OverviewCucamonga Peak is located in San Bernardino County - Southern California (USA) in the Cucamonga Wilderness area of the San Gabriel Mountain Range.
The mountain is accessible all year, although the hiking season is typically between May/June – Oct/November. It can be busy during the summer months and of course on weekends, although you do need to be in decent physical shape to hike to the top.
The easiest route is 12 miles round trip with 3900 ft of elevation gain. Most hiking guides rate it as a strenuous or difficult hike. It starts at the parking area at the head of Icehouse canyon (4960 ft) and ascends over 3.5 miles to Icehouse saddle (7580 ft), along the Icehouse canyon trail heading east-southeast. The saddle can be very cold and windy, even when warmer down below, so bring appropriate clothing for windy conditions. From the saddle there are multiple trails branching off to other peaks. Take the Cucamonga Peak Trail going in a southerly direction. It contours around Bighorn Peak, staying pretty much at the same elevation until you reach Cucamonga Saddle. At this point you will begin a set of switchbacks. They will continue until about 8600 ft at which point you will find a marked trail that takes you to the peak along a steep north facing gully, which can sometimes retain snow into May.
Take clothing for various temperatures depending on what time of year you go. Trail shoes are fine if you are just going up for a day hike, and there is no snow or ice.
Getting ThereCucamonga Peak is about 8 miles north of Upland, and about 43 miles from Los Angeles. Off Interstate 10, exit on Mountain Avenue. Go north on Mountain Avenue until you come to Mt. Baldy Road. Take a right on Mt. Baldy Rd. go about 9.5 miles passing through Baldy Village until you come to the fork in the road for Icehouse Canyon. Go right at the fork into the Icehouse Canyon
parking lot. The trailhead starts at the opposite end of the parking lot.
Tire chains may be required in winter based on conditions.
Red TapeNational Forest Adventure Pass is required for each vehicle that is parked at any trailhead. Fees are $5.00 a day or $30.00 for an annual pass. These can be obtained from any of the ranger stations or from many of the local merchants.
A wilderness area visitor's permit must be obtained for day hiking and overnight camping before you enter the Cucamonga Wilderness on the Middle Fork and Cucamonga Peak Trails.
Party sizes are limited 12 people.
Open campfires are prohibited.
When To ClimbTrail guides recommend June to October as the best times, but if you want fewer people try the spring or fall. Weekdays are always better as well.
If you attempt this hike during winter, go properly equipped. If there is hard snow or ice on any part of the trail do not attempt without crampons.
Mt. Baldy from summit of Cucamonga Peak |
CampingThere are several sites in the area and they require permits. Trail camps: Kelly Camp is located at elevation 7840 ft off the trail to Ontario Peak. Cedar Glen is lower down at 6400 ft on the Chapman trail in Icehouse Canyon.
Mountain ConditionsSan Bernardino National Forest Supervisor's Office
Always check for weather and road conditions.
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