Was planning on doing Ontario as my 6th, and the proprietor at Nomad Ventures down in Temecula told me about taking Falling Rock Canyon to the summit, among other lesser-known routes up Baldy. We decided to skip Sugarloaf and head straight for the summit, taking the conventional Ontario->'round Bighorn->Icehouse Saddle->Trailhead route back down.

With it being so cold lately, the creek to the south side of Icehouse Canyon was fairly easy to cross. The canyon was pretty dry until about a quarter of the way up, shortly thereafter having fairly consistent snow cover. As we approached the ridge, we were enveloped in clouds, which we promptly climbed above. Photos and snacks at the summit and followed footsteps that usually marked the trail beneath them back to the trailhead.

Most of the snow on this hike, especially in the canyon, was pretty hard packed and prevented step kicking. Some patches of nice, crunchy neve on top of the mountain and the occasional and obligatory posthole. The trail itself had some fairly well packed but not icy tracks. Even came across people without any kind of traction aids. Regardless, traction and axes recommended on the trail. Crampons and axes recommended for the canyon.

Oh yeah! 6 out of… 18? Haven't quite decided on if I want to haul down to San Diego.

Cheers!