on a much smaller scale and a whole lot closer to home, only about an hour and half from the SCV. They have a nice little village with some shops and about 5 restaurants. There is also a new Zip line and of course tons of hiking trails all nearby. Also Jackson Lake is just a couple miles down the road. Now I'm not gonna lie I try choose my vacations near places I wanna hike. Summiting Baden Powell has been on my shortlist. Suzanne has been doing Crossfit for the last few months so I figured this would be the perfect summit to test her new fitness level. Best of all the trailhead is located a very short distance from the bed and breakfast we were staying at in Wrightwood. (Rhinestone Rose Inn and Wellness Center). More details on this at the bottom of Page.

Start here follow the PCT along the wooden fence.

Our route to the summit of Baden Powell started at the Vincent Gap TrailHead In the Angeles National Forest and follows The Pacific Crest Trail all the way to the top. Sitting at just under 9400 feet elevation this is one of the taller peaks in the San Gabriel Mountains. Being a popular Summit and part of the PCT the Trail is very well maintained and super easy to follow. But it's no giveaway, you will earn this one. Round trip is about 8 miles and 3000 feet of elevation gain. The route is all uphill to the Summit, however the 40 plus switchbacks are well engineered and it's a nice steady trek all the way up. The mountain was named after Lord Baden Powell the founder of the boy scouts.

Vincent Gap Parking area.

Parking at the Trailhead was plentiful even on a busy labor day weekend we were easily able to get a spot. Best to arrive as early as possible and get a jump on the cooler morning temps. As soon as you park look up from near the trailhead restrooms and get a peak at the beast your about to conquer.

first look up from the parking area.

The trail starts at the southwest end of the parking lot. Follow the PCT up along the wooden fence within a short distance you will see this mile marker sign below.

In less than a mile in you come to a nice wooden bench that affords a superb view to the East toward highway 2. I think this bench wood have been of more use if it was around the halfway point, but nonetheless a nice spot for a break and a great photo opportunity.

Bench less than a mile in

View Northeast from the Bench

Continuing uphill at around 1.7 mile you come to the junction For Lamel Spring. I went and had a look and sure enough there was water flowing from the spring. It's only a .2 mile detour to get there. If you need water this is where you will want to fill up.

Lamel Spring Junction

Lamel Spring

Rock Vista near Lamel Spring

The scenery along the whole route is superb. Views galore and lots of morning shade from the surrounding Pines. The Upper forest sections have an enchanting feel about them.

Upper forest section

Looking down toward highway 2

After leaving Lamel Spring it's a grind through numerous switchbacks. However you have a treat in store for you once you reach the Summit ridge.

Summit Ridge

The Wally Waldron tree is a 1500 year old Limber Pine with gnarled roots that dig into the mountain side and anchor it from the elements. I was very much looking forward to seeing this one up close and personal.

Wally Waldron Tree

Once at the ridge its a short jaunt to the summit. At the top take a moment and enjoy those 360 views, sign the summit register and give the monument a read. (register needs more paper). Baden-Powell is another Sierra Club Hundred peaks Section Hike and an alternate for the 6 Peaks Challenge.

North East View from Baden Powell

View Northwest from the Summit

Looking South From the Summit

Suzanne showing off the Monument

Summit Register

USGS Marker

I'm very proud of my wife that she was able to make it all the way. She does not hike very often and for a novice this is a damn tuff hike. She was rewarded with our couples massage at the Inn and some fine dining and shopping in Wrightwood. As I mentioned above we ended up staying at the Rhinestone Rose Inn and wellness center and we couldn't have been happier. I booked us the romance and roses sweet complete with our own indoor jacuzzi tub. The innkeeper Loretta is the sweetest lady and she has worked very hard to make the inn a truly unique experience. The grounds have gardens and hiking trails leading straight from the property and an indoor hot tub and sauna for guests. Find the little muse hidden in the secret garden and she has a gift you. All the rooms have a different theme and Loretta serves up a vegan breakfast every morning. Guys this makes for a perfect weekend to score some points with your lady and scratch that summit itch at the same time. As with all my post's you can click on any picture to enlarge it. Thanks for reading.