Cucamonga Peak

Arrived at the parking lot at 5:30 AM and still parking was available at 6:00 when starting my hike.  Maybe the crowds were less due it being Father’s Day.  Two things …. bring a roll of TP in your car as none were in the restroom and a blank sheet of paper as all trail permits were gone.

Cucamonga hike being the next after Mt Wilson was a tougher hike due to altitude for me.  For the first one third of the trail you walk along the soothing sounds of the creek.  The route up wasn’t hard to follow with lots of hikers going up early in the morning.  Some spots of water on the trail but not slippery. The trail keeps going up and up.  Best to start hiking early as sun hits the trail after 9:00 am ish and in the sun it gets hot for hiking.  You’ll see backpacking types coming down as you head up.  Lots of lizards, birds and sometimes bushy tailed squirrels.  Lots of hiking dogs too.  After resting at the saddle the sign says Peak is 2.4 miles and the trail goes down and seems easy at first then you’ll push hard going up to reach the peak.  View at top was really great and sat there enjoying for a long time and to rest up having a snack.

Going down wasn’t bad but approaching saddle you’ll have the up hill effort but thereafter will down.  Make sure to have a good hat to cover from the sun.  I didn’t see many coming up in the late morning/ early afternoon but maybe due to Father’s Day.  The trail is easy to follow going down until you get to the rocky river bed area.  I got a little off since I didn’t have anyone heading down in front of me.  No cairns marking trail so look hard as many footprints going off the trail and not the right path.