Region
Highlights
- Vincent Gap Peak is an easy hike from the PCT or 3N26/PCT from Vincent Gap Parking Area. It is on the opposite side of Angeles Crest Highway from Mt. Baden-Powell. Lots of trees means a shadier hike in the summer months.
- There is a short cross-country walk as the PCT rounds high up the west side of the peak. There is no scrambling, but a bit of wading through ceanothus and sagebrush, so watch out for snakes!
- The summit is wooded, so you have to move around to openings to see views, but the vibe on top is peaceful, and mighty Baden-Powell looks lofty to the south!
Routes
1 summit • 2.6 mi • 900 ft gain • 1 hr 15 min
1 summit • 10.5 mi • 1,234 ft gain • 3 hr 48 min
Latest summits
"Started at Vincent Gap on the PCT South. When at the right moment, I left the PCT to summit Vincent Gap Peak. I continued on the PCT to reach Jackson Flat Group Camp. I went up the steps of the lookout rower to make the summit official. " — MikeTeeples • Jul 15, 2023
"Started the climb from Vincent Gap. I took the PCT for over a mile to a point where the trail makes a sharp right. I then continued on the trail until I found a large fallen log on the side of the trail. This became my reference point as I left the trail and did a short x-country climb the rest of the way to the summit. After taking a few pictures, I returned to the fallen log and the PCT and retraced my steps back to Vincent Gap." — MikeTeeples • Aug 31, 2019
"Fun, short hike up from the opposite (northeast) side of Vincent Gap! I hiked up the gradual grade of 3N26, then at the sign, forked right to continue towards Jackson Flat Campground. Then, I turned left (north) on the PCT and ascended to the west of the summit, and made a short cross-country jaunt to the right (east), and it was a very short walk to the peak! Beware, there is a little wading through Mountain Whitethorn Ceanothus (Ceanothus cordulatus), a low-growing, spiky shrub very common above 6,000', but it is not too bad. Before long, I was on the shady, wooded summit enjoying the peace and quiet. There are many pines, pinyons, and firs on top, so you will have to move around to openings to see the views, but each opening is a view to other ridges, valleys, canyons, and peaks. The air is sweet and vibe is peaceful. There was a lot in bloom today! I made the hike a loop by taking the PCT the whole way down to Vincent Gap. As always, a wonderful day in the San Gabriel Mountains!" — brianpowell • Jul 7, 2019