Ontario Peak--14 miler--out and back

This would be considered a strenuous hike by most (not all)! Ontario Peak is at an elevation of 8,693 feet above sea level.

Details of the hike: 14 miles Round Trip with a total of 3,800' of elevation gain. Time: We should be back to the cars by 4:00 PM.

http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/6/4/5/c/event_89005692.jpeg

Info on hike up to Icehouse Saddle:

http://www.simpsoncity.com/hiking/icehouse.html

Be aware there also are a few areas of this hike where you need to be comfortable with heights and shear drop offs and narrow trails. Note sections of this trail can be very rocky and constant attention is required to prevent twisting an ankle or falling.

Important Notes: 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, 8693 at the top of Ontario 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.

Background: In 1979 a plane crashed just below Ontario peak in the middle of a violent snowstorm. Of the four passengers in the plane, only one survived the ordeal: an eleven year old boy who had to survive by his wits and against impossible odds.

A book has recently been released that chronicles the event as well as the tumultuous relationship the boy had with his father, a man who drove his son to understand the ways of the wild that eventually provided him with the courage and where-with-all to survive and tell his story.
Book: Crazy for the Storm by Norman Ollestad http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/11/AR2009061104414.html

Description: We will take the Icehouse Canyon trail up to Icehouse Saddle and then continue on to Ontario Peak.
From the saddle, we will take the far-right fork, traveling southwest across the forested slopes. About a mile of level and uphill walking through the forest will bring us to Kelly's Camp. We will continue around the left side of the wilderness campsite, then circle right and climb to the top of the ridge where the trail will intersect a short lateral trail leading left to Bighorn Peak. We will continue through a lodgepole pine forest and passing just to the right of two false summits. We then surmount Ontario Peak, 2.5 miles from Icehouse Saddle. We will take some time at the peak to enjoy the superb views.
We can then return via the same way or take an alternate route (Chapman Trail) for a semi-loop version of the hike.

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.

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READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY

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.