My second peak for the day 🙂 (same trip report as Cucamonga Peak)

Another amazing day out on the trails! This was my first time hiking Cucamonga and Ontario Peaks and the whole day was filled with impressive views. (I'll post this same trip report for both Peaks since it was a “two-fer” day). I started out a little after 9:00 a.m. from the Icehouse Canyon trailhead and started my trip up to the Icehouse Canyon Saddle. Hiking along the stream was great and working up through the switchbacks provided some great views of Mt. Baldy (still on my list to complete). My plan for the day was to summit Cucamonga first, return to the saddle and do Ontario second, I estimated about 17 miles altogether and about 10 hours on the trail. I had done Sawmill Mountain (with Mt Pinos and Grouse) the day before, but still felt pretty good and getting underway gave me a good mental boost to start out.

Reaching the saddle I checked my GAIA app and already had over 2,500 feet of gain! I knew this going to be a big day so I didn't spend much time at the saddle and headed down the trail to Cucamonga summit. The weather was great and I was thankful that it was a little windy, I passed a few groups returning from the summit, as I got nearer the top one group advised me of a rattlesnake at the top, I never did see it as there were a handful of people at the summit by the time I made it there. I met and chatted with several other hikers throughout the day, many of whom were 6POP Challengers, and I figured my ‘chat' breaks would add a bit of time to my day, but it was all good. After scouting around the summit, taking some pictures, and having a bite to eat, I headed back to the saddle for Part II of the trip.

I reached the saddle in good time, made a note of time and distances to estimate my arrival time at the summit and eventually back at my truck, I was still on track for finishing in the daylight (I did have my lights though). It was just past the saddle on my way towards Kelly camp that I had my one and only “snow crossing” (LOL) it was a small patch on a switchback corner that was refusing to melt off, it made me think about how much different these trails would be with a couple of feet of snow on the ground! I had purchased all my various winter mountaineering gear in early March in preparation for doing my remaining 6POP hikes with some measure of snow – then COVID19 happened and by the time I could finally get back out on the trail, the snow was all but gone. Next year though, at least now I am geared up for it! 🙂

I passed through Kelly camp and saw a few tents set up, I would meet the campers later on as I approached the Ontario summit. I was glad I chose to do Cucamonga first, as this trail was a little less intense and a better option for Peak #2 late in the day. I met two more Challengers along the way and had a nice visit before reaching the summit. Once again, I was awed by the amazing views. I spent a lot more time at the top than I originally thought I would, I chatted with one of the campers who was still up there, had a bite to eat, then just sat on the rocks listening to the wind and birds and enjoying the late afternoon views – honestly, I didn't want to come back down! The trip down was uneventful, the phrase “it's all downhill from here” kept popping into my head as I descended the 6+ miles back to my truck.

All-in-all, a great couple of days, three more peaks on my 6POP Challenge completed, bringing my total to 13. I have one more (Mount Baden-Powell) to complete on the Alternate-Six list then the remaining four ‘big peaks' to finish off all 18.