Overview
Cucamonga 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 books 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. Make sure you take the Cucamonga peak trail going in a southerly direction that contours around Bighorn Peak, staying pretty much at the same elevation until you reach Cucamonga Saddle. At this point you will start into a set of switchbacks. This will continue until about 8600 ft at which point you will find a marked trail that takes you up 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 There
Cucamonga Peak is about 8 miles north of Upland, and about 43 miles from Los Angeles. Go east on I-10 to Mountain Avenue. Travel up Mountain Avenue until you come to Mt Baldy Road and take this about 9.5 miles just through Baldy Village until you come to the fork in the road for Icehouse Canyon. (stay right) Go a short distance and park in the lot to the left. The trailhead starts off at the end of this road.
The roads are paved so a 2 wheel drive will get you there, but chains may be required in winter based on conditions.
Red Tape
National 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 visitor's permit must be obtained for day overnight camping before you enter the Cucamonga Wilderness on the Middle Fork and Cucamonga Peak Trails.
Party sizes are limited 12 people.
Open Campfires prohibited
When To Climb
Books will say June to October, but if you want fewer people go in the spring or fall. Weekdays are always better as well. (Spring timing will depend on snowfall).
Camping
Several Sites in and around the area which require permits. Trail camps: Kelly Camp is located at 7840 ft on nearby trail to Ontario Peak. Cedar Glen is lower down at 6400 ft on the Chapman trail in Icehouse Canyon
Mountain Conditions
San Bernardino National Forest
(909) 383-5588
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