Discover High Country on the Ice House Canyon Trail

Ice House Canyon Trail, leading from Ice House Canyon to several 8,000-foot peaks, is an ideal introduction to the high country delights of the Cucamonga Wilderness.

The precipitous subalpine slopes of the wilderness, thickly forested with sugar pine, ponderosa pine and incense cedar, offer fresh mountain air and a network of good footpaths.

A wilderness permit is required for entry. Located at the far eastern end of the San Gabriel Mountains, the Cucamonga Wilderness sprawls across the boundaries of both the San Bernardino and Angeles National Forests. A wilderness permit can be secured from either agency. Mt. Baldy Ranger Station, located in Mt. Baldy Village, is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (714) 982-2829. The latest trail, weather and wilderness permit information can also be obtained from the Angeles National Forest Mount Baldy District headquarters in Glendora (818) 335-1251 and from the San Bernardino National Forest Cajon District headquarters (714) 887-2576.

After April’s record high temperatures, little winter ice remains in Ice House Canyon, but proceed with caution if you happen to cross any. Beyond the Ice House Saddle, please check trail conditions with the Forest Service. In particular, portions of the Three Ts Trail are still under snow.

Directions to trailhead: From the San Bernardino Freeway in Upland, exit on Mountain Avenue. Head north on Mountain, which joins Mt. Baldy Road in San Antonio Canyon and winds its way to Mt. Baldy Village. Go 1 1/2 miles past the village to Ice House Canyon Resort. Park in the dirt lot. The trail starts just to the right of the resort.

The hike: The trail leads east along the floor of the canyon. The path stays close to the oak- and spruce-shaded creek and passes some cabins. Brick chimneys and stone foundations are all that remain of other cabins, swept away during the great flood of 1938. After 1 1/2 miles, the trail forks. You may take the “high route”--the Chapman Trail--one mile to Cedar Flats and then three miles up to Ice House Saddle, or continue straight ahead on the shorter and steeper Ice House Canyon Trail directly up the canyon.

The Chapman Trail, constructed in 1980, was named for the family that built the Ice House Canyon resort and numerous cabins in the 1920s. The trail heads up Cedar Canyon to Cedar Glen. The cedars were severely scorched by the 1980 Thunder Mountain Fire, and the canyon flora is slowly recovering. Chapman Trail climbs out of Cedar Canyon then contours on a steady grade back over to Ice House Canyon.

If you decide to continue on the Ice House Canyon Trail, you’ll pass a few more cabins. The trail climbs up the north slope of the canyon, before dropping again and crossing the creek. The trail switchbacks steeply through pine and spruce. The tall trees frame a nice picture of Old Baldy. The Chapman Trail and the Ice House Canyon Trail intersect and a single trail ascends a steep three-quarters of a mile to the top of Ice House Saddle.

You can enjoy the view and a picnic and return the same way. Or pick one of the fine trails that lead from Ice House Saddle and extend your day hike. You can continue eastward and drop down the Middle Fork Trail to Lytle Creek. A right (southeast) turn puts you on a trail that climbs two miles to Cucamonga Peak. A sharp right southwest leads 2 1/2 miles to Kelly’s Camp and Ontario Peak. And a left on the Three Ts Trail takes you past Timber Mountain, Telegraph Peak and Thunder Mountain, then drops to Baldy Notch.

Ice House Canyon Trail

Ice House Canyon to Ice House Saddle: eight miles roundtrip, 2,600-foot elevation gain. Wilderness Permit required.