South Ridge via Icehouse Canyon

Approach

In Southern California take I-15 or I-5 to I-10. From I-15 take I-10 west toward Los Angeles. From I-5 take I-10 east for 34 miles. Take either the Euclid Exit or the Mountain Ave Exit(Euclid runs into Mountain Ave). Follow either road until they intersect with Mt Baldy Road, make a right and follow this road through Baldy Village. At a leftward bend in the road a sign will point will point to the right for Icehouse Canyon. If you reach Baldy Ski Area you've gone too far. Park in the Icehouse Canyon parking lot and start up the Icehouse Canyon trail.

Route Description

Starting out from the Icehouse Canyon trailhead, head east up the canyon, following the river. The canyon slowly ascends up to Icehouse saddle over the course of 3.5 miles(2600ft gain). From the saddle continue up the ridge just to your left(north) which follows the 3Ts trail. The trail hooks around the West Side of Timber Peak, then descends 400ft down a steep slope to the saddle between Timber and Telegraph Peak. Campsites are located just below this saddle, or in the flat area just below Timber Peak. After the saddle the trail climbs up for 1.5 miles to the top of the ridgeline. This last climb is over 1400ft, and is the most difficult part of the journey. Once you reach the ridgeline, follow it North on a lightly traveled trail, which leads strait up to the summit. On a clear day Mt Baldy, Mt Harwood, and Dawson Peak are all visible to the Northwest and Cucamonga Peak, Bighorn Peak, and Ontario Peak are all visible in the South. On the way back either retrace your steps, or continue on the 3Ts trail to the Baldy Notch and back to the Mt Baldy Ski Area(as described in the other route). From the Baldy Ski Area it's a short hike down the road to the Icehouse Canyon parking lot. The Icehouse Canyon route has a total elevation gain of 4500ft, not too shabby.

Essential Gear

From May to the first snow the trails are usually clear and no special gear is needed. Though water can be scarce at times, so be sure to bring at least 4 liters for a day. In the winter months and early spring snowshoes may be required starting at the top of Icehouse Saddle. Also crampons may be required to descend the backside of Timber Peak, which is steep. Be sure to bring a solid pair of poles for balance during winter months. Also an adventurous cross-country skier can ski from the Icehouse Saddle all the way to the Baldy Notch.

Miscellaneous Info

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Images

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