Trail Log: Hiking Mount Baden-Powell with your Dog

Mount Baden-Powell is a dog-friendly trail that is considered a hard, 8 mile out-and-back hike with 2,775 feet of climbing.

Mountain views from the hike up to Mount Baden-Powell.

Mount Baden-Powell Trail, originally called North Baldy, packs a lot in a relatively short distance. Named after Lord Baden-Powell – founder of the boy scouts – the challenge of approximately 40 switchbacks over 8 miles out-and-back and 2,775 feet of climbing is a popular one. It’s also a segment of Pacific Crest Trail and one of the trails offered in the SoCal Six Pack of Peaks Challenge.

Here’s the general route we took following AllTrails‘ Mount Baden-Powell Trail.

Ready to go?

Be prepared with the essentails

Wear sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat. While a decent amount of the trail is shaded, there are sections including the saddle and peak that are in the exposed alpine zone.
Carry plenty of water. We recommend at least 2.5L per person, and more if you’re taking a longer route and/or your dog.
Bring snacks to keep you and any company fueled.
Don’t forget your first aid kit.
You’ll need to pack additional hiking and safety gear if hiking in the winter. Please do not attempt this hike in the winter if you are new to hiking or don’t have experience hiking in the snow/ice.

Not sure what to pack? Check out our full list of hiking with your dog essentials and shop our favorites.

Getting to the trailhead

The coordinates for the parking lot are 34.373309453020276, -117.75200149924005 (though we successfully used the directions provided by AllTrails). The drive up is scenic as you wind your way through the mountains.

The parking lot is large, as it acts as a hub to a number of trails including the PCT. But it does fill up fast so I recommend getting to the trailhead early.

The parking lot also has a well-maintained bathroom. As someone who is very particular about public restrooms and would rather pee outside than in a stinky outhouse, this one passed the cleanliness test.

A parking pass is required for this lot. We used our National Park Pass, which gets us into any National Park, monument and National Forest. You can purchase a day pass for $5 at the rangers office.

In the winter some of the roads may be closed, and the trail is covered in snow and ice. I would not recommend hiking this trail in the winter if you are not a seasoned hiker with mountaineering experience.

Hiking Mount Baden-Powell

From the parking lot you’ll see two trailheads. To the left the trail leads to an abandoned mine. Instead, begin climbing the more narrow trail to the right. You’ll walk along the fence and see the PCT sign as you pass the back side of the bathrooms.

You’ll face a gradual but constant climb through 40+ switchbacks. The trail is well marked and the switch backs are pretty obvious. If you feel yourself challenged by the climb or altitude, there are plenty of shaded rocks to take a break at and around .9 miles in there is a nice bench to sit on.

About a mile past the bench you’ll see a sign for Lamel Springs. Continue to the right.

Jon and the dogs stand at an overlook taking a break from climbing.

Just after the 3M marker (mile 3) there is an overlook with a log. You can sit here and take a break before the last few switchbacks to the saddle. You’ll start to see the trees thinning as you get higher.

Jon, Chase and Rado hike along the saddle to Mount Baden-Powell.

At around 3.6 miles you should be at the saddle. There are great views here so take your time and enjoy looking around. Along the saddle you’ll run into the Wally Waldron Tree, which is said to be the oldest living thing in the San Gabriel Mountains at around 1,500 years old. Chase and Rado appreciated the shade Wally Waldron provided.

Chase and rado enjoy the shade under the 1,500 year old tree.

At this point you’re almost at the peak. Continue on up the last climb and you’ll soon see the Monument and summit register. Just behind that is usually an American Flag and summit signs. You’ve made it!