Hiking Icehouse Canyon to Cucamonga Peak Trail
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Cucamonga Peak stands tall as one of the original SoCal Six Pack of Peaks challenge hikes, and I chose it as my seventh peak for the 2024 challenge. Rising from 4,980 to 8,862 feet, this hike takes you to one of the highest points in the San Gabriel Mountains, nestled within the Cucamonga Wilderness of the San Bernardino National Forest. The peak, named after the historic Rancho Cucamonga land grant, offers breathtaking views but demands careful preparation. In this post, I’ll share my experience on the trail and highlight the importance of thorough planning—because sometimes, what you find online doesn’t fully prepare you for what you’ll encounter in real life.
About Icehouse Canyon to Cucamonga Peak Trail
Hiking to Cucamonga Peak via Ice House Canyon is a demanding yet rewarding adventure that spans 11.1 miles round-trip, with an elevation gain of 4,186 feet. This out-and-back trail is popular among hikers, backpackers, and trail runners near Mount Baldy, California. The trail winds through the picturesque Ice House Canyon, offering stunning views and rugged terrain. Given the trail’s popularity, you’re likely to encounter fellow outdoor enthusiasts along the way. The best time to tackle this route is between May and November, when conditions are ideal for exploring. However, this is not a trail you want to attempt in snow, as the steep and rocky terrain can become treacherous. This route can be extremely icy during the winter months, so hikers are advised to use winter traction gear such as microspikes and trail crampons. A helmet and ice axe are recommended for safety if you’re traveling beyond the saddle. If you’re bringing your dog along, keep them on a leash as you make your way to the summit of Cucamonga Peak.
Parking at Icehouse Canyon Trailhead
There is ample parking at the trailhead, however, it fills up very fast on the weekend, so you might want to get there early, or mid-morning when the trail runners start leaving! We started around 8.30 am on a Sunday and we got the last parking spot!
Permits to hike Cucamonga Peak
Two permits are required to hike the Icehouse Canyon to Cucamonga Peak Trail.
- A Southern California Adventure Pass is required to be displayed in your vehicle at the trailhead.
- A San Gorgonio Wilderness permit is required to hike the area (both day hikes and overnight trips!) This permit is super easy and convenient to obtain online.
Gear Recommendation for Cucamonga Peak
In conjunction with the famous ten essentials, explore the following gear recommendations:
My experience hiking Cucamonga Peak
I hiked with a friend also participating in the SoCal Six Pack of Peaks challenge. We left San Diego at 6 AM and arrived at the trailhead around 8:15 AM, starting our hike by 8:30.
Our plan was ambitious: we aimed to summit both Ontario and Cucamonga Peaks in one go. I found an itinerary on AllTrails that suggested it was possible by first hiking to Icehouse Saddle, then hitting Ontario Peak, and Bighorn Peak, and finally descending to another saddle before climbing up to Cucamonga Peak.
The first 3.5 miles to Icehouse Saddle were rocky and full of switchbacks. Even though the trailhead is only at 4,980 feet, the air felt surprisingly thin, almost as if we were at a much higher elevation. We weren’t expecting that, but we pushed through. After a quick snack break around mile 2, we continued up the switchbacks and eventually reached Icehouse Saddle.
At the saddle, we debated which peak to tackle first. As we studied the trail map, I noticed no “official trail” between Bighorn and Cucamonga, contrary to AllTrails’ suggestion. This made us question whether our planned route was feasible. We decided to head to Cucamonga first to ensure we could bag that peak (an original Six Pack Peak) and then assess the trail conditions for Bighorn and Ontario.
The first mile from Icehouse Saddle towards Cucamonga is relatively easy and mostly flat, though the steep drop-offs could be intimidating if you fear heights. I wouldn’t want to hike this section in snowy or icy conditions. We reached another saddle where the “trail” to Bighorn branched off, and that’s when we confirmed it was not an official trail—just a very steep, rough path with what looked like a 60% incline. We were glad we didn’t attempt the hike in reverse.
From there, we continued up to Cucamonga. The trail got really steep, especially through the avalanche zones, where it was rocky and challenging. Along this stretch, there are several steep shortcuts you can take. We missed the last shortcut before the peak, which added 0.7 miles to our hike unnecessarily. We regretted not taking it and made sure to use it on the way back down—it was a much better experience.
After a quick nap and a photo session at the windy summit, we headed back down. Exhausted from only two hours of sleep the night before, we decided to return to the trailhead instead of attempting Ontario Peak. I’ll be back in a few weeks to tackle Ontario and Bighorn so I can complete my 12 Peaks Challenge.
The Importance of Proper Research and Map Reading
One of the most critical aspects of hiking, especially on challenging trails like this one, is proper research and accurate reading maps. This hike could have turned dangerous without knowing how to interpret the trail map correctly. The itinerary I found on AllTrails suggested a route that wasn’t entirely accurate—it showed a trail between Bighorn and Cucamonga Peaks that doesn’t officially exist. Had we followed that route without checking the map and terrain, we could have ended up on an extremely steep, unsafe path, potentially putting ourselves at serious risk.
To avoid situations like this, it’s essential to:
- Thoroughly Research the Trail: Before setting out, study multiple sources of information about the trail. Don’t rely solely on one app or website—compare different maps, read recent trip reports, and check the official trail maps provided by parks or forest services.
- Know How to Read a Map and Use a Compass: While GPS apps are beneficial, technology can fail. Understanding how to read a topographic map and use a compass ensures you can navigate safely even without digital tools.
- Pay Attention to Trail Markings and Terrain: As you hike, continually assess your surroundings and compare them with the map. Look for key landmarks, trail junctions, and elevation changes. Trust your instincts and re-evaluate your route if something doesn’t seem right.
- Prepare for the Unexpected: Always carry essentials like extra food, water, a first aid kit, and emergency supplies. Weather conditions, trail closures, or unexpected detours can happen, and being prepared can make a significant difference. Don’t forget the Ten Essentials!
By taking these steps, you can ensure a safer and more enjoyable hiking experience. Proper preparation isn’t just about making the hike more comfortable; it’s about avoiding potentially life-threatening situations.
Relive my hike to Cucamonga Peak
Check out my Cucamonga Peak hike on Relive! With Relive, you can create custom videos that vividly depict your journeys, turning memories into captivating stories for sharing. Through Relive’s immersive storytelling, you can share the beauty of your adventures and inspire others to explore nature. Join this vibrant community and turn every adventure into a captivating visual story. Embrace the adventure and seize the chance to immortalize it with Relive!
Final thoughts on Cucamonga Peak
Hiking Cucamonga Peak was a true highlight of my weekend, and completing the first six peaks in the SoCal Six Pack of Peaks challenge feels like a significant milestone! With renewed confidence and the right products to help me recover faster at high altitudes, I’m excited to continue this journey and conquer the remaining peaks in the coming months.
If this adventure inspires you, I encourage you to take on your own challenge—hitting the trails, setting new fitness goals, or exploring the great outdoors. Stay tuned for
Post originally published on August 28, 2024, and last updated on November 13, 2024.
