Hike Ontario Peak (8859')

UPDATE (1/17/2015): Microspikes or some other form traction device will be required to safely travel to the peak. The gear list below has been updated. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE THE RQUIRED GEAR PLEASE CHANGE YOUR RSVP. Sorry, I don't want anyone getting hurt. The trail is mostly clear to the saddle but is hard-packed ice and snow to northern and eastern points beyond. Poles would be helpful as well. If at any time I feel the safety of the group is in jeopardy I'll recommend we turn around. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. LASTLY, the parking lot was filling up fast at 6:45 this morning -- probably a good idea to show up a few minutes earlier than 7:30.

Happy New Year to everyone! James and I have been wanting to hike Ontario Peak and decided to invite a few friends along. We'll call this an advanced hike because of the distance and elevation gain. The upside is we'll be leaving the masses behind and should enjoy a bit of wilderness seclusion once we get past Ice House Canyon Saddle. Being in a more remote location with fewer people also means a better chance of catching a glimpse of the elusive Bighorn sheep. We'll pass by Kelly's Camp on the way and should enjoy great views throughout.

I apologize for the early start (7:30am) -- this is definitely NOT in keeping with Lazy Ass tradition. However, this parking lot has a tendency to fill beyond capacity before 8:00am. Plus this is a longer hike and I'd like to be off the trail before dark ;) If anyone is game, we can stop at Baldy Lodge for some post-hike grub and/or adult beverages.

SIGNIFICANT SNOW ACCUMULATION BELOW 8000' CANCELS THE HIKE.

STATS: 12.4 miles with 3733' of elevation gain. Most of the gain is from the parking lot to the saddle. We'll be traveling at a slow, meandering, lazy-ass pace with plenty of time for breaks and pictures. Please know your limits.

REQUIRED GEAR: Microspike or other traction device.

RECOMMENDED GEAR: Trekking poles or something of that nature.

STUFF TO BRING: 2+ liters of water, lunch, sunscreen, hat. Dress in layers and avoid cotton base layers. Given the distance, I'd call this a "10 Essentials" type of hike.

DIRECTIONS: From the 210 exit on Baseline Rd, go west and turn right onto Padua Ave. Take Padua to Mt. Baldy Road and turn right again. Take Mt. Baldy Road all the way to the Ice House Canyon trailhead. Google says it's 9 miles from Mt. Baldy Road to the trailhead. If you find yourself making a hairpin turn, you've gone too far.

NO PLUS ONES: As with most Lazy Ass Hikes, there won't be any Plus Ones. That's so each participant will be fully aware of the hike details and waiver of liability. It also helps the organizers know who's joining the hike. If you have someone you'd like to attend, just have them join the group.

WAIVER OF LIABILITY AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK

By joining and/or participating in this and any Lazy Ass Hiking event or activity you agree to be fully responsible for your own safety and behavior and to hold the organizers and participants harmless from any loss, damage or liability that may occur during this event or while in transit to and from the event. You are responsible to know your limits and determine whether you are in adequate physical shape to complete the hike or not. In addition, you understand and accept that hiking is an inherently dangerous activity that can lead to serious injury or death and that the organizers are not professional hikers or trained leaders and are not medically trained to handle emergencies.