Cucamonga Peak
Cappie’s Scoop: It has to be said that this is THE rockiest trail I’ve ever hiked, period. But I keep coming back for the pine cones and the cold Icehouse Creek that runs through the canyon. It feels so good to soak my paws in it! The view at the peak, 8,859 ft, can either be the city below OR clouds. When I was above the clouds, it was so cool! Big fluffy white stuff which reminded me of a puppuccino I get from Starbucks. Next time we visit this area, we’re going to hike to the saddle and then take a different turn. There are lots of peaks you can reach from the saddle besides Cucamonga. You can also hike to Ontario and Bighorn Peak and then the Three T’s (Timber, Telegraph and Thunder Mountain). So many options so I guess I can ignore the rocks! Don’t hesitate to add YOUR scoop in the comments below!
Tips: This trail is a bit rocky, hiking poles are recommended.
Directions: Can also use address 7641 Ice House Canyon Road, Mount Baldy, CA 91759.
| Mileage (round trip) | 12 |
| Difficulty | Strenuous |
| Gain (in feet) | 4300 |
| Trailhead | 34.25018, -117.6360 |
| Hike Time (in hours) | 7-8 |
| Exposure | Sunny and Shady |
| Scenery | Mountain Views, Creek, Forest |
| Facilities | Toilets at trailhead. |
| Fees/Permits | California Adventure Pass or Interagency Annual Pass/America the Beautiful Pass (National Parks Pass). *Permits depend on where you start your hike. Beginning 9/1/2020, a free wilderness permit for day hikes/overnight trips is only required for portions of the San Bernardino National Forest and a portion of the Cucamonga Wilderness is in there (east of the Ice House Saddle). If you hike to Cucamonga Peak from Ice House Canyon trailhead (where we started), you need a wilderness permit from the Ranger and there are day hiker limits. Link to apply for a permit under “More Info.” If you hike to Cucamonga Peak starting from the Middle Creek Trailhead (not reflected in this post), you need a permit and there are limits. If you’re hiking from Ice House Canyon trailhead (where we started) to Ice House Saddle only, the 3 T’s, or Ontario Peak, the limits do not apply but you still need a permit and they are free self-issued at the Ice House Canyon trailhead (bring a pen). |
| More Info | https://sixpackofpeaks.com/socal; https://socalhiker.net/a-six-pack-of-peaks; https://socalhiker.net/new-day-hiking-permit-requirements-for-wilderness-areas-in-the-san-bernardino-national-forest; https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/sbnf/passes-permits/recreation/?cid=stelprd3821640 |
| Last Hiked | 5/13/2018, 6/9/2019, 11/11/2020 |
