Throop Peak + Mount Burnham + Baden-Powell From Dawson Saddle

[@LARogers]

Couple years ago I did Islip to Hawkins to Throop to Burnham to Baden-Powell…one of my favorite hikes ever 👍🏼

[@chrisbrunn3480]

I hiked Vincent Gap-> baden-powell/burnham/throop three weeks ago and then 2 weeks ago did the same but stayed overnight at the base of Throop (behind the sign at 5:59). We staged a vehicle down at the Dawson Saddle trailhead with all the extra water and I went and grabbed it. The area is a very pleasant hike, great views, not tough on the feet/rocky like San Gorgonio and many other areas. Lots of real nice places to camp in this area and use as a base to explore the area.

[@Hikingguy]

Nice, and yea, the camping spots are awesome between Dawson and Throop. I haven't camped up there lately but years ago (pre-kid) it was a favorite of mine for a quick overnight. Great spots, usually not too windy, and far enough away from CA2 to not have road noise.

[@bertodoesthings9849]

Did this hike a few weeks back for the first time. I don’t think I’ll take the main way up to baden after learning about this trail. Absolutely beautiful

[@hervedelnorte7928]

Very nice! Have to get out there soon!

[@bomarfamily]

Always one of my favorites - I was told it was closed post-Bobcat but it looks great up there. May have to head back up when I get back to SoCal!!

[@gregwickstrom5479]

The last time I did that hike it was 85 degrees up there. That Bobcat fire damage is devastating.

[@ColemanOutdoors]

I concur, this is a great hike. Although I've never done this from Dawson's Saddle. Always started at Islip Saddle. I love that Baden Powell so much. It's my favorite peak in Angeles Forest. Great memories hitting that peak for the first time in '85. Great guide, bud!

[@Hikingguy]

Nice, and yea, I love the Islip approach too through Windy Gap. And I agree, that whole ridge / stretch of PCT is epic. Never really crowded and has that high-mountains vibe. I was pretty surprised to reach Baden-Powell and not see anyone else (around 9am). When I passed Vincent Gap the parking lot was full, guessing folks all went to the mine for their Instagram shots.

[@TupeloHoney6104]

Beautiful! Nice to see you can access Dawson's Saddle trailhead. I will try to get up there before they close the road again.

[@Hikingguy]

Yea, it's a great time, when the Santa Anas are not howling at least. Usually cool and crisp before the snow gets here.

[@marysolsgarden]

Thank you! I appreciate all you do❤️. I will try out this hike.

[@Hikingguy]

Thank you 👍👍👍

[@justrione]

Always helps

[@arinkim708]

Oh wow I did not know the road to Dawson Saddle was open. Isn't is closed from Vincent Gap? Oh sweet just saw this: ⚠️ Angeles Crest Highway (SR-2) is OPEN from Islip Saddle to Grassy Hollow. (La Cañada to Wrightwood) ...oh snap

[@Hikingguy]

Yea, road is open, no prob, at least until it snows up there.

[@Jmartestuesday]

Thanks!

[@Hikingguy]

Big thank you!!!!

[@bongbongtravels6108]

I'm wondering if you already featured the Michael D Antonovich Trail in Glendora?

[@Hikingguy]

Haven't been up around Simi in a while but planning on documenting some trails there this winter. Stay tuned...

[@Seahawks1976]

Thanks for doing this! Im tempted by the epix but worried about the size as I love the size of the 6x. Curious which one you end preferring

[@Hikingguy]

After using both for a few days it's hard to look at the Fenix after using the Epix, it sounds silly but the Epix screen is just so much easier to read. If the Epix battery works for you, go with the Epix.

[@Gabrielishere]

Can one just camp anywhere along the trail between Dawson and Throop? How bout between Throop and the Baden Powell summit? I always assume that its not possible up there, unless you're at an official campground. This is literally my back yard, and have done a bunch of driving trips up there and several hikes (Switzer Falls, Josephine Peak, Lost Mine... the easy peasy popular ones) but camping on the Dawson / Baden Powell trail sounds amazing. Thanks!

[@Hikingguy]

Dispersed camping is a bit of a grey area in Angeles NF. The FS prefers you camp in a trail camp, but lots of folks don't. I'm sure there are some decent spots between Dawson and Throop for a small setup.

[@lauranavarro4576]

Hello Cris, Do you know if it's fine to use these trail hike next weekend?, thanks !!

[@Hikingguy]

Haven't been up there in a couple of weeks, but i'ts probably snow-free. I'd bring microspikes and just be prepared to turn around if it's too snowy / icy. It might all be melted though, not sure.

[@scotttepper3316]

Question: Would you happen to know if there is a parking fee at Windy Gap parking area? Thinking of maybe parking at Windy Gap and then hike to Baden Powell via this route once I get up top Mt Hawkins. Just trying to get more elevation/mileage under my belt, as well as not having drive all the way around to Dawson Saddle from the South Bay if possible. Yeah I know crazy that I would prefer to hike the distance than sit in LA traffic. :D

[@Hikingguy]

Yup you need a pass at Crystal Lake / Windy Gap.

[@isuckatlife]

Can you explain how Dawson Saddle is no longer in the Bobcat Closure zone?

[@Hikingguy]

Not sure I'm following... the closed area is to the north/west of this trailhead, and the FS site lists Dawson Saddle Trail as open now on the website.

[@isuckatlife]

On the map the trail is in red/blue which means closed

[@Hikingguy]

@@isuckatlife yea that's from the order from May 1, 2021, but then the USDA/FS web page for the trail recently changed to "open" which is why I headed up there - will give them a call