Well, this was for sure the first time I ever hiked in the dark.
My dog, Maggie May, and I showed up about 9 a.m. to a very full parking lot (we aren't early risers), and got on the trail by 9:30 a.m.
Such a beautiful trail. The weather was crisp and so pleasant. Lots of friendly folks on the trail with us. We decided to chat with new friends, so that slowed us down a bit, but no regrets. We stopped at Icehouse Saddle for lunch around noon, and then boogied to the top. Got to Ontario Peak around 2:30 p.m. (we like to mosey), and were the only ones there. So peaceful. Would love to camp at Kelly Camp someday. Unlike Cucamonga, it wasn't super windy, and we were able to have a snack and leave a note in the trail log.
There were around five trees across the trail from the saddle to the peak. Maggie scrambled under most. I fairly ungracefully made it over each. Have a cute bruise from a spiky branch on one getting me.
On the way down, we spotted several chipmunks, but thankfully nothing bigger than that. We made friends with a solo hiker from Arlington, Texas, and another from Costa Mesa who also had a friendly dog, and we all hiked down together, navigating the trail via our headlamps. Sunset was at 4:51 p.m., and by 5:20, it was very dark. We were all grateful to have found each other. I love the community that one finds on trails.
Responses
Great trip report, Jaclyn! Glad you had a headlamp for the way down. It’s CRAZY how early it gets dark now that Daylight Savings Time has ended.
Oh my goodness, totally agree. We kept looking forward the city area where there was still light and commenting on just how dark that trail gets. It’s really like the Universe is like “Yawn!” and turns out the lights at sunset.