|
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
         
 Reporter |
Summary: This is one of the finest hikes in the San Gabriel Mountains. You climb the heart of scenic Icehouse Canyon into the Cucamonga Wilderness to Icehouse Saddle, then to the top of the 8303-foot Timber Mountain. From the trailhead follow the path east, under a canopy of oak, alder, spruce, cedar, fir, and pine. After 1.8 miles you reach the entrance to the Cucamonga Wilderness. The trail gets steeper as you travel up the canyon. In 3.5 miles from the start, you reach Icehouse Saddle, a nice destination if you'd like to turn back at this point. If you're heading on to Timber Mountain, take the trail to the left (north). Follow the trail as it switchbacks up the southwest-facing slope of Timber. At the west ridge before the trail heads down to the saddle between Timber Mountain and Telegraph Peak, turn right (east) on the marked spur trail, following it .25 mile to the summit. After soaking in the beauty of this splendid high country, return the way you came. Trailhead: From the new 210 Freeway extension, driving east: Exit Baseline Road in Claremont. Turn left on Baseline. In one block turn right unto Padua Avenue. In 1.7 miles turn right onto Mt. Baldy Road (stop sign). After 7.2 miles you pass the Angles National Forest Mt. Baldy Visitor Center in Mt. Baldy Village. You can get a Forest Adventure Pass and wilderness permit here. Continue 1.5 miles to the Icehouse Canyon entrance. Turn right and park in the large parking area. From the new 210 Freeway extension, driving west: In Upland, exit Mountain Ave./Mt. Baldy Exit, Exit 54. Turn right and proceed north on Mountain Ave. Drive 5 miles to Mt. Baldy Road. Turn right (north) and after 5 miles you pass the Angles National Forest Mt. Baldy Visitor Center in Mt. Baldy Village. You can get a Forest Adventure Pass and wilderness permit here. Continue 1.5 miles to the Icehouse Canyon entrance. Turn right and park in the large parking area. The trail starts at the east end. (Lat:34.2499 Lon:-117.63862) Trail Guides for Timber Mountain via Icehouse Canyon: Trails of the Angeles by John W. Robinson (Wilderness Press) Afoot and Afield in Los Angles County by Jerry Schad (Wilderness Press) Walking Southern California - A Day Hikers Guide by John McKinney (HarperCollinsWest) Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Horses, Ranger Contact: Angeles National Forest, San Gabriel River Ranger district: 626-335-1251. Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Dan Simpson, who has posted 4 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here. Trail Reviews Page 2 of 3 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Marie on 7/8/2007 We went on Ice House Canyon rail yesterday (7/7/07) Was a hot day in the SGV but it was a lot cooler up here with a good hint of wind. The trails were being kept up by the rangers as you can see that some of the flooring was being held by fencing. Very friendly people (came in groups and even pets). The trails can be very scenic up here because of the lush greens. Water was tending to pass through some of the trails (very small streams, not to worry about when crossing). I might say it got hot at times but most of the trail was under the shade and very cool. There are some good spots by the river to just hang out hanve lunch, take a rest, or enjoy the rumble of the tiny water falls.
Reviewed by Ron on 12/4/2006 Three of us from Riverside parked one car at the bottom of the Mt Baldy ski lift and one car at Icehouse Canyon. We left the Icehouse Canyon parking lot at 8 AM on Saturday. Hiked up Icehouse Canyon, took the Chapman trail detour and ended up at the Icehouse Saddle at 11:15. From there we went to Timber Mountain, then to Telegraph Peak and then to Thunder Mountain. An absolutely beautiful hike. Could see Arrowhead, Big Bear, San Gorgonio, San Jacinto, LA skyline and Catalina Island. Cool and at times pretty windy, but not too bad. We got to the top of the Baldy Ski lift at 4 PM and made my greatest $8 investment ever (rode the lift down) saved the three mile down hill fire road trek. 10.9 miles in 8 hours. A lot of hikers really don't like 
Reviewed by Brian on 10/22/2006 The hike was great -What's not to like about Ice House Canyon? The weather was perfect, fall colors all around and lots of ladybugs by the creek. The trail is very well marked and maintained. Today the forest rangers had a big crew of horses and mules repairing sections of the canyon trail. It was neat to see them up there. Expect lots of people up to the saddle. I stopped counting at 50 but crossed paths with at least 100 people today ...it's Saturday. After the saddle I went to Timber Mt. and didn't see a soul. Round trip was 9 miles and 3400 ft gain. Did it in just under 3 hours (didn't spend much time at the top). Overall, I had a great hike ...always do up there!
Reviewed by Lee on 7/10/2006 Dynamic serenity; hiked on 7/3/06
Reviewed by dave on 7/5/2006 nice trail go on a weekday.
Reviewed by Mr Rodney Jones on 1/30/2006 Jan 29, 2006 in the last mile to the saddle, there's long stretches of slippery black ice. great weather. minor winds in the canyon at 530am, surpisingly no wind at the saddle, parts of the trail to Timber was washed out. when in doubt go up, and you'll find it. lotsa snow that turned in crunchy ice. dangerous. must have crampons, hiking poles.
Reviewed by Richard on 5/29/2005 05/28/2005 Riverside Boy Scout Troop 2 hiked 20+ people to Timber Mountain via Ice House Canyon trail in two groups. Lots of snow on mountains. Lots of water in streams. Several waterfalls. Trail in disarray in several places. Significant damage to trail from winter storms in several locations. 2 major stream crossings and 3 fallen trees to navigate. Trail covered in snow in several places making for a slippery climb or decent. Seemed to be many bugs out today. Could see to high desert from Timber Mountain Peak. Met several Scout Troops camping at Saddle or near Timber Mountain. Worth the hike. Trip took our 11 year-old Scout group 5.5 hours to Saddle, 1.25 hours to Timber and 0.5 from Timber to Saddle and 2.5 hours return to Parking.
Reviewed by Dick on 5/17/2005 I lived at the cabin half way to the saddle 30 yrs ago. Near the front door were troughs that filled with water and then ice for cold freight train storage of oranges from 1900 to 1950. I partially repaired the cabin which served as a bar/mule rest area when visitors rode to Ontario peak. No running water or electric. Cold (brain numbing)baths in the swift stream. Aside from the roar of the stream it was wonderfully quiet. Many quaint cabins along the way - many abandonded or burned from occasional forest fires. A wonderful place to charge ones batteries on a day hike to camp out for awhile. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||