Total Distance: ~14 miles
Total Ascent: ~4,200 feet
Type: Out and back
Difficulty: Strenuous NOT FOR BEGINNERS
Highest Elevation: 8,696 feet
Pace: Moderate (25-30 minutes per mile)
Optional: Post hike refreshment at the Mount Baldy Lodge restaurant in the Village.
Join me on this beautiful hike to one of the major peaks in the San Gabriel mountains.
The group will naturally spread out on the trail, but we will periodically regroup to ensure everyone is accounted for. If your style is to begin with the group, but not stay with the group, then this might not be the hike for you. Pace will be moderate (25-30 minutes per mile) and the trail is well marked. Know your limits.
Icehouse Canyon is the hikers’ gateway to the eastern high country and the Cucamonga Wilderness. Its broad, V shaped portal leads east from San Antonio Canyon, 10 miles north of Mt. Baldy Village, and climbs 2600′ to Icehouse Saddle, a prominent gap on the great Telegraph Ontario Ridge. The saddle is a major trail junction, with routes leading in four directions. This time we’ll take the Ontario Peak Trail going through Kelly Camp. On our descent from Ontario Peak we will take the trail to Bighorn Peak, then return to the trail junction and descend to Icehouse Saddle via the same route.
Legend has it that the magnificent cedar beams for Mission San Gabriel were cut in the canyon, then laboriously dragged down to the lowland by oxen teams. For years it was known as Cedar Canyon (now the name for a tributary of Icehouse Canyon). The present name dates from the 1860s, when an ice plant in the lower canyon supplied ice to valley residents.
The lower reaches of the canyon are dotted with private cabins. Once there were many more; the big flood of 1938 wreaked havoc here, as it did in other canyons of the range. Today, the boulder-strewn floor of Icehouse Canyon bears testimony to nature’s torrential fury.
As always, know your limits, bring ample quantities of water, electrolytes, a hat and sunscreen, good hiking shoes and hiking poles will be helpful.
PLEASE – Know your limits and abilities. Bring ample quantities of water, electrolytes, a hat and sunscreen, good hiking shoes and hiking poles will be helpful. Check weather conditions and dress accordingly and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Watching out for snakes, ticks, uneven footing, spectacular views, beautiful fauna all while carrying on a conversation with awesome fellow hikers can be extremely hazardous, rewarding and fun.
DISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY
IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY:
I am a volunteer (i.e. not liable for the group). Safety is a priority for everyone in the group. Think of this as hiking with a group of friends.
Outdoor sports and other events we plan can be inherently dangerous and accidents may happen. By participating in any posted event, you’re taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being. The Valencia Hiking Meetup Group and its organizers are not trained leaders and we do not confirm the qualifications of any of its members to lead or participate in trips. All participants take full responsibility for their own actions. If you choose to sign up for any Valencia Hiking Meetup events, you are releasing the Valencia Hiking Meetup Group and it’s organizers from all liability in case of possible injuries as stated in paragraph 6.2 of the Meetup “Terms of Service” located on the bottom of the Meetup website. Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience.
Also note: the parking lot fills up by 5:30 AM most weekends which means you may have to park a half mile down the road if you arrive at 6AM. Plan accordingly and allow plenty of time to park and be ready to go at 6:15 AM.
As a courtesy to others, please do not wait until the last minute to drop.
Hope to see you there!
