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As one of the alternate routes in the SoCal Six Pack of Peaks challenge, I chose Ontario Peak for the eighth summit in my 2024 journey. Climbing from 4,980 to 8,696 feet, this hike offers a rewarding adventure with stunning vistas and unforgettable scenery. In this post, I’ll take you along on my experience and share the highlights from the trail.

About Icehouse Canyon to Ontario Peak (Six Pack of Peaks challenge)

Hiking to Ontario Peak via Ice House Canyon is a rewarding adventure that spans 12.5 miles round-trip, with an elevation gain of 3,806 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.

Parking at Icehouse Canyon Trailhead

There’s plenty of parking at the trailhead, but it fills up quickly on weekends because this is the same parking lot for Ontario Peak and Cucamonga Peak, both part of the Six Pack of Peaks challenge, as well as the 3 T’s hike (Timber, Telegraph, and Thunder mountains). To secure a spot, aim to arrive early, before 6:30 am, or mid-morning, when trail runners start leaving. I arrived at 8:30 am on a Saturday and had to park further down Mt. Baldy Road.

Also worth noting is that toilets are available at the trailhead!

Permits to hike Ontario Peak

Only one permit is needed for the Icehouse Canyon to Ontario Peak Trail, solely for parking at the trailhead.

• A Southern California Adventure Pass is required to be displayed in your vehicle at the trailhead.

However, if you plan on also hiking the Cucamonga trail, then you’ll need:

• A San Gorgonio Wilderness permit is required to hike the Cucamonga area (both day hikes and overnight trips!) This permit is super easy and convenient to obtain online.

Gear Recommendation for Ontario Peak & the Six Pack of Peaks Challenge

In conjunction with the famous ten essentials, explore the following gear recommendations which are very useful for the Ontario Peak hike, but also the other hikes as part of the Six Pack of Peaks challenge series:

LMNT Zero-Sugar Electrolytes – Citrus Salt – Hydration Powder Packets | No Artificial Ingredients | Keto & Paleo Friendly | 30 Sticks

Osprey Hydraulics 3L Backpack Water Reservoir with Bite Valve

Garmin 010-02602-00 inReach Mini 2, Lightweight and Compact Satellite Communicator, Hiking Handheld, Orange

Alfamo Cooling Towel for Neck and Face (Blue, S) Cooling Rag Cool Towels for Sports Chilly Pad Wet Towel Cold Towel Cooling Neck Towel Cooling Cloth Stay Cool Towel Neck Towels to Keep You Cool Down

Full-Length Leggings With Pockets

Energy Chews Variety Pack

Kahtoola MICROspikes

PROBAR – Meal Bar, Chocolate Coconut, Non-GMO, Gluten-Free, Healthy, Plant-Based Whole Food Ingredients, Natural Energy, 3 Ounce (Pack of 12)

Altra Women’s LONE PEAK Sneaker, Navy Coral, 9.5

Noka Superfood Fruit Smoothie Pouches Variety Pack, Healthy Snacks with Flax Seed, Plant Protein and Prebiotic Fiber, Vegan and Gluten Free Snacks, Organic Squeeze Pouch, 4.22 oz, 12 Count

Trail Mix Cowl Pullover Fleece

Blenders Polarized Sunglasses

Black Diamond Equipment Distance Carbon Z Trekking/Running Poles – Ultra Blue – 120 cm

Women’s Oh Mega Fur Pom Beanie

ALTRA Unisex Trail Gaiter, Orange/Black, Large

G4Free Liteflex Hiking Umbrella Small Mini Ultralight 43″ Silver Travel Folding Reverse Umbrella for Trekking Backpacking with Bonus Hands Free Umbrella Kit (Lake Blue/Silver)

Osprey Talon Earth Backpack

GU Energy Gel Multipack

My experience hiking Ontario Peak (Six Pack of Peaks challenge)

I hiked this trail alone on Saturday 11/30/24. I left San Diego at 6.40 AM and arrived at the trailhead around 8:30 AM, starting my hike by 8:50 am. There was no snow or ice. I had brought my microspikes and trekking poles after reading a recent review on AllTrails that mentioned icy conditions, but by the time I hit the trail, the conditions were regular, and I didn’t need to use either.

The first 3.5 miles to Icehouse Saddle were rocky and filled with switchbacks. I felt much better on this hike than when tackling the same section to reach Cucamonga Peak in August. This was surprising because I hadn’t done much hiking since then. However, this was also my first hike using an inhaler for my breathing. I took it about 30 minutes before starting, and it made a noticeable difference—I breathed easier and felt significantly better compared to my Cucamonga hike. Plus, I had a full 7 hours of sleep before this hike, unlike the mere 2 hours I got before Cucamonga. Rest makes a big difference when hiking! I

Having hiked this in summer previously, the fall color provided a lovely new outlook on the area! Close to the 3-mile mark, a tree that had been leaning for the longest time has finally fallen over recently! I reached Icehouse Saddle in just under 2 hours, where I sat on a log for a snack break at the saddle for a while, before pushing on towards the Ontario Peak trail.

The 2.8 miles from Icehouse Saddle towards Ontario Peak are relatively easy. ! A few fallen trees require you to crawl under or climb over them, but they add to the fun. There is a nice, flat-ish section for about half a mile, It then gets steep in some sections, but it then gets easier again about half a mile from the Peak. Unlike Cucamonga, there are steep drop-offs, but they don’t seem as intimidating as those towards Cucamonga. I am also including below a photo of the backcountry camping area known as Kelly Camp, about a mile away from the saddle.

After a quick lunch and a photo session at the summit, I headed back down, feeling very accomplished to have conquered my 8th peak in my Six Pack of Peaks challenge. I hadn’t hiked properly since Labor Day, so my legs were starting to feel tired, and my knee / IT band hurt the whole way down. I made it back to the trailhead at 3.25 pm. After a lovely yoga session in the trailhead parking lot to stretch and prep my body for the drive home, I drove back to San Diego!

I am including more photos of the views here because they truly are the highlight of the hike!

Relive my hike to Ontario Peak (Six Pack of Peaks challenge)

Check out my Ontario Peak hike on Relive! With Relive, you can create custom 3D 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 Ontario Peak (Six Pack of Peaks challenge)

Hiking Ontario Peak was the highlight of my weekend. I’m thrilled to have felt so much better on this hike, and I’m excited to tackle a few more before the year ends as part of my Six Pack of Peaks challenge! If this adventure inspires you, I encourage you to take on your own challenge: hitting the trails, setting new fitness goals, or simply exploring the great outdoors.