Trail Map of Cucamonga Peak via Icehouse Canyon

Difficult: 11.6 miles, Full day

Other Information: Dog Friendly

Overview: 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.

From atop Cucamonga Peak you can see most of the better-known peaks in Southern California, including the distinctive saddleback mountains (Santiago and Modjeska peaks) in Orange County; Mt. San Jacinto, San Gorgonio, and Mt. San Antonio (Mt. Baldy).

This is the second of six southern California summits in the 6-Pack of Peaks bundle. Done in sequence, they provide great training anyone preparing for bigger hikes such as Mt. Whitney or Half Dome. Each hike in the 6-Pack is progressively higher in altitude, and all have respectable distance and vertical elevation gain.

Tips: Permits are required even for day hikes. Call ahead to the Baldy Village Ranger Station (909-982-2829) the day before and ask them to post it on the bulletin board.

A National Parks Adventure Pass is required for parking at the trailhead. Parking fills up quickly. Carpool and get there early.

There is water available in Icehouse Canyon, but treat or filter before drinking. The second half of the trail is dry. I would recommend two liters for this dry and often hot section of the trail.

The second half of the trail is steep, dry and exposed. On a hot summer day, I would opt to hike a different trail.