#6 Cucamonga Peak

As someone who grew up in Rancho Cucamonga, I decided Cucamonga Peak would be the perfect summit for my sixth peak of the challenge. I kept a leisurely pace through the first part of Icehouse Canyon and enjoyed watching squirrels run and play. I slowed down a bit for the switchbacks after entering the Cucamonga Wilderness but reached Icehouse Saddle in good time. I enjoyed the downhill sections after the Saddle until I realized I’d have to climb uphill on these on the way back. The climb began in earnest after Cucamonga Saddle, but the views more than made up for the steepness. Trail conditions and weather were perfect! A couple descending hikers warned me of a rattlesnake at the summit, but I didn’t encounter it. Instead I shared the summit with some friendly fellow hikers. I was tired for some of the aforementioned uphill sections on the way “down,” but I didn’t care. I completed the challenge and still have so much more in me. Time to do all 12 options!