Source and Summit Hikes: Ontario Peak (8,705') Via Icehouse Saddle

Together with its neighbor, Cucamonga Peak (8,859'), Ontario Peak (8,705') stands as the last great citadel of the San Gabriel Mountains. Its great southern face, which rises rapidly out from the suburb-skirted floor, can be seen throughout most of the Los Angeles Basin. Viewed from the cities, the mountain looks hardly hospitable and quite unwelcoming, but nevertheless this peak guards the dozens of natural treasures behind it from the cities below, using its abrupt escarpment and barren, boulder-strewn southern slopes. The hike to Ontario peak starts by utilizing the Icehouse Canyon Trail, whose lower section are extremely popular with casual hikers, anglers and families. Above this section though the true wilderness begins. Soaring peaks, gliding hawks and stately pines grace this land, blest by its Creator. This land, designated the 'Cucamonga Wilderness', is a land lost in time, where "man himself is only a visitor*" and dares not to stay. The southern slopes of this wilderness are barren, extremely steep, and rocky; a land intended only for Bighorn Sheep and Mountain Lions. But on the northern slopes a whole new dimension of this land appears. A land where streams dance joyfully with light blue water, where snow lingers into the early summer and where even the conifers themselves stretch out towards Heaven. Because of the amazing views, and its graceful northern slopes, the hike to Ontario Peak is a must for all hikers.

Stats:

Category: Strenuous
Miles: 12.8
Elevation Gain: 3,800'
Location: Angeles National Forest, Cucamonga Wilderness
Directions: Get the Wilderness Permit at the Mt. Baldy Visitor Center. See account of the Baldy Notch until the Mt. Baldy Village. From the Village, proceed passed the trout ponds, and turn right onto Icehouse Canyon Rd. Park at the large parking lot.

The Trail: From the large parking lot at the Icehouse Canyon Trailhead (5000'), proceed eastward towards the Icehouse Saddle, 3.6 miles away and 2,600' up higher (a strenuous hike in itself). The trail begins gaining elevation gain significantly even at the beginning as it parallels Icehouse Creek just below it. Notice the peaceful brilliance of the stream leaping and singing as it makes its way down the the cities below. In a little bit, you will hug a steep cliff above the creek and tramp over numerous springs that flow out of the mountain side, leaving a verdant,yet muddy trail. In 0.5 miles you hit the Chapman Trail split. Kepp going on the main trail. After 1.5 miles into the hike, the trail leaves the creek completely and begins traversing along a boulder-strewn river bed. This section periodically washes out after storms and h trail, even in the summer is very faint. Take caution here and bring a GOOD topographical map. The trail then leaves the canyon floor, and begins its steep ascent on the left-side (north-side) of the canyon. Here you will see the 2 mile marker. The next 1.6 miles are very strenuous, and you will meet again the Chapman Trail, pass bubbling Columbine Spring and finally emerge at 7600' at Icehouse Saddle. From here, there is a four-way trail split: north up the Three Tee's Trail, 5.4 miles to the Baldy Notch over Timber, Mountain, Telegraph Peak, and Thunder Mountain, east to both Cucamonga Peak and Lytle Creek, and west to Ontario Peak. Take the signed Ontario Peak (the summit is 1,120' higher and 2.8 miles away from here) trail southward and gently round the pine-graced slopes to Kelly's Camp (no water) halfway to the summit from the saddle. Although Kelly's Camp is half-way to the summit, it is only 200' higher than the saddle, which mean the next 1.4 miles will be grueling. Which they are. Pass the trail to Bighorn Peak, and follow the sometimes-maintained trail up to Ontario Ridge at 8,200', and observe your first optimum views to the metropolis below. The trail passes by a toothpick forest-remnants of a fire over 30 years ago (this is a good example of how slowly a forest recovers at this sub-alpine elevation).You now round FOUR false summits until you make the final steep ascent of Ontario Peak. From the summit, observe the spectacular views, including the rugged terrain to your south, the pine-laced mountains to your north, both the low country and high country of the San Gabriel Mountains, enormous Mt. Baldy in front of you, the surrounding Cucamonga Wilderness, the San Bernardino and San Jacinto Mountains, the Mojave Desert, the Santa Ana Mountains, the encroaching metropolis and even, if it is a clear day, Telescope Peak (11,048') in Death Valley National Peak, 140 miles away. Thank your Creator fr his bountiful wonders and return the way you came. (FYI: Call home from the summit!)

Our Lady Seat of Wisdom, Pray for us
Saint John Paul II, Pray for Us!!!

Hiked 3-12-14. Adventure Pass Required. Cucamonga Wilderness Permit Required.

NB: I did this hike in snow. NOT recommended unless you are an experience hiker, as there was no visible 30% of the time. Snow clings on FAR longer on the north-sdie than south in Southern California, as can be seen from my pictures. So even if you can't see snow from your house, doesn't mean its not there!

*Wilderness Act of 1964