Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Elevation Gain
6,468.00 ft (1,971.45 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
16.00 mi (25.75 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Crystal Lake to Hawkins, Throop, and Baden-Powell is an epic 16-mile out-and-back with three mountain summits in the San Gabriel Mountains within Angeles National Forest. It begins at Crystal Lake Campground, east of Azusa and just over an hour away from Los Angeles. The majority of the route follows the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) and features lovely pine forest, scenic ridgelines, and stunning mountainous views.  The trail is popular amongst runners, hikers, and backpackers. 

From the trailhead, ascend Windy Gap Trail for 2.5 miles to the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) junction. Turn right (east) onto the PCT. This trek mainly follows the PCT, detouring briefly to ascend the northeast slope of Mount Hawkins (8,850 feet), and the southwest ridge of Mount Throop (9,142 feet). 

Mount Baden-Powell (9,407 ft.) is the last summit on this journey and one of the highest peaks in the San Gabriel Mountains. From the top of Mount Baden-Powell, descend the east side and follow the PCT southbound to Windy Gap. Return to the Crystal Lake Campground by retracing your steps on the Windy Gap Trail.

SEASONS

  • Spring, summer, and fall are ideal seasons for the high country in Angeles National Forest. 

  • March-May are usually the busiest times for the area due to the northbound thru-hikers on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). 

MOUNT BADEN POWELL FACTS

PARKING PERMITS AND PASSES

An Adventure Pass is required for parking at Islip Saddle. Information can be found by visiting: https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/sbnf/passes-permits/recreation

CURRENT WEATHER CONDITIONS: https://www.mountain-forecast.com/peaks/Mount-Baden-Powell/forecasts/2867

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Windy Gap Trail: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/angeles/recarea/?recid=42112

Crystal Lake Recreation Area: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/angeles/recarea/?recid=41686.
 

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

Adventure Pass required

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Pine Forest. Peak Bagging. Scenic Mountain Views.

Cons

Baden-Powell is a popular mountain and can get crowded at the top.

Trailhead Elevation

6,000.00 ft (1,828.80 m)

Highest point

9,407.00 ft (2,867.25 m)

Features

Wildlife
Backcountry camping
Big vistas

Typically multi-day

No

Permit required

No

Location

Nearby Adventures

Crystal Lake Recreation Area, San Gabriel Mountains
Angeles National Forest, San Gabriel Mountains

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Angeles National Forest, San Gabriel Mountains
Crystal Lake Recreation Area, San Gabriel Mountains
San Gabriel + San Bernardino Mountains, California

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