PCT Day 26: Baden Powell Peak Ascent

Daily Miles: 24.0, Total Miles: 393.5

Trail angel Brett gave Will, Roadrunner and I a ride out to the TH.

The first five miles were a pleasant, mostly shaded walk to Vincent Gulch Divide. Then a steady 2,800 ft climb to Baden-Powell Peak at just under 9,400 ft elevation, only a short detour off the PCT. The wind was gusting to over 60 mph on top. A day hiker who had been there before pointed out Catalina Island off the coast.

The trail then slowly descended off the ridge to Little Jimmy Spring, not only great water, but benches to sit on.

At Islip Saddle, another 1,200 ft climb before descending again to Highway 2. Next was an endangered species detour to protect the Mountain Yellow-Legged Frog by taking a three-mile road walk along the Angeles Crest Highway to Buckhorn CG. I shared a campsite with Will, Roadrunner, 5-Star and Andrew.