Hiking to Ontario Peak in December is unusual for me. I don’t typically hike to peaks above 7000 feet during the dead of winter. Not only can it be hazardous to hike when there is ice and snow, I don’t have a vehicle that does well on roads during these conditions in the mountains, so I don't go. It had been an unusual winter so far, with fall and spring coming simultaneously. The fall leaves were turning golden just as fresh spring grass was emerging in December. Now in January, the wildflowers were emerging, first in the desert, and now in the coastal foothills. Amid all this unseasonal weather, were a series of atmospheric rivers which had served to re-charge the reservoirs, ensuring a fresh supply of water for Southern Californians, causing rivers and waterfalls to flow abundantly, while simultaneously dusting the highest peaks of the LA mountains above 7000 feet in a generous blanket of snow.
Tag: icehouse canyon
Hiking Icehouse Canyon to Bighorn Peak
I started my hike up to Bighorn Peak a lot later in the day than I was hoping to. It was around 11:30 am when I arrived at the parking area, to find it completely full on a Saturday morning. I drove downhill, parking along the road. By the time I had gotten ready to head out and reached the trailhead, it was now about 12 noon. My goal today was to head to a peak, and there were several choices. I could hike to Timber Mountain, which was the last peak I hiked to here. I could go on to Cucamonga again, a peak I have been wanting to re-visit for years. It’s 4000 feet of gain, making me re-consider if I am ready today, with this late start. Then there is Etiwanda, beyond Cucamonga, which was also on the list.
Hiking Icehouse Canyon in the Snow
Ontario and Bighorn Peaks
Follow along on my hike to Ontario Peak. You begin the hike at Icehouse Canyon trailhead, just off Mt Baldy Road. This trailhead is the gateway for several other hikes: The Three T’s Hike, Cucamonga Peak, and Icehouse Saddle. There is a small parking lot which begins to fill up by 6am. Hope this Hiking Guide helps you plan your visit to Icehouse Canyon and Ontario Peak.



