Solo hiked Thurs 8/8/2024 – Cucamonga-Icehouse-Etiwanda-8386-Alta Loma peaks. Trail out to Cucamonga Peak was in good shape except for the scree slide area where it traverses the east side of Bighorn. This section is totally doable, just requiring a little extra focus on foot placement unless you’re up for scree skiing. From Cucamonga Peak to the wilderness border near Alta Loma, the trail will get you there with some cairns/ducks marking the more obscured parts where using gps really helps. Some scree slide areas here as well. Recommend leaving the trail right at the Cucamonga/SB Forest border to start the direct descent to the Alta Loma Saddle, followed by the direct ascent up Alta Loma. First time hitting Icehouse, 8386 and Alta Loma Peaks, all worth climbing up. Etiwanda & Alta Loma were the only peaks with registers. Very nice weather but much warmer than forecasted. Last water source going up is Columbine Spring which is trailside, 2.4 miles from the trail head (34.24326, -117.60459) and flowing nicely right now. I carried and finished 5L water and 2 half liters of electrolyte for this trek but would have taken a 2.5 - 3L bladder for just doing an out and back to Cucamonga Peak. Took frequent breaks in the shade for the Alta Loma leg and never felt too hot. Views off the peaks were awesome and coming back down Icehouse Canyon in the afternoon was as beautiful as ever. Occasionally ran into bug swarms the entire way, almost putting on a head net a few times but just spit out several and relied on insect repellent. Filtered a few liters from Icehouse Creek on the way out to enjoy on the weekend. Really glad the Forest Service reopened Baldy/Icehouse-good decision.Logged 18.8 miles / 6002 vertical ft with Gaia
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My wife and I’s first real hiking adventure.
Only saw a few other hikers total.
Still enough snow in early June ‘23 to hide the trail near the top.
About 7 hours round trip.
Awesome.
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Solo hiked Thurs 8/8/2024 – Cucamonga-Icehouse-Etiwanda-8386-Alta Loma peaks. Trail out to Cucamonga Peak was in good shape except for the scree slide area where it traverses the east side of Bighorn. This section is totally doable, just requiring a little extra focus on foot placement unless you’re up for scree skiing. From Cucamonga Peak to the wilderness border near Alta Loma, the trail will get you there with some cairns/ducks marking the more obscured parts where using gps really helps. Some scree slide areas here as well. Recommend leaving the trail right at the Cucamonga/SB Forest border to start the direct descent to the Alta Loma Saddle, followed by the direct ascent up Alta Loma. First time hitting Icehouse, 8386 and Alta Loma Peaks, all worth climbing up. Etiwanda & Alta Loma were the only peaks with registers. Very nice weather but much warmer than forecasted. Last water source going up is Columbine Spring which is trailside, 2.4 miles from the trail head (34.24326, -117.60459) and flowing nicely right now. I carried and finished 5L water and 2 half liters of electrolyte for this trek but would have taken a 2.5 - 3L bladder for just doing an out and back to Cucamonga Peak. Took frequent breaks in the shade for the Alta Loma leg and never felt too hot. Views off the peaks were awesome and coming back down Icehouse Canyon in the afternoon was as beautiful as ever. Occasionally ran into bug swarms the entire way, almost putting on a head net a few times but just spit out several and relied on insect repellent. Filtered a few liters from Icehouse Creek on the way out to enjoy on the weekend. Really glad the Forest Service reopened Baldy/Icehouse-good decision.Logged 18.8 miles / 6002 vertical ft with Gaia ....................................................................................................................................................................................... Solo hiked the 4 ECBO peaks (Etiwanda, Cucamonga, Bighorn, Ontario) from Icehouse Canyon on 11/4/22. Alpine start with 25-35 mph wind gusts from Icehouse Saddle to Cucamonga Saddle (not too bad). Some slippery ice/snow patches on the Cucamonga Peak Trail climbing out of Cucamonga Saddle (used micro spikes). Beautiful hike through the snow forest to Etiwanda Peak – lots of icicles and snow drifts. Although the trail to Etiwanda can be hard to follow in winter, I found it easy to pick up as the snow was not yet very deep and the brush bordering the winding trail was trimmed back evenly - nice to go from rocks onto cushioning snow for a while. After great views from Etiwanda Peak, the good trail conditions never changed on the trip up Cucamonga Peak. Views of the valley from Cucamonga Peak lived up to their reputation. Snow and ice disappeared for the remainder of the trip on the way back to Cucamonga Saddle. From the saddle, I did the south-southeast climb straight up Bighorn Peak for 800 feet - a real leg burner as others have said (topo contours warned of the fun in store). When you’re on Bighorn Peak staring at Ontario, last of the four summits to ascend, it’s a little intimidating but Bighorn Peak to Ontario Peak seemed like the easiest climbing leg, just several trees to hop over and a few icy spots. The trip back to Icehouse Saddle from Ontario is a nice trail that lets you recover, taking you through Kelly Camp. Coming down to the trailhead from Icehouse Saddle was a scenic cruise with the fall colors and shady stream spots. Recorded 19 miles with a few side view spot excursions and 9-10 hours moving. Definitely recommend the ECBO trek – the trails are in good condition and take you through some beautiful, ever changing forest areas. Just wished I would have seen the usual herd of bighorn sheep!
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This was a very beautiful hike, lots of people, love all the different type of terrain you go through, tough but doable. Enjoy the creeks, waterfall, all the trees and birds singing
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Was able to find parking along Baldy Rd. at 8:15am on a Saturday. Icehouse Canyon was crazy busy...multiple groups 30 people deep 👎🏽 Cucamonga Peak Trail was much better with just a few people who were considerate and would let you pass. Cucamonga Trail was quite rocky with some super narrow sections that could be sketchy for those who are afraid of heights. But the views on this trail are amazing! Total hike time with a potty break, 2 snack breaks, and parking 1/2 mi from the trailhead was 6 hours. Vault toilets at the trailhead. Adventure Pass required at the actual parking lot.
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We had very lucky weather. High of 64 and sunny. When we got up to the top we were the only ones there and were above the clouds. We only saw a few people. Started at 9:40pm and finished at 6.
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The scenery is otherworldly. The streams, greenery, rock, etc. Moreover, the landscape itself changes as you continue to summit. The view at the top is worth the strife. Highly recommend, even if you’re just doing a mile in.
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Loved the view when getting up there!! Make sure you bring crampons, the trail gets icy when passed the icehouse saddle. Recommended.
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This hike starts on the normally high traffic Icehouse Canyon trail. After a 1/4 mile or so we leave the trail and go off trail and head up Falling Rock canyon. Yes, I don’t like the name either. Steep, lots of debris but very manageable. An obviously scree field presents itself at the top of Falling Rock. Head to the right and up the scree field to gain a saddle. From there follow the ridge to the top of Ontario’s Peak!
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This hike was epic. I started at the Icehouse Trailhead, but forgot to hit “record” on the GAIA app. Doh. I did not realize it until the top at Cucamonga Peak. Oh well. At least I recorded the descent.
At the top, there was very light wind, warmer than normal, it was around 80 degrees at the peak. There was just enough breeze to cool things off in the shade. Chapman Trail in the afternoon is hot and difficult due to the narrow trail and rock-slide traverses. It is not for beginners. After reaching Cedar Glen campground, the 2.5 mile hike to the trailhead was amazing. It had all the features: rock slide traverse, oak and pine forest, stream crossing twice, thick scrub brush maze-like narrow trail, switchbacks, and finally the last mile of Icehouse Canyon to the trailhead.
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It was cool. A little crowded and brutal at some points. When we got back to the car temp said 106°F.
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Mostly in shade; make it a pleasant hike during hot weather. Be aware of snakes.
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Cucamonga Peak via Icehouse Saddle. About 25%-35% shaded. Creek water was clear but had a faint sewer smell. The view on top was breathtaking overlooking the urban grids. View from the Peak is magical at night! Descending took 2 hours 47 mins while Ascending took an hour more. Give yourself 8 hours minimum to Summit and return.
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This is a beautiful hike. Disappointingly crowded with hikers who don't know wilderness or trail etiquette. Please remember that the wilderness is here for everyone to enjoy, and be respectful of it. 1) Listening to music on a wilderness hike only serves to stress wildlife. 2) Right of way always goes to the uphill trekker. Happy trails!
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Leave early in the day, preferably well before 7 am to avoid the heat of the day. Remember that a self-issue wilderness permit (available at the trailhead) is required for Cucamonga Wilderness. Route is very steep in sections, and not a typical grade for a trail in this area. Some sections of the trail close to the summit have small rockslides on them — be careful crossing these sections. PLEASE don’t cut switchbacks and take your trash with you. Thanks!
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6/4/20
We start 7 Am,Me n my wife, we get back by 5 Pm, it's very challenging, is lot of rocks, hot day, but it's very rewarding.
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I wrote the description, so read that. I nice strenuous hike with some hidden gems built in.
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Stayed overnight, very windy at the top all night long, didn’t sleep well, but it’s an amazing hike! It was really difficult for me on the way up. But a very well maintained trail. Awesome views!!
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Started at 6am, forgot to hit record until an hour in so this hike is actually 7hrs, 12miles. We also took a slight detour near Cucamonga Canyon area. Overall this trail currently in the Summer is easy. There are some steep bits, and some narrow trail areas but overall straight forward. Trail is much more challenging/fun in Winter.
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