We arrived at 5:15am and the parking lot was fairly empty. We started at 5:45am with a windbreaker jacket on and it quickly came off after the first mile as the brisk morning air dissipated with the sunlight.

The saddle already had a crowd with ascending  dayhikers and descending overnight backpackers. The good news is there is no snow but the bad news is the sun was already baking everything and everyone which made the grind even harder. Once at the summit the pain quickly disappeared with the breathtaking views.

Refueled and re-energized, we raced downhill. However the masses of late starters headed in the opposite direction slowed us down quite a bit. I smiled and wished them luck as it was H-O-T!

From the saddle to the parking lot seemed like an eternity so I was relieved to finish. Cucamonga Peak is a classic but this year you had to pick your poison: Winter Snow or Summer Heat.