2025-Aug: Mt Baldy via Ski Hut/Cucamonga Peak via Icehouse Canyon/Levels 2+/3


Details
The hike is one of challenging hikes up progressively higher mountains in Southern California training for 2025 mountains hikes! Summer Mountains Series: Mt Bald (San Antonio) via Ski Hut and Devil's Backbone or Cucamonga Peak via Icehouse Canyon.
THIS IS NOT INTRODUCTION TO HIKING (not for Beginners or Occasional Hikers) It is a strenuous hike, intended and fit for regular intermediate-plus/advanced hikers due to the pace, distance and elevation gain.
Please know your limit, answer clearly to questions when RSVP, so it will help us to know you better in case we haven't met or hiked together before. Hikers will join the organizer for a workout; there is no leader or sweeper on this hike. PREPARE HIKING ALONE IN CASE YOU CAN'T GO THE GROUP PACE OR RETURN THE SAME WAY YOU HIKE UP!
Adventure Pass: Required!
DEPARTURE TIME see the end of the post for address info
•6:15 AM: Icehouse Canyon Trailhead
6:30 AM at Mt Baldy trailhead
Highlights:
Awe-inspiring views, strenuous uphill climb, variety of pine trees, creeks
Near: Mt Baldy, CA
Distance: 7+ to 12 miles round trip
Elevation Gain/Loss: 4K to 4200 ft
Duration: 5-8 hours Hiking
General Rating/Difficulty: **Levels 2+ to 3 moderate or moderate-fast pace, STRENUOUS hike for distance, elevation and speed; Link to Hike RATING TABLE to read more about difficulty levels https://tinyurl.com/HikeRating**
GOOD TO KNOW : Wear hiking shoes, hat, sunscreen, bring plenty of water, snacks, a light lunch and The Ten Essentials for outdoor hiking (https://www.meetup.com/HikingOC/messages/boards/thread/9535234)
ROUTE
Hike 1: Loop 7.2+ miles RT with 3900 feet of vertical gain for who plan to hike Mt Baldy via Ski Hut loop back on Devil's Backbone.
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/mount-san-antonio-ski-hut-and-falls-via-baldy-bowl-trailhead?u=i&sh=enpuux
Hike 2: 7.2+ miles RT with 2700 feet of vertical gain for who plan to hike to Icehouse Saddle.
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/icehouse-canyon-to-icehouse-saddle?u=i&sh=enpuux
Hike 3: Cucamonga Peak only: 12 miles, 4200 ft gain, out and back (5 miles RT more after Icehouse Saddle)
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/icehouse-canyon-to-cucamonga-peak-trail?u=i&sh=enpuux
Cucamonga Peak Trail Map: LINK (https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/82600175/Cucamonga_Pk_Trail_Map.JPG)
Cucamonga Peak Trail Weather: LINK (http://www.weatherforyou.com/reports/index.php?pands=cucamonga+peak+trail%2Ccalifornia)
ABOUT THE TRAILS
Historic Icehouse Canyon is one of favorite places to hike. The scenery is stunning. Precipitous canyon walls rise steeply into the blue sky.
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.
The Baldy Bowl Trail, also known as the Ski Hut Trail, is the shortest route to the summit of Mt Baldy. Unfortunately, that short distance comes at the price of a very steep climb. For fit hikers, you'll have to work, and for those out of shape, expect to take breaks to catch your breath as you navigate the steep slopes. Along the way, you'll have a picture-perfect spot to rest, the Sierra Club Ski Hut. And the final payoff is reaching the highest point in Los Angeles County, Mount San Antonio, known colloquially as Mt Baldy because of its bald face.
San Antonio Ski Hut
Built by the Ski Mountaineers in 1936, the San Antonio Ski Hut is located at 8,300' and reached via a steep 3-mile hike and 2200' foot elevation gain. The trailhead starts 1 mile beyond the locked gate of San Antonio Falls Rd. (approx 300 yards past Snowcrest Lodge and 400 yards before the entrance to Mt. Baldy Ski Lifts). The hut offers a fully-equipped kitchen, dishes, cookware, running water and solar lighting.
More info for https://www.meetup.com/HikingOC/messages/boards/thread/9270810
Driving Direction to the trailhead: Take the 60, 10 or 210 take exit 52 toward Baseline Rd, turn left to E. Baseline Rd in Upland/Ontario. Exit and travel North (towards the mountains - you can't miss them.)
Park in a large parking lot.
Icehouse Canyon Trailhead: Ice House Canyon Rd, Mt Baldy, CA 91759
San Antonio Falls Trailhead/Mt Baldy Parking: 993 Falls Rd, Mt Baldy, CA
REMINDER:
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, snake bites, mountain lions 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

2025-Aug: Mt Baldy via Ski Hut/Cucamonga Peak via Icehouse Canyon/Levels 2+/3