Dawson Saddle Trail Head: distance indicated is west of Grassy Hollow

Dawson Saddle 7.9 miles from Grassy Hollow

Dawson Saddle Trail   Trail  starts on south side of Highway 2. There is a small "TRAIL" sign. If you come to a tan Caltrans building on the north side, you have gone a couple of hundred yards too far. This trail climbs intersect the Pacific Crest Trail in two miles. If you turn right at the intersect, you come to an unmarked trail on your right in about 1/4 mile.  This takes you to the top of Mt. Throop for a good view. Come down to the Pacific Crest Trail and continue on to the right or East. You will reach Little Jimmy Campground in 3.2  miles. From here the PCT drops down and reaches Islip Saddle on Highway 2 in 2.1 miles.

1.1 miles after the intersect you come to a signed trail veering off to the left.  This leads the the top of Mt. Hawkins in about 200 yards - great view! About 1/2 mile beyond the Mt. Hawkins trail you come to another signed junction.  This leads to the site of the former fire lookout station on top of  So. Mt. Hawkins in 2.6 miles which was destroyed in a recent fire, but  will be  rebuilt as soon as enough funds have been gathered. Following a dirt road down from the lookout station will bring you to another junction in 3.2 miles.Turn right here to get back to the PCT at Windy Gap.

If you had turned left at the Dawson Saddle/ PCT intersect, you go towards Mt. Baden- Powell via Mt. Burnham. Baden-Powell is about 2.4  miles from the intersection . From there, the PCT goes down to Vincent Gap in 4 miles.  There are all kinds of opportunities for car shuttles from the Dawson Trail if you have two cars.