June Mountain Hike: Icehouse Canyon-Cucamonga-Ontario Peaks (Intermediate->Adv)

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This is an "Out of OC Hike" in the Mt. Baldy area. It's a workout and fit for regular conditioning hikers. Please know your limit. This is the second hike in a series mountains hikes to prepare for this Summer training for either Mt. San Gorgonio, Mt. Whitney, Mt. Langley, high country Eastern Sierra or out of town mountains hikes.

Check here to view: Photos from last hike (https://www.meetup.com/HikingOC/photos/944311/)

Meet at Icehouse Canyon Parking near the restroom
Trailhead: Icehouse Canyon (about 60 miles driving one way from Irvine)
Trailhead time: 6:30 AM (early for parking)
Departure time: 6:45 AM
Adventure Pass is required to park your car at the trailhead (carpool is recommended) You can purchase the pass at the trailhead or at any sport store near you.
What to bring: 10 hiking Essentials (https://www.meetup.com/HikingOC/messages/boards/thread/9535234), wear hiking shoes, hat, sunscreen, bring water, snacks and pack a light brunch. There is warning about poison oak on the trails

Duration:About 4-6 hours for the route to Icehouse Saddle, up Cucamonga Peak and down via the Chapman trail.
Rating: strenuous for distance, fast pace and elevation gain
Distance: 7-16 miles (Advanced group-16 miles: really fast pace for both Cucamonga and Ontario Peaks; Intermediate Plus group-12 miles (2): moderate fast pace for Cucamonga Peak; Intermediate group-7 miles (3): slow moderate pace for Icehouse Saddle)

Elevation Gain:

1. Advanced group (1): ~ 5800ft

2. Intermediate-Plus group (2): ~ 4300ft

3. Intermediate Group (3): for regular intermediate hikers who like to go slower pace on Icehouse Canyon to the Icehouse Saddle and back (7 miles, ~2600ft gain)

ABOUT THIS HIKE: The first part of the trail parallels a year-round creek with natural springs through shady Icehouse Canyon. Once past the saddle, we zig-zag up the north side of Cucamonga Peak where we will break for a snack/light brunch and enjoy the views.

At an elevation of 8,859 feet, Cucamonga Peak offers amazing views of the inland empire, yet the trail up gives you the true wilderness experience. This hike has been described as "one of the very best hikes and peaks in the San Gabriels." Most of the trail lies within the Cucamonga Wilderness — 12,781 acres of pristine high country dominated by 8,000-foot peaks, deep canyons, and rich conifer forest.

There may be snow on the north face of Cucamonga (which we will traverse). We won't know the conditions until the week before, so check back here for the latest trail conditions.

Ontario Peak, at 8,693 ft, is a high peak in the San Gabriel Mountains of California. Like neighboring Cucamonga Peak, it is on the San Bernardino National Forest, and in the Cucamonga Wilderness. The peak is named for the nearby city of Ontario about 12 miles (19 km) due south. The views are spectacular, on a clear day, we will be able to see the Pacific and all of Catalina Island with a 360' view.

DRIVING DIRECTIONS: Click here for the trailhead on Google Maps (http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=107737017548218126486.000486580df4058c43cea&ll=34.246149,-117.643662&spn=0.082018,0.154324&z=13). Click the red marker, then click Directions and enter your starting point for turn-by-turn directions and estimated driving time. Carpooling is recommended, and a National Forest Adventure Pass is required for parking.

For those who want to Carpool: the Park and Ride in Orange--meet to leave 5:30-5:45AM

Suggested carpool meetup spot is at the Park-n-Ride in Orange off the 55N Lincoln/Nohl Ranch exit. Park-n-Ride entrance is on Tustin, across from Von's parking lot.

Traveling NORTH on the 55, exit Lincoln Ave. West. Make 2 lefts, go under the freeway and take a left onto Tustin Ave. heading South. If you're traveling SOUTH on the 55, exit Lincoln and make a left on Tustin. The Park & Ride will be on your left hand side. You'll need to make a U-Turn to get to this side of the street

REMINDERS:

By joining the meetup, you agree to Meetup Terms of Service releases the Organizer and Assistant Organizers from any liability related to incidents that occur at Meetup gatherings > YOU acknowledge THAT WE ARE NOT PROFESSIONALS. > YOU ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOURSELF AND YOUR SAFETY Hiking is a rewarding and pleasant activity in nature, but there are certain dangers you should be aware of. Those include, but are not limited to, trip and fall injuries, bee stings, poison oak exposure, ticks, mountain lions, coyotes, snake bites or wildlife. By signing up for this event, you agree to hold harmless the hike organizer, assistant organizers and other participants for any injuries sustained during this hike***