I came to California to attend my 30th high school reunion. (Actually, it's 33 years.) Nevertheless, I cannot come to California and not go hiking. This was my second of three consecutive days of hiking. I left my sister's home in Garden Grove early and drove up Cajon Pass, thru Wrightwood, to Vincent Gap, elevation 6565'. From here I hiked four miles to the summit of Mt. Baden-Powell, elevation 9399'. I've been on the summit perhaps half a dozen times, but I cannot remember a more beautiful day. |
![]() My rental car at Vincent Gap. |
![]() Four miles to the summit, and every step is uphill! |
![]() Gaining altitude quickly, looking down to Hwy 2. |
![]() It was so pretty, and I was so grateful to be here. Some see a bench, I see an altar. I knelt and said a prayer of thanksgiving. |
![]() The view from my altar. |
![]() There are almost constant views of the Mojave desert to the north. |
![]() Gaining altitude. Hwy 2. |
![]() About .8 miles and 350 vertical feet to go. |
![]() I was surprised to see snow above 9000'. No snow on the trail. |
![]() Desert view. |
![]() Desert view. |
![]() Desert view. |
![]() Awesome tree and desert view. |
![]() The higher you go, the more you see. |
![]() First glimpse of the summit. |
![]() Getting closer. |
![]() How does a tree survive on the steep side of this mountain! |
![]() Looking towards Mt. Blady. The bottom is (I think) the upper reaches of the East Fork of the San Gabriel river, over 3000' below. Very steep mountain side! |
![]() This last stretch is steep! It's been almost four miles of uphill walking already! |
![]() I always take pictures of trail signs for planning future trips. |
![]() Wally Waldron tree. |
![]() About the Wally Waldron tree. |
![]() The tree's proximity to the trail makes it difficult to get a good picture. |
![]() Summit monument and register. |
![]() I figured since someone went to the trouble of spelling CALTECH '71, the least I could do was take a picture of it. |
![]() I love the view to the north! |
![]() View to the west, with Mt. Wilson in the distance. |
![]() Looking towards Victorville and Barstow. |
![]() I stayed up here for about an hour. I was alone. It was quite windy, but I sat on the lee side of the monument, out of the wind and in the sun. Hmmmm... |
![]() Looking northwest. |
![]() Me on the summit of Mt. Baden-Powell. |
![]() Beginning the descent. |
![]() Trail sign. I've only been to Lamel Springs one time, and I recall it was very serene. So I decided to go again. |
![]() I didn't reach the spring. The trail is quite narrow and looks to be quite unstable. I do not take chances, especially when I am hiking alone. I turned around and continued my descent. What a wonderful day! |
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Copyright © 2007 by Bill Qualls. Last updated October 10, 2007. |