Ontario and Bighorn Peaks

This 17.3-mile route summits both Ontario Peak and Bighorn Peak in the Cucamonga Wilderness of the San Gabriel Mountains. The trailhead is at Icehouse Canyon, just after Mt. Baldy Village. There are pit toilets at the trailhead, and further up the road, a campground at Manker Flats. A permit is required for parking, and according to the Forest Service website, a free permit is required for hiking into the Cucamonga Wilderness (available at trailhead). For the backpackers, this route passes two opportunities for backcountry camping at Cedar Glen Camp and Kelly Camp. 

From Icehouse Canyon Trailhead, the trail follows the canyon’s flowing water and shaded canopy. This first portion of the trail can be quite crowded, especially on weekends, with folks enjoying the many pools along the creek. In an effort to find some solitude, this route takes the Chapman Trail near mile 1.8. This option lengthens the journey, but rewards the hiker with fantastic views along the climb. You’ll hit Cedar Glen Camp at 3.4 miles, and then rejoin Icehouse Canyon further up the climb at 6.0 miles. Just over half a mile on, Icehouse Saddle is a fine rest atop a ridge. A number of trails splinter off from here, including Three T’s, Cucamonga Peak Trail, and Middle Fork Trail. For our purposes, we’ll take the southwest option, following signs toward Ontario Peak. A mile past the saddle is the second opportunity for a backcountry camp at Kelly Camp. The Ontario Peak Trail wraps around the north side of Bighorn Peak, with excellent views north to Mt. Baldy and beyond. Ontario Peak sits near mile 9.8 of the route at 8,653 ft. elevation. To get to Bighorn Peak, take the ridge route at mile 11.4. After the summit here, continue on, following a slight but noticeable use trail down the steep hillside to pop back out on the Ontario Peak Trail just before Icehouse Saddle. Our route takes Icehouse Canyon back to the trailhead, though you can of course utilize Chapman Trail again.