Mount Baden Powell in the Angeles National Forest (national monument). This is a straightforward hike on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). Starting at 6600' elevation at Vincent Gap parking area and heading about 3.8 miles up the PCT to the summit at just over 9400' elevation. Round trip total elevation gain/loss is just over 2800' in a distance of 7.6 miles.
Yes I have been up this mountain around 150 times. No I don't get tired of it. I have been away from it for the last 2.5 months due to a knee problem that started on my last 26 mile trail run in the area. My knee injury is frustrating because I can go up easily but coming down is very difficult. My mountain adventures are limited until I can figure out this knee problem. Just rested it 2.5 months and it is no better. Just a few down steps and the pain starts, after a few more miles the pain becomes outrageous.
Day to day there is no pain, but swinging my leg in a downhill motion and I'm done. Once the pain is there, then it is affected by uphill, flat or downhill, doesn't matter. To go down I have to drag my leg sideways behind me so I'm not bending it at the knee and swinging it in a normal walking motion.
Had my fair share of injuries, usually rest does them good but this one not so. Not sure what to do at this point. Any tips leave comment below if this might be something you've dealt with and recovered from!
For now, enjoy the pictures in our so far snow-free winter of 2018 in Southern California. (Please snow soon)
About half way up
Summit flag pole
Looking down into Mine Gulch and Pine Mountain Ridge, (Mount Baldy summit just covered up by clouds)
Desert view from 8400.' Look close an you can see a large dust storm coming off El Mirage Dry Lake
Enjoying a snack under this tree a few feet down from the summit on the steep eastern slope.
Desert view from the summit.
View toward the Pacific Ocean. Yes, on a clear day, most commonly in winter, you can see the ocean and it is very beautiful.
