Ran the OBC today – from Icehouse canyon, I ran to Ontario Peak first, then crossed to Bighorn, then down the ridge from Bighorn to the saddle between Bighorn and Cucamonga, then up Cucamonga, and finally all the way back to the car.
The first 3 miles were snow-free, with a couple small ice patches. After that, though, I put on my microspikes as there was enough ice to warrant it. I also had trekking poles with me, that I used above Icehouse saddle.
Ontario Peak: Trail was snowy/icy the entire way. Not really sketchy, maybe a couple spots where you have to focus a bit on your foot placements. On my completely un-scientific sketchiness scale (a 0-5 scale), I would give it a 1.5
Bighorn Peak: It takes a little route-finding to get to Bighorn, as the trail comes and goes. But just keep going up, and you'll get there. Just like with Ontario, there's a big dead(ish) tree at the top. Sketchiness: 0/5
Cucamonga Peak: Took off my spikes at the top of Bighorn as the spur that goes down to the saddle was snow/ice free. Go slow as there is a rudimentary trail you can find during different sections, which sometimes turns near steep sections… Sketchiness: 1/5 [probably less sketchy going up]. I put my spikes back on at the saddle and started up Cucamonga. Most of the trail was fine with spikes, however there were some sections that were off-camber (not flat) and required more attention. Sketchiness 2/5. I still can't find the summit sign (I saw it in like April 2018, and haven't seen it since). There is a small summit sign that just has the elevation printed on it, though. Coming down actually felt more secure than going up (somehow). The rest of the way was fairly uneventful all the way back to the car. Made it from Cucamonga Peak back to the car in 1hr:18min.
Totals: 16.65 miles, 4:29:15 moving, 16:10/mi average, 5486 feet of gain.
*Note on my ‘sketchiness' scale: I am a trail runner and former wilderness instructor, so I have a fair amount of experience moving quickly in the mountains. The sketchiness rating is based on how sketchy I felt the trail was with my experience. I recommend taking that into consideration if you are using this to plan your own hike!
Responses
Well done making it look easy! Nice write up as well. I’ve got nothing but respect for you trail runners, but seriously…you guys are nuts. I can hardly get a mile or two on the treadmill or around town. Seriously though, I’m always impressed when runners pass me on the trail.
Well done making it look easy! Nice write up as well. I’ve got nothing but respect for you trail runners, but seriously…you guys are nuts. I can hardly get a mile or two on the treadmill or around town. Seriously though, I’m always impressed when runners pass me on the trail. 🙂
Impressive! I have done it turtle pace in the reverse order without snow. Even then, I found the trace-trail from the Cucamonga saddle up to Bighorn quite sketchy (loose/steep). For those tempted: make sure to stay on center of the spur.