Icehouse Canyon Trail to Cucumonga Peak-12 Miles RT

Trail Stats Mileage (r.t) 12.0 Trailhead 4900' Icehouse Saddle 7555' Cucamonga Peak 8859' Total gain/loss 4300' Gain/loss per mi. 716'

This is one of the very best hikes and peaks in the San Gabriels. Most of the trek lies within the Cucamonga Wilderness — 12,781 acres of pristine high country dominated by 8,000-foot peaks, deep canyons, and rich conifer forest. Throughout the hike there is a great feeling of isolation and wilderness as the surrounding canyon walls and lofty mountains block from view most of the trappings of civilization. Then when you reach the grand climax of the trip, Cucamonga Peak (8859'), an astonishing vista of the human sprawl unfolds before your eyes (if the weather is clear). The peak stands closer to the vast inland population than any other high summit in the San Gabriels. And the south-facing slopes drop off in dramatic relief, providing breathing-taking scenery.(Copied from Dan's HIking Pages).

Hike Type: Strenuous Out and Back Hike

Details of the hike:12 miles Round Trip with a total of 4300' of elevation gain/loss.

Time:8 hours maximum.

Note: sections of this trail can be very rocky and constant attention is required to prevent twisting an ankle or falling.There will be no sweep for this hike. We will stop periodically to ensure all hikers stay with the group. We will take rest breaks as needed by the group.

Pre hydrate really well to handle the altitude, heat and workout.

Altitude:4900 ft. at trail head, 7555 ft. at Icehouse Saddle, 8859 at the top of Cucumonga Peak.

What to Bring: Please bring the 10 essentials on this hike: At least 3 liters of water, food (snacks, fruit, lunch), hat, sunscreen, trekking pole, daypack, first-aid kit, etc.

Optional Items to bring: Camera, binoculars.

Parking:An Adventure Pass is required. Purchase for $5 at REI or most other sporting goods stores. An annual pass can be purchased for $30. Or purchase 2 for $35 and split the cost with another person.

Directions to the Trailhead:From any town get to the 210 Freeway going east (toward San Bernardino). Exit at Mountain Avenue in Upland. At the end of the offramp, turn left onto Mountain Avenue (going north).

Drive about 1.25 miles on Mountain Avenue in a residential area. This road will then curve to the right for about .5 mile, then curve back to the left until you reach a stop sign at the intersection of Euclid Avenue.

Continue on Mountain Avenue, making a slight left hand turn and going west. This road will then take you north and back track to the south slightly until you reach a stop sign at Mt. Baldy Road.

Turn right at this intersection, going north onto Mt. Baldy Road. Drive until you get to Mt. Baldy Village. Keep driving north and about 1.5 miles or so past Baldy Village/ Baldy Visitor Center, the road makes a sharp left, with a spur road going straight, with some houses between the two.

Take the spur straight ahead, and the parking is a couple hundred yards up. If you pass a sign saying ski area 3 miles, you have gone too far. We will meet near the restrooms at the top of the parking lot.

Carpool if possible. Use the comments section of this posting to connect.

I am a volunteer (i.e. not liable for the group). Safety is a priority for everyone in the group. Think of this as hiking with a group of friends. DISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY: Outdoor sports and other events we plan are inherently dangerous and accidents may happen. By participating in any posted event, you're taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being. The Thousand Oaks Hikers Group and it's organizers are not trained leaders and we do not confirm the qualifications of any of its members to lead or participate in trips. All participants take full responsibility for their own actions. If you choose to sign up for any The TOaks Hikers Group events, you are releasing the TOaks Hikers Group and it's organizers from all liability in case of possible injuries. Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience.

Responsibility: I am not responsible for you. You are responsible for you. You should be self-sufficient and be able to find your way to safety in the event you find yourself on your own. I will not lead you back to the trailhead if you decide to turn back.

Disclaimer: The organizer and assistant organizers take no responsibility and will not be held responsible for any injuries or accidents that may occur during this hiking event. Hiking can be inherently dangerous and accidents will happen. By participating in this hike posted on this meetup web page you are taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being.