I started the day by waking up at 3 AM, driving 2 hours from San Diego and arriving at the trailhead at 6:30 AM. Already there were several groups at the trailhead staging their hike, even at a freezing 27⁰ F! At about 1 mile there is a stream running on the trail; at early morning hours it is frozen solid, so watch your footing (on the way back in the afternoon it was melted). Otherwise there is no snow until you reach the saddle. From there you should put on your microspikes because the trail to Ontario peak from that point forward is virtually all covered in snow. One could probably do without them, as long as your hiking boots are well-treaded and you’re using trekking poles. Watch your footing as some sections of the trail are narrow, and slope downward.

Despite the cold air and snow, the temperature was bearable, especially after the exertion of hiking up a mountain. When I arrived at the ridge, just a mile or so short of the summit, there were periods of gusty winds, but again, not too overwhelming. Just keep moving and stay warm!

I reached the summit; I was the only one at the time. There’s not much room there at the top; it would get crowded if those groups I saw earlier all arrived at the summit together. There is a Kona coffee can lodged in the rocks to the left of the giant tree; take the time to log your hike there. If you brought up a bottle of beer, there is a bottle opener convenient installed to the tree!

Going back down, I opted to climb Mt Bighorn, which added an additional 3.5 miles to my hike (1.75 miles each way from the junction). One should be aware that the trail splits here, but the junction is not so obvious. Indeed, the trail signs are perched on rocks and are facing towards the uphill side of Mt Ontario, so they would be easy to miss. For those only climbing Ontario, please be aware of this on your descent or you’ll end up on Bighorn, confused!

Great winter hike! My main motivation for doing this hike now is the opportunity to hone my winter hiking skills. Next hike: Mt Baldy!