I drove in from Santa Cruz, 5 hours north and got to the trail head around 3 and was on the trail by 3:30. It was hot but the canyon kept you cool under the shade. This was my first solo backpacking adventure and I'm glad I purchased hiking poles! Once arrived at Icehouse Saddle and made the left towards Cucamonga Peak, the wind was coming in from the East and it felt so nice. I could imagine how cold it would be at night or in the winter. It seemed endless getting to the top as I wasn't sure what to expect but the sun was setting and it was orange, pink and fiery. I finally reached the peak as it became dark and was able to catch the rest of the sunset. The night wasn't too windy or cold.

I woke up the next morning on my 34th Birthday overlooking Los Angelas and it was a sunny windy morning on the peak! I soon packed up and headed down before it got too warm.