Table Of Content
If you are ending at the saddle, at least go up the ridge a little to the north to get a better view as the saddle view itself is a little lacking. Head back down the way you came or, for a longer but more gradual descent, take the Chapman Trailhead about .6 miles from Ice House Saddle. The hike down has the best views particularly of Baldy and I saw many things I missed on the way up.
Mt. San Antonio (Mt. Baldy) via the Ski Hut Trail
The hike starts directly past the parking lot on a gravel road that soon turns into a trail. Rustic cabins are seen along the creek, some looking more abandoned than others but, fun to see either way. There are some old ruins interspersed off the path to explore as well. The trail runs along the creek for about 2 relatively easy miles before it turns up into moderate to difficult switchbacks all the way to the top. Be sure to keep your ears out for a spring run off soon before the switchbacks start. It’s the perfect place for a break before starting your ascent.
Kelly Camp
Departing from the parking lot along Icehouse Canyon Road, the trail takes course along the northern bank of a creek that flows down the canyon. Crystal clear water tumbles past oaks and sycamores, and this is a fine venue for a directionless romp through nature for those disinterested in following the trail. A half-dozen cabins are spread out along the bottom of the canyon, along with another half-dozen stone foundations (ruins left over from the early days of the Angeles). The trail passes these current and past dwellings, ascending gradually into a wilderness with less and less human impact. You need a parking pass for the Icehouse Canyon Trailhead lot.
MOUNT BALDY: Indefinite trail closures sought after 2 hiker deaths - The Press-Enterprise
MOUNT BALDY: Indefinite trail closures sought after 2 hiker deaths.
Posted: Tue, 09 Feb 2016 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Sunset Peak via South Trailhead
The combination of blue skies, white snow, and impressive peaks make for an exception outing. One mile from the start, comes a junction with the Chapman Trail, which turns north, passing through Cedar Grove Trail Camp on a more roundabout course to Icehouse Saddle. The Icehouse Canyon Trail continues straight ahead, eventually crossing over to the south side of the creek. Incense Cedars and firs become the dominant arbors, and 0.8 miles past the junction, the trail crosses a sign marking the boundary of the Cucamonga Wilderness. This is the halfway point by mileage, but in some ways, the hike is just beginning.
The hikers had no way to call 911. Until they found another hiker's cellphone - Los Angeles Times
The hikers had no way to call 911. Until they found another hiker's cellphone.
Posted: Thu, 23 Dec 2021 08:00:00 GMT [source]
We also have visitor guides available in states highlighted in blue below. To request your selected free visitor guides, please fill out the form below and click "Submit". If you want to check if there's snow on your hike, read this guide. The Chapman Trail intersects with the Icehouse Canyon Trail at two different points, both of which are clearly signed.
Cucamonga Peak Trail Map
It's almost like the Eastern Sierra, to an extent, but it needs fewer people playing music on speakers as they hike. After your hike be sure to stop at the Mt. Baldy Lodge for something to cool you down or warm you up. The chili and grilled cheese are my top choices and they have lots of hot and cold drinks, alcoholic and otherwise, which you have more than earned. There are many trails that lead from Icehouse Saddle and signage may be confusing or non-existent. I recommend carrying the Harrison Mt. Baldy and Cucamonga Wilderness Map, and backing that up with the GPX track loaded in GaiaGPS on my full-charged phone.
Come prepared with the ten essentials, including a map that you’ve studied beforehand and the knowledge of how to navigate and find an alternate route in case of wildfire or other emergency. Once you reach this marker to the summit, you’re almost there. And if it’s a clear day, you are rewarded with amazing views in every direction. We offer a compact version of Go-California for mobile users, allowing you to access just the information you need on the road. Of course, you can still use the full version of Go-California on your mobile device just as you can on your desktop. Overall the trails are well-marked and in good condition.
Baldy Village Weather Forecast
From the saddle, hikers and backpackers may continue on in several directions to explore nearby peaks and venture deeper into the Cucamonga Wilderness. The single-track to Icehouse Saddle climbs 2,600 feet over 3.6 miles and is an exceptional hike. Once you reach the saddle you can take a few different trails to numerous peaks to get a better view, extend the day or camp for the night.
Three T's Trail (Timber , Telegraph + Thunder Mountain)
I created this website to share all the great hikes I do with everyone else out there. This site is different because it gives detailed directions that even the beginning hiker can follow. I also share what hiking gear works and doesn't so you don't waste money. I don't do sponsored or promoted content; I share only the gear recommendations, hikes, and tips that I would with my family and friends. If you like the website and YouTube channel, please support these free guides (I couldn't do it without folks like you!).
There can be some rockslides on the final approach to the summit, but they're safe to cross if you go slowly. This is considered a "fee area," and you need a parking pass here. I use the affordable national parks pass, and you can also use an Adventure Pass.
This hike is not easy but it is a great workout and can be done by beginners up for a challenge, though it may take a little longer. The views are amazing, there is a chance you can see snow in the winter and spring, and it is a short distance from Los Angeles and other surrounding cities. In addition to the trail camps, backpackers may set up camp anywhere they wish in the wilderness as long as the spot is 200 feet from creeks and lakes. There are a good amount of flat camping areas at the summit and plenty of people do an overnight there.
A National Forest Adventure Pass is required for your vehicle while parked in this area. This is all beautifully forested country, with fine views from all the peaks. The second portion of the hike approaches the saddle in a series of switchbacks for the final 1,100 feet of gain. The trail then enters into alpine flora as it reaches the saddle that sits at about 7,600 feet in elevation. The Icehouse Canyon Trail, which ultimately climbs to Icehouse Saddle, is a beautiful and challenging trail that climbs to a less-than-climactic endpoint. Icehouse Saddle is a fork to several other trails, including trails to Ontario Peak, Bighorn Peak, Cucamonga Peak, Thunder Mountain, and even Mount Baldy for the very intrepid hikers.
Cucamonga Peak offers amazing views over Southern California’s Inland Empire, east toward Apple Valley and beyond. This hike from Icehouse Canyon is a strenuous 11.6 mile out-and-back route with 4,300 feet of vertical gain and a top elevation of 8,859′. The north-facing slope holds snow much later in the season than other peaks. The first time I hiked Cucamonga Peak, there were several sections of the trail that were covered with large patches of snow even in June. Hi, I'm Cris Hazzard, aka Hiking Guy, a professional outdoors guide, hiking expert, and author based in Southern California.
No comments:
Post a Comment