Hike Cucamonga Peak | San Gabriel Mountains Trail Guide

Distance: 12 miles (out and back)	Elevation Gain: 4,300 feet	Peak Elevation: 8,862 feet
Objective: Hike Cucamonga Peak via Icehouse Canyon, San Gabriel Mountains, California		Difficulty: Strenuous

With its mix of elevation gain and distance, hiking to Cucamonga is a good starter training hike for Whitney. This trail is a challenging climb through shaded paths, some rocky terrain, and a babbling creek up Icehouse Canyon. From Icehouse Saddle to Cucamonga Peak, the vegetation and sun protection are thin. On Cucamonga Peak, you have commanding views of the surrounding back range of the San Gabriel Mountains. Also, you have views of the Inland Empire below and the vast stretch of the greater Los Angeles basin.

By Edward So, who has summited most of the peaks in the San Gabriel Mountains

Directions to Trailhead

Head east on the 210, and exit Baseline Road in Claremont. Turn left on Baseline Road. Turn right on Padua Avenue. In 1.7 miles, turn right onto Mt. Baldy Road. In 7.2 miles, go past Mt. Baldy Village. Continue 1.5 miles and turn right at Icehouse Canyon Road. The trailhead begins at the opposite end of the parking lot entrance.

Directions to Summit

Trailhead: The hike begins on Icehouse Canyon Trail.
1 mile: At the Chapman Trail junction, continue ahead on Icehouse Canyon Trail.
1.8 miles: There is a sign for the Cucamonga Wilderness.
2.4 miles: Columbine Spring is on the north slope above the canyon.
3 miles: At the second Chapman Trail junction, keep right to stay on Icehouse Canyon Trail.
3.6 miles: At Icehouse Saddle, choose the Cucamonga Peak Trail. A little bit later at the Middle Fork Trail, stay on the Cucamonga Peak Trail to the right.
4.4 miles: After going around Bighorn Peak, the trail reaches Cucamonga Saddle.
6 miles: There is a sign just below the spur trail to the top. You have reached Cucamonga Peak. Turn around and head back.

Icehouse Canyon

The Icehouse Canyon Trail begins by following a stream next to cabins and cabin ruins. In a mile, Chapman Trail splits off the main trail into Cedar Canyon. After crossing the creek, the trail gently climbs to the Cucamonga Wilderness sign and a giant boulder. There is a rocky boulder field. Then, the trail begins a long climb up the side of the canyon, with some switchbacks just below Icehouse Saddle.

Icehouse Saddle

Overcoming the switchbacks is a relief and the saddle is a great spot for a break (or a snack). From Icehouse Saddle, you can see the neighboring peaks. The saddle is at a crossroads of six trails.

Cucamonga Saddle

Make sure to head southeast on the Cucamonga Peak Trail. The Cucamonga Peak Trail wraps around the eastern flanks of Bighorn Peak and dips a bit to Cucamonga Saddle. From the saddle, the trail ascends a dozen short but steep switchbacks.

Cucamonga Peak

After one last turn, there is a wooden post below the spur trail that shoots straight up to the peak. At the top, there is a photogenic rock formation that looks like an eagle’s beak. From this perch, there are spectacular views of the greater Los Angeles basin.

Factoids

In the 1860s, an ice plant in lower Icehouse Canyon supplied ice to valley residents. The name still applies as a cold breeze often blows through the canyon.

Red Tape

Display your adventure pass at the parking lot. Fill out a Self-Service Wilderness Permit at the trailhead kiosk.

Interactive Map

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to hike Cucamonga?

From Icehouse Canyon, most hikers complete the hike round trip in 6-8 hours as a strenuous day hike.

What is the elevation gain?

The route gains roughly 4,300 feet over 6 miles one-way to the 8,862-foot summit. It is one of the more demanding day hikes in Southern California and a great training hike for Whitney.

When is the best time to hike Cucamonga?

Late fall (September through November) or late spring (May through June) is the best time to hike Cucamonga Peak. This avoids the extreme heat of summer since there is little shade on the trail. In winter, there’s plenty of snow and ice along the ridgelines, which will require technical mountaineering skills, snowshoes, cramp-ons, and an ice axe. Avoid these conditions unless you are prepared.