This hike raised a lot of questions for me about the apps I'm using to track my hikes. Strava, which is primarily used for tracking running and cycling said that I finished this in 4 hours and 13 minutes and that I went 13.72 miles total, and 4,128 ft total ascent. Gaia, which is a more high end GPS app said that 12 miles, 6 hours and 9 minutes, and 4,048 total ascent. So strava got the total ascent more accurate, but gaia got the time and distance almost spot on to what it says on the web. I'm guessing that Strava just isn't cut out for keeping track of things without reliable cell service and gaia is.
Overall, I was surprised to learn that this hike was easier than wilson in terms of ascent and miles, even though the elevation of cucamonga is higher. since its the second hike in the list, I expected it to be harder but I really feel like wilson kicked my ass more than this one did. that being said, this was a better hike in every way. wilson has too much civilization in and around it. the telescope and snack stand at the top, the damns on the river on the way up. wilson feels too close to home. Cucamonga feels like you are in the wilderness. The stream isn't damned and the water is so clear I actually had to stop on the way down to soak my tired feet in it. the way the light comes through the trees is really something. the view from the top is amazing and for some reason I feel like the people I ran into on this hike were more friendly.
One thing worth mentioning is how awesome the wind is up on that mountain. once you get to the saddle, the wind is so loud, it's like a giant ghost is following you up the mountain. It really adds to the feeling of isolation that I usually crave on these hikes.
The last thing I have to mention is switchback cutting. there are a bunch of signs on the way down telling you not to cut switchbacks to help prevent trail damage and I have to admit that I ignore almost all of them. Let's just admit it people, cutting switchbacks to maneuver around slow people is tons of fun even though it can put you in danger of tumbling down the mountain. I always make it a race to see how fast I can make it down the mountain and how many people I can pass and this adds a level of fun when you can pull it off.
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