Icehouse Canyon (Intermediate)

Up the Trail Time: 8:45 AM

Distance: ~ 7 miles

Gain: ~ 2700 ft

Difficulty: Moderate (suitable for in shape beginners)

Pace: Fast (~2 MPH & slightly faster down)

About the Hike: This is a simple conditioning hike for those of us who want a jump on our weekend. Let's meet and greet 10 minutes before up trail time. The east end of the parking lot by the trail head is a primo spot to do that. The plan is we amble up Ice House Canyon to the Saddle as a group. We'll be climbing at the rate of ~1500 ft per hour. Enjoy a much deserved breather. Regroup and come back down. I'll pick up the Wilderness permit from the Ranger Station in Mt Baldy Village. For a really great write-up, please see Dan's Hiking page here: http://www.simpsoncity.com/hiking/icehouse.... (http://www.simpsoncity.com/hiking/icehouse.html)

Driving Direction: 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 (http://www.simpsoncity.com/hiking/images/timber01a.jpg) at the east end of the parking lot , just to the right of the ruins to the old Icehouse Canyon Resort (http://www.simpsoncity.com/hiking/images/IcehouseLodge.jpg). A National Forest Adventure Pass (http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/sanbernardino/ap/welcome.shtml) is required for parking.

Disclaimer: Hiking is a fun, strenuous and sometimes dangerous activity. Safety for yourself and to your fellow hikers are of the utmost importance. Here are some basic ground rules that'll ensure safety and enjoyment of the hike. First, be responsible for yourself and your guest. Second, this is a fast-pace conditioning hike. Know your limit before signing up. Third: I am here because I like hiking and like hiking with others who like hiking. Please don't sue me for my non-existent mothering skills. In fact don't sue anyone for their non-existent mothering skills. It's bad for one's karma.

OK, rant mode: off