Mt. Baden-Powell is the 2nd most visited of the San Gabriel range's eastern high peaks, just behind Mt. Baldy.
The peak honors Lord Lieutenant-General Robert Stephenson Smyth Baden-Powell, First Baron of Gilwell (1857-1941), Hero of Mafeking (1900), Founder of the Boy Scouts (1907), author of Scouting for Boys (1908) and Chief Scout of the World (1920).
Scouting and the Scouting Movement are closely tied to this peak. The peak is the terminus of the 53-mile "Silver Moccasin Trail". Each summer, as a rite of passage, local scouts engage in a five-day hiking/camping trip along this trail, concluding at Mt. Baden-Powell. The mountain, originally known as (East Twin) "North Baldy Mountain," was renamed Mt. Baden-Powell at the request of the Boy Scouts in 1931. A commemorative monument to Baden-Powell on summit was built by Los Angeles area Scouts and dedicated in 1957, the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Boy Scouts. The primary trail used to climb the peak, the Pacific Crest Trail from Vincent Gap to just below the peak is maintained by the Boy Scouts. The alternate trail, from Dawson Saddle up to PCT was rebuilt by the Scouts about 20 years ago. (Sir Baden-Powell never visited the peak, perhaps because he was 74 years old when the peak was renamed in his honor.)
The Angeles National Forest website has directions on reaching the peak and some details about the area at this ANF web page.
An alternate route can be found at this this ANF web page (See directions at the very bottom of the page to reach Mt. Baden-Powell.)
Be sure to carry water on this hike as there is no water along the trail, except at Lamel Springs (and this must be treated before use).
Best time of year to visit is Spring to early Fall. It is possible to climb the peak in colder months, but only if snow accumulation is light and the weather is clear (like it was when I planted the cache).
The cache container is a military issue decon container, which is a sturdy plastic container measuring about 3" x 5" x 2". It is camouflage painted to match its surroundings.
There's only room for small trade items and the log in the container. Please be absolutely sure you seal the container tight before you hide it again and be sure cover it up as you found it. Be on the lookout for muggles! This is a popular peak, especially in late spring to fall.
GPS reception is great on the peak, but not so good right near the hiding spot. So, just in case, spoiler photos are posted. These were taken with about a 6 to 9 inches of snow at the peak in mid-November 2003.
Good luck, be safe and have fun!
Adopted by BigDaddyGRC from the late Mountain Lover.