The Trail
I hiked up to Icehouse Saddle, which sits at 7600 feet, for the first time in a year. It sit’s nestled within the Cucamonga Wilderness, not far from one of the most famous hikes in California, Mount Baldy. It may not be as well known, as Mount Baldy, but is still one of my favorite hikes. It is especially beautiful during fall in November.
Note: During the winter this canyon can get snowy and icy. There are steep switchbacks leading to the saddle, and many people have fallen here. Hiking at Icehouse Canyon, from June to November is your best bet, for avoiding ice. Always read the weather here before you go at socalsnow.org.
What to Expect
Icehouse Canyon is wedged between steep mountainsides with large boulders strewn about, and some settled precariously along the hillsides.
This canyon is hazardous and prone to landslides, along with floods. It’s not a place to be during or post-rainstorm.
Despite it being a somewhat treacherous hiking destination, I find myself lured back here again and again.
Fall Colors
It’s early November and the Sycamore trees have begun to shed their leaves. They have turned bright, golden shades of yellow.
As I ventured up the canyon, in late afternoon, the sun filtered through the trees, illuminating them.
The Cabins
I followed the narrow rocky trail gradually up, past several forest service cabins, and the remains of what is left of them, such a stone fireplaces.
Most looked deserted. I wonder how many generations pass these old cabins down, family member to family member.
Surprisingly one of them seemed occupied for a change, which sat right alongside the stream. Tablecloths were laid out for dinnertime, and a resident was busy working on their back deck.
As I hiked down the trail, which travels down the middle of the deep canyon, a tranquil stream ran alongside. The song of flowing water added even more to the sense of peace found here.
There were countless cascading waterfalls everywhere. It’s a perfect spot to sit, read, picnic, or just unwind.
Beneath my feet, I heard the crunch of dry, fallen leaves. I took care not to stumble on many fallen acorns under the shady oaks. I have tried acorns, and decided I like the taste. But they need to be soaked to release the tannins first.
The birds were singing, and the cool breeze of fall was blowing. Plenty of gray squirrels, and chipmunks, scurried about. A Large patch of ladybugs clung to a cluster of leafy plants, in the same spots I had seen them years prior.
You could not paint a better picture of fall in the mountains.
Chapman Trail
About a mile up the trail, I came to the intersection of Chapman Trail, and Icehouse Canyon Trail.
I crossed this small bridge and knew I was edging closer to the famous switchbacks.
I had reached the sign signaling I was now entering the Cucamonga Wilderness, where permit’s are required for hiking, unless heading to Ontario Peak, where no permit is required.
I glanced upward at the granite-laden, much more rocky, alpine zone above.
I was about to enter that zone, as I proceeded up the switchbacks toward the saddle, just as darkness began to make its way into the canyon. I knew I was short on time starting late in the day.
As I climbed higher, there was still plenty of sunshine filtering on through the pines.
I stopped for a quick break, and sat atop a big log. I wanted to not just rush to the top, despite it being dark soon.
I neared the saddle, just as the sun began to hang low on the ridge tops. I knew I was getting closer, as the scenery had changed a bit. No more long switchbacks, just a series of winding turns, and short ones.
I could glimpse my destination now, the saddle where I would get a needed break. It was almost 3pm now, and still had about a half mile to go, so I picked up the pace.
The Saddle
I made it, having hiked 2580 feet up to Icehouse Saddle. The area was deserted, so late in the day.
I spotted the sign for Timber Mountain, along with the slight trail leading up to it. I knew I would not be climbing Timber Mountain today. I did not have my headlamp, and needed to get back before dark.
I explored around the saddle, catching a brief glimpse of the desert valley below to the north.
The moon hung low above Cucamonga and Bighorn Peaks as I sat on a fallen log, enjoying view of Icehouse Saddle.
It was a rare moment, to have a usually crowded and bustling place in the wilderness like this, all to myself.
I had to touch this sign since this was a big milestone for me. I not made here, in over a year. I was standing at the turnoff for Ontario Peak and Cucamonga Peak.
I remembered the last time I was here, to climb both peaks in a day. I tried several ways to make it to Bighorn Peak, and eventually took a social trail, getting a bit lost along the way. But I still found the peak and so much has happened since then.
It was around 3:15 pm, and the sun sets around 5 pm. If I hiked on further, another mile to Timber Mountain, adding 800 feet of gain, it might take me an additional hour. I kept debating, but decided on heading back. This was my most gainful hike since July when I summited Mount Baden Powell. Since then I have progressively been working my way to bigger hikes. So I decided to count my blessings, having made it this far.
So I opted to continue back down Icehouse Canyon, to my car, in order to make it back by dark. I walked hastily down the switchbacks, as the sun began to dip further and further on the horizon.
It took about half the time to go down, as it did to go up. It felt good to be back here again, even just for a few hours. This rocky, scenic canyon is a great training hike if nothing else. I was gearing up for climbing mountains again. Making it to the saddle is like climbing a mountain, and just as challenging.
I continued all the way down the canyon as darkness set in, on back to the trailhead, making it to my car by just past sunset. On my next visit here, I would like to hike up the Chapman Trail through Cedar Glen, and on to Timber Mountain. That is if I make it back before winter.
I felt blessed to have made it to Icehouse during the peak fall colors, on what felt like a perfect day in the mountains.
“He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.”
— Psalms 23:3
The conditions and temperature were perfect, and sometimes you luck out. With hiking you take it as it comes. This was just one of those days, you remember.
Conclusion
I had made the climb to Icehouse Saddle, and a month or two ago, didn’t know this would even be possible. I worried my hiking days might be over. I had to trust in God, that my brokenness was not permanent, and trust in his plan. I am grateful that I have experienced gradual healing. Though still not 100% better, I feel better just about every day.
So I am not trying to overdo it and injure myself again. Not being able to work or drive was a trying time. So perhaps my next hike will be slightly more challenging. I just need to make hiking something sustainable, so I can still attend to all the other responsibilities of life. I am not a full-time hiker right now, even though if I had the chance, I probably would be.
I plan to return to Icehouse Canyon and the Mt Baldy area as much as I can. With the closures due to the Bridge Fire, I was not able to make it back to Mt Baldy again in the fall as I had hoped. I love this area so much, and when I am here, it feels like home. I felt good to be back in the mountains again. Until next time Icehouse Canyon.
Leave No Trace
Just be sure to come prepared and follow Leave No Trace principles to keep the wilderness pristine for future hikers.
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I hope you enjoyed reading this, and it is helpful in knowing what to expect, should you decide to visit here.
About me
I’m Serafina! I’m a writer and California girl who loves to go exploring. Hope you will get outside today, breathe some fresh air, and be happy!
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Disclaimer: The work on this blog is my opinion and my opinion alone and I am not responsible for the outcome if someone were to apply these thoughts to their own life. All text and photography copyright 2024 by Serafina, all rights reserved. Information and opinions provided are kept current to the best of the author’s ability. All readers’ usage of the ideas and opinions presented in the blog, are at their own risk. Be aware of the possible dangers of hiking, surfing, walking, cooking, and other activities, which may take place indoors or outdoors. By reading this, you agree not to hold the author or publisher of the content on this web site responsible for any injuries or inconveniences that may result from reading the blog, or partaking in any activity mentioned in the blog. Read the blog, and use its ideas, if you so desire, at your own risk.
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