Cucamonga Peak

Parking lot was full by the time we got there at 6:15 AM, but got lucky and we’re able to squeeze into a spot along Mt Baldy Road. The weather was colder than I expected having hiked in the heat wave a couple weeks ago. I was mostly fine wearing a wool thermal top, hat, and gloves, but could have used a windbreaker towards the top. On the way down it warmed up to t-shirt weather. The icehouse trail is in mostly good condition with some rocky areas. However towards the top, the trail has been cut up by the winter and people trailblazing, but is still easily navigable. There were still patches of snow towards the top. Most people were not wearing microspikes, but would definitely recommend still wearing them. It’s a busy trail and at the very least they help with congestion – less waiting for people to clumsily traverse the snowy sections. We took the Chapman trail back down which could use some work. There are a few downed trees and washed out sections. Note, there is a lot of hiking on large gravel on this trail which my not be welcoming after the peak and could increase your chances of injury. It is also more exposed so may not be the best option on a hot day. On the plus side, we didn’t see any other hikers on this trail compared to the busier icehouse trail. Overall a great hike – 1010 11 with rice.