A Double Whammy!!
Lance at Cucamonga Peak.
Icehouse Canyon Trail
&
Cucamonga Peak Hike
Start time: 7:00 A.M. Meeting Place: Trailhead near the restroom.
Two-Part Hike with Part 1 being the Icehouse Canyon Trail.
Part 2 is continuing to Cucamonga Peak.
You have the option of completing just Part 1 (Moderate) or continuing to complete both Part 1 & Part 2 (Strenuous)
Part 1: Moderate 7.2 miles (roundtrip) 3,355 ft gain/loss Trail: Icehouse Canyon
Part 1 & 2: Strenuous - >12 miles - 4,300 ft gain/loss - Elevation 8862 ft.
OCLB hike at Icehouse Saddle - Completing Part 1.
The scenery is stunning. Precipitous canyon walls rise steeply into the blue sky. Soaring peaks and ridges contour the skyline. Huge boulders dot the canyon bottom. A year-around creek provides a delightful soundtrack. Majestic fir, pine, and cedar reach to the sky while alder, oak and sycamore fill out a shady canopy in places. Snow can linger in shadowy recesses long into the spring and early summer. Old cabins and cabin ruins sprinkled along the lower canyon remind hikers of a simpler yesteryear.
OCLB at Cucamonga Peak - Completing Part 2.
The V-shaped canyon starts at Icehouse Canyon above Baldy Village and extends east a mile and a half and 2600 feet to Icehouse Saddle, a conspicuous notch in the Telegraph-Ontario Ridge. The classic, hand-built trail provides a portal for a web of trails which extend deep into the magnificent high country. The upper half of the trail lies within the Cucamonga Wilderness, a 12,781-acre sanctuary set aside by federal law to remain pristine and wild.
We will take an extended break at this point (Icehouse Saddle). Those wishing to return will be able to do so. For those inclined to continue with Part 2, we will push forward.
Coming down from Cucamonga Peak are background (Lin, Lance, John & Rick). Juan and Rudel in the foreground.
Once we reach Cucamonga Peak we will take another extended break before heading back down. The views are incredible as is the photo opportunity at the peak.
Wonders await on the Icehouse Trail. WOW!
Getting to the Trailhead:
From the 210 Freeway extension, driving east: Exit Baseline Road in Claremont. Turn left on Baseline. In one block turn right onto Padua Avenue. In 1.7 miles turn right onto Mt. Baldy Road (stop sign). After 7.2 miles you pass the Angles National Forest Mt. Baldy Visitor Center in Mt. Baldy Village. Continue 1.5 miles to the Icehouse Canyon entrance. Veer right and park in the large parking area.
From the 210 Freeway extension, driving west: In Upland, exit Mountain Ave./Mt. Baldy Exit, Exit 54. Turn right and proceed north on Mountain Ave. Drive 5 miles to Mt. Baldy Road. Turn right (north) and after 5 miles you pass the Angles National Forest Mt. Baldy Visitor Center in Mt. Baldy Village. Continue 1.5 miles to the Icehouse Canyon entrance. Veer right and park in the large parking area.
Robert S. at the Trail Head for Ice House to the Saddle and then on to Cucamonga Peak.
The trail starts at the east end of the large parking lot, just to the right of the ruins to the old Ice House Canyon Resort.
Why so early? Parking is very limited and thus an early start is key to getting a decent parking spot.
A National Forest Adventure Pass is required for parking or you can use a National Parks Pass. You will need to obtain the National Forest Adventure Pass beforehand as the Mount Baldy Visitor Center will be closed when we start. Here is a link to locations that sell the pass:
You may also use:
-
The America the Beautiful — The National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands Pass covers all:
National Parks
National Forests
National Wildlife Refuges
Bureau of Land Management sites
Bureau of Reclamation sites
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers sites
The parking lot can get full on weekends hence the early start time as well as recommending carpooling.
What to Bring:
You should bring your ten essentials (Click here for the list.), a day pack, water (2 to 3 liters), trekking poles, sunscreen, hat, trail snacks, lunch, and plan on wearing hiking boots or shoes. BRING PLENTY OF WATER!!!!
Carpooling is recommended to help reduce gas cost and parking will be a challenge. There is NO FEE for this trip.
Lance will be leading this hike.
Lance photo taken @ Cucamonga Peak.
Lance can be reached at: [email protected]
