Hike Log

2/6/20 (2/2)

Trailhead:

Ice House Saddle

Miles:

Type of Hike:

Day hike

Trail Conditions:

Trail difficult/impossible to navigate

ROAD:

Road suitable for all vehicles

Bugs:

No bugs

Snow:

Trail snow-covered at times – Gear and expertise recommended

Link:

(2/2) So after I had summited Cucamonga, I felt like it was early enough to still hit up Ontario. We started heading down as more people arrived at the summit without much difficulty. I did, however, almost fall when my leg fell into a deep bush, but besides losing a water bottle I was fine. My partner decided to climb up Bighorn along the ridge from the saddle, this is where we parted ways. I made my way back to Ice House Saddle as fast as I could, but the trail was very messy and so it took longer than expected. I started up Ontario when I passed another climber who I met the week before. He tried to climb Ontario then but the snow was too deep, the same issue applied this time but with some hope. He told me he saw a couple going up from Kelly but and that I could try that. So I kept on pushing, many more people were turning back, I even saw my earlier partner who told me the climb up to bighorn was exhausting and that the trail to Ontario was covered in deep snow too. I pushed anyway and by the time I got past the camp and into the opening I immediately started getting exhausted trying to find the trail through the snow. Luckily, I found the crampon tracks left by the aforementioned couple and followed them. There was only the two sets but they cleared the snow enough to make the walk bearable. Nevertheless I was exhausted by the time I reached the summit. Stayed a while, got to see the sun set and the lights of the valley start to turn on. I hiked in the dark back down, passing by some people camping at Kelly. Overall my favorite outing.

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