Trekking Routes: Throop Peak, Mount Burnham, and Baden-Powell from Dawson Pass

Hiking the Dawson Saddle Triple Peaks Trek

This thrilling hike, tackling Throop Peak, Mount Burnham, and Mount Baden-Powell via Dawson Saddle, delivers awe-inspiring high-mountain vistas and a dash of history. Initially dubbed "North Baldy Mountain," these peaks were nicknamed the "West Twin" (Throop Peak) and the "East Twin" (Baden-Powell). Regardless of the moniker, this hike's a gem, boasting three peaks to summit, scenic vistas, and well-maintained trails, including the famed PCT.

Finding Dawson Saddle

Your adventure begins at Dawson Saddle, nestled along Angeles Crest Highway (CA-2). Input this address for your GPS:Dawson Saddle, CA-2, California 91702

Always check road conditions beforehand, as winter might force CA-2 to shut. Hikers are not required to carry a parking pass or permit at Dawson Saddle.

Gearup for the Hike

Osprey Hikelite 26 - My go-to daypack. Light, tough, and keeps my back dry with the trampoline mesh.

Prepare for this high-altitude mountain hike accordingly. A pair of 2L (68 fl oz) water bottles tends to suffice. On steeper slopes, trekking poles can be handy.

Here's my current gear of choice:

Norda 001 - Like a monster truck and a comfy pillow had a featherweight baby, for your feet.

Osprey Hikelite 26 - My go-to daypack that's light, durable, and features a trampoline mesh to keep my back dry.
Norda 001 - A footwear marvel that combines the padding of a pillow with the robustness of a monster truck. Perfect for the trails!
Garmin inReach Mini 2 - When I'm in need of reliable SOS coverage in the backcountry, this trusty sidekick is the gear I take.
AllTrails Plus - Get 30% off! This subscription upgrades trip reports, adding offline maps, off-trail alerts, and Garmin sync.
Garmin Fenix 8 - With a few software tweaks, this multi-purpose watch now serves me flawlessly for maps, tracking, and navigation.

Visit my Top Gear Picks page (last updated June 2025) for more info on this gear.

Garmin inReach Mini 2 - When I need 100% reliable SOS coverage, this is what I take in the backountry.

Trail Maps and GPX Files

This hike involves a mix of established trails and smaller, well-trodden unofficial trails. If you have a GPS, loading the GPX file will make smaller trail turnoffs more apparent. Otherwise, you'll find plenty of footprints to guide you.

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Trail Insights

Throop Peak is commonly pronounced "troop," but some USFS personnel use "throop."
Throop Peak was initially called Dougherty Peak, named after mountain man Charles Vincent Dougherty. Nearby Vincent Gap and his cabin are also named after him.
In 1916, early hiker George H. Throop named the peak after his alma mater, Throop Polytechnic Institute, later becoming the California Institute of Technology. The summit marker recognizes Amos Throop, the school's founder.
Baden-Powell was the founder of the Boy Scouts, but he never actually stepped foot on the peak of Baden-Powell or hiked these parts. The legendary figure is buried by Mount Kenya.
Mount Burnham is named after Major Frederick Russell Burnham, a fellow Boy Scout advocate.
From 1906 to 1911, the "North Baldy Race" or "Baldy Race" was the SoCal event that attracted crowds. This was an automobile race from LA to Big Horn Mine by way of North Baldy.

Garmin Fenix 8 - Took a few updates to get right, but now it's rock solid for me. I use it for maps, tracking, and routing.

Return from the Mountain

After conquering the peaks, simply retrace your steps back. Enjoy the memories of your epic hike!

Navigate to Dawson Saddle by inputting the GPS address: Dawson Saddle, CA-2, California 91702. Be mindful of road conditions, as winter might cause CA-2 to close.

For this high-altitude hike, pack essentials like a pair of 2L water bottles, trekking poles, and the Osprey Hikelite 26 daypack. Comfortable footwear, like the Norda 001, is crucial for navigating trails.

If you have a GPS, loading the GPX file will help identify smaller trail turnoffs. Alternatively, follow footprints along the trail.

Remember, Throop Peak is commonly referred to as "troop," while Baden-Powell was named after Major Frederick Russell Burnham, a Boy Scout advocate. throop Peak was initially called Dougherty Peak, and Baden-Powell's namesake never actually summited this peak.

Once you've reached the summit, retrace your steps back to enjoy the memories of your epic hike.