Icehouse Saddle via Icehouse Canyon Trail
Overview
This is a moderate one way trail in Cucamonga Wilderness.
This trail goes by Columbine Spring and Icehouse Saddle.
This trail is a gateway to many other trails in the San Gabriel Mountains. The Saddle is the confluence of the Three Ts trail, the Cucamonga Trail, Ontario Trail, and the Middle Fork of Lytle Creek Trail. The saddle itself is broad with several downed trees that make convenient resting or eating locations. The Saddle is almost always breezy for the last 100 feet of elevation below the saddle. When approaching the saddle on a cold day fall/winter/spring, it is advisable to take an opportunity lower down to put on a jacket and gloves.
This trail starts out along a stream that runs above ground for a relatively short section during most of the year. Beyond the half-mile mark the creek is below ground except at one creek crossing where there is moderate surface flow during parts of the year. Approximately 1/4 mile beyond the Cucamonga Wilderness boundary, the trail drifts annually due to the effects of flooding. There are usually cairns setup to identify one of the routes across the bottom of Telegraph Wash. The 2-mile marker is roughly at the last point of decent shade prior to a series of 8 switchbacks. If this is hiked during the summer, this is a good place to stop prior to a long stretch of sunny traverses with few places for sitting.
Getting Started
Parking for the closest trailhead is at the Icehouse Canyon Trailhead. The lot is small and fills quickly on popular days. Most people will wind up parking along the Mt. Baldy Road and walking. Alternate routes starts at the Baldy Notch and comes along the Three Ts Trail or the Middle Fork Lytle Creek Trail.
Taking Children
Children of 8 years old are often seen on this this trail. I would rate this as a 6/10 for children. Views from the saddle are interesting, as is the Columbine Spring.
Sights to See
Rate this Hike
★★★★★
