Crystal Lake to Hawkins, Throop, and Baden-Powell

Crystal Lake to Hawkins, Throop, and Baden-Powell is an epic 16-mile out-and-back with three mountain summits in the San Gabriel Mountains within Angeles National Forest. It begins at Crystal Lake Campground, east of Azusa and just over an hour away from Los Angeles. The majority of the route follows the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) and features lovely pine forest, scenic ridgelines, and stunning mountainous views. The trail is popular amongst runners, hikers, and backpackers. From the trailhead, ascend Windy Gap Trail for 2.5 miles to the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) junction. Turn right (east) onto the PCT. This trek mainly follows the PCT, detouring briefly to ascend the northeast slope of Mount Hawkins (8,850 feet), and the southwest ridge of Mount Throop (9,142 feet). Mount Baden-Powell (9,407 ft.) is the last summit on this journey and one of the highest peaks in the San Gabriel Mountains. From the top of Mount Baden-Powell, descend the east side and follow the PCT southbound to Windy Gap. Return to the Crystal Lake Campground by retracing your steps on the Windy Gap Trail.SEASONSSpring, summer, and fall are ideal seasons for the high country in Angeles National Forest. March-May are usually the busiest times for the area due to the northbound thru-hikers on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). MOUNT BADEN POWELL FACTS16th highest peak in Southern California.Named after Lord Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the boy scouts. The summit of Mount Baden-Powell is home to one of the oldest living limber pine trees. The tree is named Wally Waldron (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pinus_flexilis_Wally_Waldron_Tree.jpg). PARKING PERMITS AND PASSESAn Adventure Pass is required for parking at Islip Saddle. Information can be found by visiting: https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/sbnf/passes-permits/recreation. CURRENT WEATHER CONDITIONS: https://www.mountain-forecast.com/peaks/Mount-Baden-Powell/forecasts/2867. ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONWindy Gap Trail: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/angeles/recarea/?recid=42112. Crystal Lake Recreation Area: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/angeles/recarea/?recid=41686.