BKS - Switchback Hike - Mount Baden Powell O/B

BKS ( Butt Kicker Series) Saturday July 15th, 2023 – Vincent Gulch Divide to Mount Baden-Powell O/B

******************************************************
** Special Note on directions to the trailhead **

Highway 2 is still closed at Red Box.
Make sure to take the route through Newhall via the northeast on CA-14 North and Pearblossom Hwy. See the map in the attached photos for details.
*******************************************************

Hike: Meet at Vincent Gulch Divide trailhead at 7:15 A.M. Details below.

***** Rain or extreme heat cancels all hikes*****

Distance/ Gain: 7.8 miles total; 2,800' gain, Out and Back style ( 40 X 2 Switchbacks!)

Rating: Moderate ++/ Strenuous (remember we will be at a higher altitude where the air is thinner)

Description: Picture this: you're standing at the trailhead, full of enthusiasm and optimism. The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and you're ready to conquer this mountain like any other BKS hike, however Mount Baden Powell has a dark side that will make you question your life choices.

Get ready for the never-ending switchbacks. Just when you think you've conquered one, another pops up, mocking your efforts and testing your endurance. It's like a game of "Whack-a-Mole," but instead of moles, it's your spirit that gets repeatedly whacked by 40 switchbacks.

Be prepared for fellow hikers on the trail that will be either wildly enthusiastic or completely delirious. There's no in-between. Some will cheer you on with phrases like, "You're almost there!" and "You got this!" while others will mumble something incomprehensible that you can one can only assume is a secret hiker's mantra.

Once we reach the summit we will be rewarded for our perseverance with stunning vistas and breathtaking views. All the sweat, sore muscles, and moments of doubt instantly become worth it, not to mention a snack or a sandwich.

After a well-deserved snacky time, we will get our group photo and head on back down past Wally Waldon a local celebrity. This is a Limber Pine ( Pinus Flexilis) that is 1500 years old and believed to be the oldest living thing in the entire San Gabriel Mountains.

Meeting your leader at the trailhead: We will meet at Vincent Gulch Divide at 7:15 AM for a 7:30 AM departure up the trail. (34.3731391721299, -117.75191038616146)

Adventure Pass: YES

Bathrooms: YES! At the trailhead.

Bring: Lots of water (3+ L), Electrolytes like Gatorade, a hat, sunscreen, a lunch/ snack and hiking poles. Watch the weather forecast, but it is always a good idea to pack another layer (in case it gets cold up there above 9000' ). Good shoes with tread are a must.

Dogs: OK, if on a leash and well-behaved with other dogs / people carrying poles. If you bring your dog, please drive yourself. We do not recommend bringing our K9 friends if the weather forecast says it will be HOT.

Carpool: SCV Caravan / Friends Carpool Meeting Spot - in NORTH Santa Clarita Valley (SCV): We do not organize carpools however if you want to carpool, we suggest you message hikers/ close friends who you already know well and trust from a COVID perspective. A convenient place to meet on the way is: Outside STARBUCKS (16548 Soledad Canyon Rd, Santa Clarita, CA 91387), in the SAND CANYON/ Soledad Canyon Road junction VONs strip mall parking lot, off 14 Hwy.
THIS IS NOT A CHC-ORGANIZED CARPOOL

Hike Lead: Paul H