Departing from the parking lot along Icehouse Canyon Road, the trail takes course along the northern bank of a creek that flows down the canyon. Crystal clear water tumbles past oaks and sycamores, and this is a fine venue for a directionless romp through nature for those disinterested in following the trail. A half-dozen cabins are spread out along the bottom of the canyon, along with another half-dozen stone foundations (ruins left over from the early days of the Angeles). The trail passes these current and past dwellings, ascending gradually into a wilderness with less and less human impact. You need a parking pass for the Icehouse Canyon Trailhead lot.
Three T's Trail Hike Directions
Cucamonga Peak offers amazing views over Southern California’s Inland Empire, east toward Apple Valley and beyond. This hike from Icehouse Canyon is a strenuous 11.6 mile out-and-back route with 4,300 feet of vertical gain and a top elevation of 8,859′. The north-facing slope holds snow much later in the season than other peaks. The first time I hiked Cucamonga Peak, there were several sections of the trail that were covered with large patches of snow even in June. Hi, I'm Cris Hazzard, aka Hiking Guy, a professional outdoors guide, hiking expert, and author based in Southern California.
Mt. San Antonio (Mt. Baldy) via the Ski Hut Trail
We also have visitor guides available in states highlighted in blue below. To request your selected free visitor guides, please fill out the form below and click "Submit". If you want to check if there's snow on your hike, read this guide. The Chapman Trail intersects with the Icehouse Canyon Trail at two different points, both of which are clearly signed.
Three T's Trail (Timber , Telegraph + Thunder Mountain)
If you are ending at the saddle, at least go up the ridge a little to the north to get a better view as the saddle view itself is a little lacking. Head back down the way you came or, for a longer but more gradual descent, take the Chapman Trailhead about .6 miles from Ice House Saddle. The hike down has the best views particularly of Baldy and I saw many things I missed on the way up.
Pinyon Mountains Loop
Permits are required, but are self-serve and available at the trailhead (bring a pen). View San Gabriel Mountains in a larger map Or view a regional map of surrounding Los Angeles trails and campgrounds. Not long after crossing into the Cucamonga Wilderness, the trail begins to climb more seriously. Your heart starts to pound and your thighs start to burn… and then you hit the real steep section, an arduous march up a slippery slope called “the waterfall.” Have a look around for inspiration. Normally, the trail crosses to the north side of the canyon and climbs a series of switchbacks to get to Icehouse Saddle. However, when that white thing that is usually foreign to Southern California covers the ground, the consensus becomes to take a direct track right up the center of the canyon.
I use the affordable National Parks Pass, which gets me in every park, monument, and national forest. You can also use a (Southern California only) Adventure Pass, or buy a $5 day permit from the visitor's center. Don't attempt it if you haven't done long mountain hikes and if you don't have a good level of fitness. Likewise, if there's snow and ice on the route, don't attempt it unless you have winter hiking and mountaineering experience. The trail is well-worn because it is a route for hikers attempting several of the high country peaks or others just out hiking the canyon with no particular turnaround point in mind. You may see quite a few other hikers during the busier seasons.
Comments on Icehouse Canyon to Icehouse Saddle in the San Gabriel Mountains
This hike is not easy but it is a great workout and can be done by beginners up for a challenge, though it may take a little longer. The views are amazing, there is a chance you can see snow in the winter and spring, and it is a short distance from Los Angeles and other surrounding cities. In addition to the trail camps, backpackers may set up camp anywhere they wish in the wilderness as long as the spot is 200 feet from creeks and lakes. There are a good amount of flat camping areas at the summit and plenty of people do an overnight there.
From the saddle, hikers and backpackers may continue on in several directions to explore nearby peaks and venture deeper into the Cucamonga Wilderness. The single-track to Icehouse Saddle climbs 2,600 feet over 3.6 miles and is an exceptional hike. Once you reach the saddle you can take a few different trails to numerous peaks to get a better view, extend the day or camp for the night.
Cucamonga Peak
There can be some rockslides on the final approach to the summit, but they're safe to cross if you go slowly. This is considered a "fee area," and you need a parking pass here. I use the affordable national parks pass, and you can also use an Adventure Pass.
The 7 Toughest Hikes You Can Do in Los Angeles - We Like L.A.
The 7 Toughest Hikes You Can Do in Los Angeles.
Posted: Wed, 02 Jul 2014 07:00:00 GMT [source]
The rest of the hike directions here follow a loop route back to the hike start. Did the hike at the end of November (2015) and the weather was chilly so you needed a base layer and a decently warm jacket (gloves were helpful near the top too). The hike was doable by people who don't hike often, but are generally fit people (they were sore the next day).
In addition to the free permit that I just described (book online here), you will need a (free) California campfire permit. Again, it's not an official camping spot, and you might be asked to leave, but at this point, many folks do an overnight there, and you'll probably be fine as well. If you don't feel comfortable walking on the road, it's usually easy to hitchhike at the end of Manker Flats and get a lift from other hikers down to Icehouse. If you want to do some other great hikes from Icehouse Saddle, check out my directions for Cucamonga Peak and Ontario Peak. It's designed to let you take in the beauty of the Three Tee's Trail and then you have a nice long descent back to your car. If you want to avoid the more developed portions of the hike, simply hike to Telegraph Peak and return the way you came.
Offering one of the coolest summits in the San Gabriel Mountains, the hike to Cucamonga Peak very popular. Cucamonga Peak, at 8,862 feet, has spectacular views from SoCal's high peaks to the urban development below. The hike up to the peak is tough but not brutal, the scenery and views are spectacular, and the summit area is a lot of fun. If you want to avoid the more populated trails, you can simply turn around here and retrace your steps back to the Icehouse Canyon Trailhead.
The hike starts directly past the parking lot on a gravel road that soon turns into a trail. Rustic cabins are seen along the creek, some looking more abandoned than others but, fun to see either way. There are some old ruins interspersed off the path to explore as well. The trail runs along the creek for about 2 relatively easy miles before it turns up into moderate to difficult switchbacks all the way to the top. Be sure to keep your ears out for a spring run off soon before the switchbacks start. It’s the perfect place for a break before starting your ascent.
A National Forest Adventure Pass is required for your vehicle while parked in this area. This is all beautifully forested country, with fine views from all the peaks. The second portion of the hike approaches the saddle in a series of switchbacks for the final 1,100 feet of gain. The trail then enters into alpine flora as it reaches the saddle that sits at about 7,600 feet in elevation. The Icehouse Canyon Trail, which ultimately climbs to Icehouse Saddle, is a beautiful and challenging trail that climbs to a less-than-climactic endpoint. Icehouse Saddle is a fork to several other trails, including trails to Ontario Peak, Bighorn Peak, Cucamonga Peak, Thunder Mountain, and even Mount Baldy for the very intrepid hikers.
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