Cucamonga Peak 2023 – Solo Hike above the clouds

Cucamonga | Ontario Twofer 2023 – Part 1

Check out the more detailed 2022 Trip Report for map & track info.

September 20, 2023

Made my way around the mountain up to Mt Baldy after the hike up Baden-Powell.  I was still a little bear-shy after my car turned into a middle-of-the-night snack at the Manker campground last year. So this time, since it was late and dark anyway, I decided to get a little in-car rest at the Icehouse TH instead before heading out.

The pre-dawn conditions were ideal for this hike with temps in the high 40s at the start and no wind. It was amazing to see the difference in the creek's water flow between last year and this year. It looked (and sounded) like a rushing alpine river, even this late in the season. The Columbine Spring was going at a good clip as well where it had already been down a trickle in June last year.

The expansive summit views were absolutely stunning. It looked like we were towering over a sea of cotton white clouds – you could almost reach out and touch them. I wish I could have stayed there all day! But, after finishing my elevenses, it was time to make my way back down to the Saddle and on to Ontario peak.

[to be continued]

Permit update for 2023

The Cucamonga Wilderness permits can now be obtained via the SGWA website (San Gorgonio Wilderness Association) – same process as Gorgonio & San Bernardino. This is a great update! It makes it a lot more convenient to self issue a permit before hand and have instant feedback on availability dates.

Hike Logs: 2022 (twofer) | 2021 (single)