Cucamonga Peak Hike Guide

[@JB-909]

My friend and I did Baldy with a group about three weeks ago without researching anything. It definitely was tough because it was our first peak! Cucamonga Peak was our second we just did yesterday and I just wanna say, this video told us everything we needed to know before the hike! Thank you again for this informational video! Beautiful hike!

[@mikecollinsUTV]

Just got home from my first time getting to the peak. I can see it from my backyard and that thing has been taunting me for years now. Thanks to your video I was able to get up there and get back in one day and in one piece.thanks for doing what you do, and I can’t wait for my next hike!

[@marksinger3067]

Excellent.

[@julietteexll]

One of my favorite peaks! Just went to rancho cucamonga almost 3 weeks ago I’m 16 and I’ve done Rancho Cucamonga twice and stayed the night, i carried 25+ pounds totally worth it to see the sun set and the view at night was outstanding, love the magnetic energy. Remember you need a permit to stay the night!!!

[@Hikingguy]

That's awesome, glad you got to experience it, it's a fun camping spot and I agree, totally worth it. 👍

[@renealanvelasquez]

Where you get the permit to camp up there

[@anthenriqe909]

Spent the night on the peak ? Bet that was a trip

[@godizself1]

All 16-years-old should have your outdoor enthusiasm.

[@JohnLocke1776]

Is there bears up here?

[@tesla845]

I hope one day to meet you while hiking. I did my first solo hike to Mt Baldy thanks to your videos. You are the best.

[@Hikingguy]

Thank you & hope to see you out there one day too. I meet folks out there all the time, please say hello if you see me! 👍

[@juliozewge3650]

Thanks for video...Im going to hike Cucamonga peak this Sunday.

[@cq7415]

Fun video to watch. Some very pretty scenery all the way. Thanks for sharing.

[@kewstokewill11]

Good guide, I hiked Ice House Canyon trail 6 or 8 times a month, sometimes handing out water to families not carrying water, new building in parking lot too. Sometimes would see lamas/owners doing hike. Chapman hike leads to nice camping area

[@luzmariagomez359]

Thank you for your guides and may breakdown. It truly is a mental thing. Did this hike in May but had to turn back once we reach Ice House. Too much snow and one of us forgot our crampons. Tackled this hike again 6/20/23 but it took a hit on both of us. We can see the peak but exhaustion hit. We had to turn back because our day packs felt like bricks and our legs were bambi. Third time is a charm!

[@chivasceltics]

Is it too difficult for the average person? I want to go next month and my friend and I aren’t in the worst shape nor the best shape

[@calguyful]

I’ll describe it as difficult because of the steepness towards the end and also being rocky in a lot places but definitely doable even for the average person

[@edwardhanson3664]

I was there in the early 80s. It was disappointedly smoggy below that day. It's 5 miles from the parking lot to the Saddle, with a 2,000 ft elevation gain. There used to be a metal can on the peak with a notebook in it for hikers to record their reactions.

[@johnc8572]

I always check your website before any hikes I do. Directions are AWESOME!! Thank you!!

[@Hikingguy]

Music to my ears, thanks for letting me know 👍 And glad the guides are helpful!

[@godizself1]

If i want scared of heights, i would love to experience the beauty. At least I vicariously experienced it via your vids.

[@briansholer5455]

Actually, Cucamonga is in the San B National Forest but you pass through Angeles to get there. Fun fact: you don't need an extra permit to hike to Ontario or Bighorn, but you do need one for Cucamonga and Etiwanda...I'm sure that's on your website, just thought I'd put it out there for people who don't check that out. And sometimes SB rangers are up there checking for permits to Cucamonga. They were last Saturday anyway

[@soilrocktree]

Great video

[@jorgem1704]

Did this hike this past weekend with my brand new Osprey Talon Pro 30. Thanks for the gear recommendation links and of course the hike guide, they are very much appreciated! Cautionary tale for others: On the last stretch of switchbacks, a guy coming down cut through a very steep area (on accident I hope) right above me instead of taking the entire switchback, which caused a nice rock slide that almost took me out. Thankfully he was okay and got away with some scraped legs only. Keep your eyes and ears open for falling rocks just in case!

[@Hikingguy]

Yea, that section is always pretty sketchy, glad no one got hurt.

[@Itzeel006]

Thank you for this! I took Chapman trail and boy I shouldn’t have 😅 had to turn back though for the safety of my dog. So much sun exposure. Plan of going back but really really early and take Ice House Canyon Trail instead.

[@dperry7309]

This is such a great hike. It is no joke though.

[@Hikingguy]

Yea, I did this right after a Grand Canyon R2R - R2R and thought it would be a cakewalk, but it still hurt a bit

[@949surferdude]

what kind of fitness preperation would be needed for this trail?

[@Hikingguy]

@@949surferdude Baden-Powell is a great start > hikingguy.com/hiking-trails/best-la-hikes/mount-baden-powell-hike/ - then maybe Baldy > hikingguy.com/hiking-trails/best-la-hikes/mt-baldy-hike/

[@PyRoTECniQs]

Just did this hike today. I appreciate all your help 👊

[@exploringincalifornia2470]

I have hiked to Cucamonga Peak, great video! I always like to learn more about the places I have been. Hope to go onto Eitwanda next time.

[@sunclover]

Love this hike!

[@smileyhappyradio]

I'm hiking here tomorrow, this is so helpful Kris!

[@kcc9775]

Thank you.

[@peterv1367]

Hiking it tomorrow looking forward. Looks very nice. Thanks for the info.

[@Hikingguy]

Have fun, it's a classic 👍

[@joycec8]

I hiked this yesterday, and while sitting down on a break during the switchbacks, I heard this other guy telling his friend about your advice about identifying trails. XD

[@Hikingguy]

Ha well glad that the guides been helpful folks 👍👍👍👍 so awesome to hear.

[@ColemanOutdoors]

One of the greats! Always figured there was copper coming out of that mine. Thanks for confirming.

[@Hikingguy]

Yea, I found an incredible website for mines, you'd dig it (pun!) > www.secretmines.com/p/blog-page_30.html

[@cygnus62]

That's a great hike.

[@MaiVMoua]

Wow I never think it’s that beautiful trail

[@elizabethtipton4193]

I did this hike today. It was very challenging.

[@Hikingguy]

Congrats and yea, its way tougher in the heat we had that day.

[@ghanamalmutairi9674]

thank you for the video and the guide. really helps

[@rommelnavarrette2831]

Did this hike this past Saturday. Aint not joke especially the last half mile. Unfortunately low visibility. Doing 3teees this comings memorial weekend.

[@robstrauss124]

Thank you for the clarification about the permit on your website! I have been planning to this hike in mid-June.

[@Hikingguy]

You're welcome! Yea, I get a good amount of emails about the permit. The USDA website is pretty confusing if you're not very familiar with all the trails and jurisdictions in the area. Glad it was helpful! 👍

[@boey6236]

this dude is so cool

[@Steelersfan13]

When its the snowy season you can see a face on the side of the mountain when your looking at the mountain from below in Ontario NO JOKE!

[@dragonlo6514]

No snow I hit Big Horn and Ontario at the same time two months ago. Brutal hike Looks like youre back after your illness. Cactus to the clouds repeat lol

[@Hikingguy]

Ha, yea, going to hit C2C this fall, think it's prob too hot unless we get a cold snap between now and then. Going to hit Ontario / Bighorn again too.

[@dragonlo6514]

@@Hikingguy I'm hitting C2C in the fall as well. Oct or Nov.

[@pvnchos1478]

Did Ontario peak two weeks ago planning on doing those next. But I need better shoes for hiking!

[@erikacastellon814]

Thank you so much! I screen recorded the video and it was so much help!

[@Hikingguy]

You're welcome! Hope your hike was a blast 👍

[@Meanmom8080]

Great idea!

[@sw8741]

Funny, every time I see pictures (or video in this case) of Ice House Canyon at the start of the trail, it looks very weird that the lodge is no longer there. Yeah, it burned down in 1988 (I had to look it up) but I still remember it and expect it to be there. I was in it a couple times and it seemed like a nice place to hang out. Even the last time I was there (many years ago) just seeing the steps seemed odd expecting the building to still be there. Its a shame its long gone and probably the Forest Service had a hand in it not being rebuilt.

[@shawn071]

Thanks for all your amazing videos, Did this trail and scenery get taking out by the 2024 October fires?

[@spencerfreitas209]

Thanks for the video! Where is the last place going up that you can get water to filter? I was going to hike this next week and camp at the top

[@Hikingguy]

Columbine Spring just before Icehouse Saddle

[@BCV2023]

Howdy sir, do you think it’s necessary to bring a bear canister for a day hike. Say for example, to have a lunch break at the peak- whether it be a sandwich or dehydrated foods?

[@Hikingguy]

No need for a canister

[@BCV2023]

@@Hikingguy thank you

[@Namean765]

I’m planning on hiking during when it’s full of snow with my dog. We will camp there at least for one night. Has anyone done a winter hike up here before?

[@MarlonAndGabriela]

This is a fun hike. Did it years ago. But I always get concerned with mountain lions there 😅.

[@Hikingguy]

Even though there's mule deer and bighorn in the area, I wouldn't be concerned about lions. There's so much space there and the trail gets so much traffic that I think they keep their distance, especially in the non-winter months.

[@MarlonAndGabriela]

HikingGuy.com true your guides are extremely helpful btw. Followed your guide for the Goat Canyon Trestle hike. Will be doing Clouds Rest this Sunday. Hopefully Tenaya Creek isn’t too crazy.

[@Hikingguy]

@@MarlonAndGabriela Nice, have fun up there. I went last year when they had the entry permit quota in force and it wasn't crowded, hopefully you'll find the same

[@MarlonAndGabriela]

HikingGuy.com Thanks! We just got back a few days ago and wow I think CR is by far our fav hike in the park. Amazing views at the top and throughout the hike. We should have wore a mosquito hat net they were INSANE! Other than that it was a spectacular hike. I actually filmed a little 3 min video. Can you take a look when you get a chance! Thanks for all your tips and help!

[@Hikingguy]

@@MarlonAndGabriela Yea CR is a classic, glad you enjoyed it. I liked the video too, and stil some snow along the route! Have fun out there and hopefully some more of the guides will be helpful.

[@raptor4239]

Nice you should try tikaboo peak in NV. where you can see the base of Area 51. i heard that tikaboo is very high and dangerous also there are no trails up the mt.

[@Hikingguy]

Hey thanks for suggesting this peak - I've never even heard about it but just did some research - added to the hit list!!! thanks again 👍

[@PenguinZero0reZ]

Hi, is Icehouse Canyon closed at weekdays? Where’s the alternate trail to start? Thanks so much.

[@Hikingguy]

Yes until Oct at some point I believe - you can take Middle Fork trail up there, check out the guide on my site

[@PenguinZero0reZ]

@@Hikingguy Can we park near Icehouse Canyon and start from there? We can only hike weekdays and the other trails are far away or need 4W.

[@Hikingguy]

@@PenguinZero0reZ Closed weekdays until Nov - you can take your chances on the street but you might get towed

[@PenguinZero0reZ]

@@Hikingguy is there a nearby store or public parking? So it’s fine to hike the trail even if it’s closed?

[@Hikingguy]

@@PenguinZero0reZ I'd take Middle Fork or wait until Nov - www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1039448.pdf

[@LC444]

Hi HikingGuy, have you (or plan to) bag Etiwanda Peak?

[@Hikingguy]

I've hiked up there a few times, but yea, I should probably do a guide too, good suggestion!

[@dingleberryhandpump802]

I'm planning to start the SoCal Six Pack soon, probably next month, and I had a question. On Google maps, for the Icehouse Canyon Trailhead, it says it's closed on the weekends, is this true, or is this a mistake on Google's part?

[@Hikingguy]

Open on weekends but fills quick - I'd get there before dawn

[@dingleberryhandpump802]

@@Hikingguy Cool. That's good news for someone who works M-F, and I'll definitely do my best to get there before sunup.

[@wgm284]

How would you compare this to the Mt Baldy Loop ( CCW ascending up from Manker to Devil's Backbone and around )? I want to do this with my wife soon and we just did the loop last month.

[@Hikingguy]

If you did Baldy loop, this should be no problem (and similar).

[@rosew861]

How long did it take u each way? I’m a slow to average hiker. Looks nice 🙌🏼

[@Hikingguy]

It's about 5-7 hours for most folks total. Check out the link in the description for times, etc.

[@kennyle8640]

I did this hike back in 2018 and felt like I was hiking through a cloud because that's exactly what was happening. Some parts of that hke are incredibly sketchy. It's the only hike I've done where it had that cloud city look when you break through the fog and get to the top. I also helped a distressed hiker by getting his buddies who had hiked out past him to the summit. I gave him my gloves along with my business card so he could mail them back to me when he got safely back to civilization. I never got those gloves back...

[@Hikingguy]

Well thanks for helping those folks. This is a trail that gets a lot of beginners / non-hikers because of the views and popularity. I unfortunately almost always see people who are not prepared correctly on this hike. And the tags on the trail signs are another good clue that the crowd isn't always the most experienced. Glad you were able to summit.

[@gasilguhwa]

When are good months to go to the Cucamonga Peak?

[@Hikingguy]

June - Sep

[@Dats_dope]

Can I do this without having experience?? Only time I hike is going to the Hollywood sign.

[@dperry7309]

You need to be reasonably fit. This video and the info on his website are all you should need.

[@JediMaddy94]

Probably not. It's 12 miles and classified as "hard".

[@Dats_dope]

@@JediMaddy94 I run 6 miles and hike 3. I know hiking is different.

[@Dats_dope]

@@dperry7309 thanks!

[@bernhardjost]

It is not technically difficult or dangerous (unless there is snow), but you have to be comfortable hiking at least 6-7 hours (without rest). The ascent is pretty steep but more steady than e.g. Mt. Baldy. It is pretty tough since you are doing over 4000ft elevation gain. I need about 2.5h to summit but am usually among the fastest people on the trail.

[@miriellebalderas9547]

What is the best time to go, to have a better chance at seeing a cloudy view?

[@Hikingguy]

Look for a heavy marine layer in the forecast. Also known as "May Gray" and "June Gloom"

[@imholygosu]

Thinking about doing this hike, how was the cell service up there?

[@Hikingguy]

I have T-Mobile and didn't have any last time I did it.

[@davidcisneros1075]

Have you seen or experienced vehicles getting broken into ever since covid started?

[@Hikingguy]

Not any more than normal. I remember years ago when I first moved to LA, cars were getting broken into at Vincent Gap all the time. There might be an uptick but none that I've heard of.

[@carloseduardoaguilar5099]

How long it usually takes you to get to the peak? Any shoes you recommend for this?

[@Hikingguy]

Check out the link in the description for times & gear recommendations.

[@LC444]

Can you access Bighorn Peak? If you can, how do you access it?

[@briansholer5455]

The easiest way to access Bighorn is to follow the Ontario Peak trail up past Kelly Camp. About a half mile up from the camp, you'll hit a ridgeline with amazing views...turn left at this junction for Bighorn or head right for Ontario Peak, then on your way down you can bag Bighorn as well...total distance for that hike is a little over 14 miles

[@Hikingguy]

What Brian said. There's also a very faint and very tough trail from the Cucamonga saddle up the SE side to Bighorn, but I wouldn't even think about it until you've become very familiar with the area and terrain. A drop off the side of that is no bueno.

[@teddimitri]

I love you page and videos. Can you mention the time it takes you for each climb in your videos. Maybe, state advanced climber time vs beginner time? In the summer their is more light but winter is less.......

[@Hikingguy]

If you go to the guides linked in the description (on HikingGuy.com) you get time, effort level, etc.

[@chatochafa130]

What if someone steals the sign?

[@Hikingguy]

Yup

[@marcusfieldfield4069]

Those are Ravens not crows very similar

[@christinerolle3876]

Thanks again Cris. I did not find your reply on my inquiry. Is it chris.rolds@yahoo ?. This where you can email me. Thanks!!

[@nickzand7597]

I've filled over 30 gallon jugs at that water spot, definetly rhe best water u can find. Uve had stomach bugs but prolly not from this one.