I was so excited that I woke up early. Real early. Like 3:45 am early…
Got packed up, drove an hour and got there as the first car just parked in the dark at 5:30 and started hiking with my headlamp st 5:45 am. It felt the whole time like a sunrise hike since the sun always disappeared behind the mountain.
The real was snow free until the icehouse saddle and even right after just a few patches which I managed without microspikes. Once you get to a mile and a half before the summit there are more and more patches of snow and ice all the way to the top so I strongly recommend bringing them and using them. And why wouldn't you want to use those awesome helpers making it feel like your shoes are like Velcro attached top the ice.
Because of my experience from last winter at Cucamonga, I brought an ice axe which I didn't need. But I came prepared anyways. I also brought my tiny jetboil and had a hot broth at the summit, which was probably only necessary early in the day since it got hotter and hotter on the way down.
I also recommend cooling your feet in the stream at the parking lot. I'm surprised that I was the only one there, but then again it's snow melt and you can't have your toes in it for more than 5 seconds at a time.
It was sunny and warm-ish and beautiful on top. I loved it.
Responses
Hello Aimo, what a pleasure to meet you today atop Cucamonga. Hope our paths will cross again! Best, Gerhard
PS: you can find me on Instagram under GTinLA_ Happy Trails!