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 Reporter |
Summary: This hike takes you through beautiful Icehouse Canyon, into the Cucamonga Wilderness up to Icehouse Saddle and beyond Kelly's Camp to Ontario Peak. The views are spectacular, it was so clear in November that I was able to see the Pacific and all of Catalina Island - I'd never seen the ocean from the Angeles before. You can make out all of Southern California with a 360' view that rivals any peak in the forest. The Icehouse Canyon trail is no joke, either take extra time, lots of breaks, or be in fantastic shape - I made the 3.6 miles in 1 hr and 25 minutes, but I would suggest taking your time. It is steep and strenuous the whole way. The only problem with this hike is that the wilderness is far from wild - I passed 58 people on my winter hike, and many of them were talking loudly, once you pass the saddle, though, solitude presents itself. Bring sturdy boots, lots of water, and an extra energy bar. Trailhead: Take the 60, 10 or 210 to Mountain Avenue in Upland/Ontario. Exit and travel North (towards the mountains - you can't miss them.) Follow Mountain as it turns from a major thouroughfare into a residental street. It will veer left as it merges with Euclid. Follow this until you come to Mt. Baldy road. You need to turn right and follow this road past the Baldy Trout Ponds, until you see a sign for Icehouse Canyon Road, you continue straight, even though it is a right turn off the main road. Park in the large parking area - this trail gets heavy usage. (Lat:34.2275 Lon:-117.62419) Trail Guides for Ontario Peak: Best Hikes With Dogs - Southern California by Allen Riedel (Mountaineers books) California Hiking by Tom Sinestra and Ann Marie Brown (Avalon Travel) Trails of the Angeles - 100 Hikes in the San Gabriels by John W. Robinson (Wilderness Press) Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Horses, Ranger Contact: Angeles National Forest (909)982-2829 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Allen Riedel, who has posted 123 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here. Trail Reviews Page 1 of 4 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Matti on 11/17/2009 Unbelievably picturesque hike. Breezed through a very cold Icehouse Canyon, then starting at the Saddle the trail was almost entirely covered in snow all the way up to the sumit. Clear views from the top, not enough daylight to hit both Ontario and Bighorn but will defitely be back up for that one. 6 stars if I could.
Reviewed by friendowl on 6/30/2009 great hike...great views....summit is a great place,,,i liked climbing the big tree..kellys camp looks nice to spend a night...flies and bees galore 
Reviewed by Brian on 5/17/2009 went to ont over the weekend, never seen rattlesnakes up here before but we ran into 4 along the trail from the begining all the way to the peak. swarms of ladybugs aswell. great hike though, 75' high.
Reviewed by Dan on 4/10/2009 I made it as far as the saddle before losing the trail in the still snow covered north facing slope. Went to Timber Mountain instead.
Reviewed by CjK on 1/22/2009 Very icy past the saddle,both Mt. ont and Mt cucc. Three T's seems passible to telegraph.
Reviewed by David on 6/29/2008 Great hike from Icehouse. If you're an experienced xcountry hiker. you can descend either Falling Rock Canyon or the ridge just east of Falling Rock to Sugarloaf Peak. It is a dramatic drop which deposits you back in Icehouse Canyon and allows a loop. Also on the way up you can pickoff Bighorn. I suggest going about a hundred yards along the Ontario trail and make a left up the slopes trying to avoid the manzanita to the top. From there follow the ridge west back to the trail.
Reviewed by BJD on 4/30/2008 April 27: Only made it to a quarter mile past Icehouse Saddle owing to icy snow on Ontario Peak route. Diverted to Timber Mtn and back by Chapman Trail. Beautiful hike.
Reviewed by Michael G on 2/18/2008 I thoroughly enjoyed this hike, except for the fact I turned back at the advice of many people of the trail, due to heavy snow in the area! There is nothing on this review that said to bring crampons when the snow is several feet deep..maybe it is just assumed. I would just call into the visitor center to get info on the snowfall because my trekking poles were invaluable and crampons would have been nice to make it further than i did. The trail completely disappeared at about 3.2 miles so if snow is there, follow a group who knows where they are going or trail blaze it yourself! Either way, this hike was incredibly beautiful for the only 3.5 miles i made it, and i am definitely going back just slightly better prepared Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: California Hiking, California Trails, California Hikes, Los Angeles County Hiking, Los Angeles County Trails, Los Angeles County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||