Hike Log

Summit above the clouds

Trailhead:

Icehouse Canyon

Trail Conditions:

ROAD:

Bugs:

Snow:

I hiked Cucamonga peak on Saturday, May 26th. Arrived at the trailhead-Icehouse Canyon at about 5:50am, there was several open parking spots. The weather was cold (in the mid 40s), I wore several layers of clothing to keep warm, but forgot to bring gloves; my hands quickly became numb and stiff, luckily I thought of using my extra pair of wool socks as gloves (lifesavers!). Stopped for a break and snack at Icehouse Saddle, but didn’t stay for long because it felt extra cold/windy in this area. Walked through clouds for the first time during the second half of the ascension…awesome experience! The climb up was a good workout, stopped a few times to catch my breath. All the gravel made it more of a challenge. My fear of heights nearly got the best of me when I came to a rocky ledge, I almost turned back, but thankfully some deep yoga breaths, prayers, and encouragement from my friends helped me get past it. The views at the summit were breathtaking! Was above the clouds; felt a bit closer the the heavens <3. I used an available wooden Cucamonga peak sign which was nice (there’s a tin box for donations/optional). Trekking poles came in handy for the steep parts of the descension, during which I witnessed a almost fatal accident. A young gentlemen decided to go off trail and slid down the side of the mountain on a switchback, and nearly knocked an ascending backpacker off the trail/mountain; such a dangerous thing to do and frightnening to see!
The streams closer to the trailhead had increased since earlier that morning which made that part of the trail muddy and the rocks extra slippery. Should’ve known better and slowed my roll, but in my eagerness to make it to the finish line already I slipped on a rock and fell backward on my hands, thankfully I wasn’t hurt. Total hike took me 10 hours, and is so far my favorite peak challenge!

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  1. Congratulations, Diana!

    Thanks for the reminder that cutting switchbacks is always a bad idea.

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