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PCT Day 34 – Summiting Mt. Baden-Powell

Last updated Mar 24, 2020 | Published on May 26, 2017

Today was hard.

I’m too tired to write a coherent blog post so I’ll share some notes and some photos.

View of the Sunrise Outside My Tent this Morning

It was 36 degrees last night in my tent – the coldest night yet. Brrr!!!

On the Summit of Mt. Baden-Powell, 9407 Feet

I summited my second mountain today!  We reached the top of Baden-Powell by around 7:00 am.  It was super cold and windy up there but the views were amazing!

Dr Pain and Unicorn on the Summit of Baden-Powell

Today was one of my most difficult days so far in terms of elevation descent and ascent – lots of steep trails today..  I am exhausted and sore but the views were definitely worth it.

The Wally Waldron Tree Near the Summit, Estimated to be 1500 Years Old

The View from Baden-Powell

There is a detour on the PCT starting at mile 390.2 due to the endangered Mountain Yellow Frog.  So we had to leave the PCT and walk along Highway 2 for 2.5 miles.  In that time we were passed by 12 cars and 2 bikes.

Little Jimmy Spring

Endangered Species Detour

Road Walking

We stopped for the evening at Buckhorn Campground, which is designed for car campers.  Since it’s technically not in the PCT we had to pay $12 to camp there.  But the facilities were nice and we got to camp by a stream.

We put out not one but TWO smoldering fires in fire rings today that had not been put out properly.  It was a windy day so I suspect the fires were not *quite* all the way out and were rekindled by the wind. Still though – what is wrong with people??  I’ve hiked so many miles that have been scorched by forest fires, I’m frustrated at how irresponsible people can be sometimes.

PCT 2017 Stats

PCT Day 34 – Wednesday May 17
Mile 376.9 to Buckhorn Campground

PCT Miles Hiked Today: 13.3
Endangered Species Alternate: 3
Feet Ascended Today: 2800
Feet Descended Today: 4660
Current Elevation: 6450
Steps: 53909

For more on my experience hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, visit my Pacific Crest Trail 2017 page:

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Hi, I'm Unicorn!

I am an avid hiker, traveler, and adventurer who is on the mission to explore hiking trails around the world.  I’m also obsessed with National Parks, long-distance trails and other outdoorsy things.

I hope to share this knowledge with you and inspire you to explore new hiking trails too!

5 Comments

  1. mb

    “I’m frustrsted at how unresponsible people can be sometimes.”

    Agreed!

    Reply
  2. Sean Delacour

    Hey live your blog we are trail angles in chester just past the half way point it would be great to meet you when you come through.we love to host hikers.
    Kari and Sean
    530 864-1147 give us a call when you hit hwy 36.

    Reply
    • Unicorn

      Thanks Sean! I’ll make a note and give you a call when I come thru 🙂

      Reply
  3. susieant

    Congrats on bagging Baden Powell. That is one of Southern California’s highest peaks. Its a tough one. And yes with all the forest fires you would think people would be more careful. I was up in Wrightwood today and was able to give a PCT hiker a lift to town. Love being able to help out. Still enjoying your blog and photos. Hike on.

    Reply
    • Unicorn

      Thanks Susie!

      Reply

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