Hike Log

Ontario Peak (The Hike of False Peaks)

Trailhead:

Icehouse Canyon

Miles:

Type of Hike:

Day hike

Trail Conditions:

Minor obstacles posing few problems

ROAD:

Road suitable for all vehicles

Bugs:

No bugs

Snow:

Trail snow-covered at times – Gear and expertise recommended

Link:

Such an amazing and humbling hike! By far the most difficult I've hiked so far, especially with all those false peaks that makes you think you're there. However, the serenity at the peak was unmatched. Started the hike much later than anticipated at around 8:50 AM. Parking lot was full, but got lucky with a group leaving just as I got there. Very windy to start the hike, but it wasn't too cold. Hiked up to the saddle and had a decision to make… either hike to Ontario Peak, Cucamonga Peak or Timber Mountain. We had all our gear (poles, spikes and gaiters) and plenty of food and water, so we decided to onto Ontario Peak. Snow began right after the saddle as we made our way to Kelly Camp. Saw no one as we headed into Kelly Camp, took a quick break there and continued trekking on. Saw a group of four guys heading down the bowl as we were going up. Once at the bowl, a lot of powdery snow where at times we would fall knee/hip deep into the snow. Definitely took quite a lot of breaks going up. We were so captivated by the peacefulness that we never once thought to turn back, despite feeling tired from the snow. Eventually got to the peak with just us there the entire time. Summit took about 5 hours, roughly 45 minutes to relax at the top, then hiked back down in just under 9 hours total. Summit down from the peak to the Icehouse Saddle still took a long time, but from the saddle to the trailhead it was smooth sailing. Got back just in time for golden hour and sunset. Absolutely loved this hike and can't wait to do this again.

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