Cucamonga Peak W6/CT-006

Ashlee, Tahyo, and I headed up to tackle what we thought were a few of the peaks in this area. After making it to Cucamonga Peak, we elected to call it for the day and hike out. Lots of people on the trail when we went and the parking lot was packed. I highly recommend getting to the trail head early to avoid the crowds.

The trail head is just off Mt. Baldy road past the town of Mt. Baldy and has a pit vault style bathroom. I noticed several people parking along the road near the turn off and below toward the town of Mt. Baldy. I think this was because of the possibility that a National Forest Adventure Pass is required to park at the trail head due to the bathrooms. I'll let you be the judge of that one...

Just as you leave the parking lot for the trail there is an information board and permit box. Make sure to get a permit to hike the trail if they are there since you'll be entering the Cucamonga Wilderness. I've been up there twice now and the box was empty both times but the US Forest Ranger guy was cool because I at least checked the box and saw it empty before he did.

Once on the trail, it is a nice path that is easily to navigable, even if it were completely dark. The trail follows Icehouse Canyon to Icehouse Saddle and from there you have some options. There was water in Columbine Spring about a mile before Icehouse Saddle that is safe to drink per my standards, but I pumped just to be sure as I topped off my water supply. After getting water and makign the saddle, we continued south toward Cucamonga Peak for this activation.

Once at the peak it was well worth the hike. There are trees on the summit to hang a wire and the cell service was excellent. The famous rock is just to the right as you crest the summit from the trail. You may have to wait your turn for a photo opp due to the crowds but there's a lot to see while you wait. The views are pretty spectacular, even in the day!