Throop Peak Mt Baden Powell Traverse

NOTE: Although this hike is doable for most hikers, it is NOT suitable for beginners. You will not be allowed on the hike unless you answer YES in the question box that you have read and understand the hike description and accept the liability waiver. Do not assume that it will be an easy hike just because it's posted on Lazy Ass Hiking. You must be in good physical shape for this one.

Ok, now that we've covered that, let's get to the details of this awesome hike.

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Nestled deep in the Angeles High Country north of Mt Baldy, the three mountain peaks of Mt Baden Powell, Mt Burnham and Throop Peak, rise majestically along the famed Pacific Crest Trail, offering spectacular views and a great wilderness experience for Southern California hikers.

Our goal is to experience all three peaks. We will take a slow hiking pace and lots of breaks, but it's still going to be a tough haul and LONG day no matter how you slice it.

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Rather than hiking up the 41 switchbacks to Mt Baden Powell from Vincent Gap like most hikers do, we'll do an interesting point to point car shuttle hike from the Dawson Saddle to Throop Peak before continuing easterly on the Pacific Crest Trail to Mt Burnham.

Since there's no marker on Mt Burnham, (as shown in the photo below) we'll only stay there long enough to take a group picture before continuing easterly to Mt Baden Powell, also visible in the photo.

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After taking a well deserved lunch or energy snack break on the Baden Powell summit, we'll hike down the 41 switchbacks to the Vincent Gap parking lot and car shuttle back to Dawson Saddle as needed.

TRAIL STATS

Distance: 9.5 miles
Duration: 7-8 hours
Elevation Gain: 2400 feet
Elevation Loss: 3700 feet
Difficulty: Strenuous

This is a great opportunity to bag three 9,000 foot high peaks with about the same amount of effort it takes to bag some single peaks, like the 8693 foot high Ontario Peak. Make no mistake, it will be a LONG exhausting day. But the spectacular views and variety of trail make this worth the effort.

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NO PLUS ONES: As with most of our hikes, there will be NO PLUS ONES. That means that you can't bring a friend unless they are a member of Lazy Ass Hiking and have RSVP'd for the this hike.

PROFILE PHOTO REQUIRED: A profile with a fully recognizable photo of yourself is required for membership in Lazy Ass Hiking. Those who attempt to circumvent this requirement by removing their photo after signing up or by displaying a profile photo of animals, trees, objects, landscapes, etc., will be placed on the waiting list or removed from the hike.

DIRECTIONS: From Interstate 15, exit Highway 138 and turn west. Drive 8.6 miles to the Angeles Crest Highway (Highway 2) and turn left. Continue through Wrightwood and Big Pines, staying on Highway 2 for a total of 15 miles to the Vincent Gap parking lot on your left. Park at Vincent Gap and regroup for car shuttle to Dawson Saddle, 5 miles west. Both locations require a National Forest Service Adventure Pass to park. Vincent Gap GPS: 34.373180, -117.751881.

ADVENTURE PASS: A National Forest Service Adventure Pass is required to park at both the Vincent Gap and Dawson Saddle parking areas. There is some confusion as to whether an adventure pass is needed for parking areas without services like Dawson Saddle and even the US Forest Service's website seems vague about it. Just bring an Adventure Pass and display it proudly.

WHAT TO BRING: Adventure pass for parking, at least 3 liters of water, a sun hat, sunscreen, energy snacks, the 10 essentials, trekking poles if you use them, appropriate hiking clothes, gear and shoes for the hike and weather and a good hiking attitude.

If the weather gets cold just before the hike, you may also need to bring Micro-Spikes or other snow traction device and suitable cold weather hiking attire. We don't expect that, but this has been a strange weather year.

Here's a pic taken on the PCT Baden Powell Trail in January 2015.

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PLAN B: If Highway 2 is closed from Vincent Gap to Dawson Saddle for whatever reason, our Plan B is to park at Vincent Gap and hike up the 41 switchbacks to the Mt Baden Powell summit. On our way down, we can take a side trip to Mt Burnham if desired.

CANCELLATION: Heavy rain, snow, ice or fire cancels the event. Check this page 24 hours before the hike for updates.

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SOURCE: Afoot and Afield: Los Angeles County: A Comprehensive Hiking Guide, Jerry Schad, (2010-02-11). (Kindle Locations 7617-7618). Wilderness Press. Kindle Edition. (http://amzn.to/1aMngGt)

WAIVER OF LIABILITY & DISCLAIMER: Please read before signing up for this event. By participating in this event you agree to not hold these assistant organizers or Meetup liable for any harm to you of your property. The hike organizers are not a professional hikers/trained leaders and are not trained to treat medical emergencies. Hiking is an inherently dangerous activity that can lead to injuries and even death. You are responsible for your own safety and being appropriately equipped to participate in the hike. You are also responsible for knowing whether you are physically able to participate in the hike. Always stay on the trail, let the hike organizer know if you are leaving the group, and never walk alone.