Ontario Peak

The most common starting point for hiking Ontario Peak is the Icehouse Canyon Trailhead. Parking at this popular trailhead can be very challenging, especially on weekends and during peak seasons. It's highly recommended to arrive very early in the morning, ideally before 7:00 AM, to secure a spot. Overflow parking may be available further down the road, but this adds extra distance to your hike.

Yes, a wilderness permit is required for day hikes and overnight trips into the Cucamonga Wilderness, which includes Ontario Peak. These permits are typically free and can often be obtained at the trailhead or a nearby ranger station. It's advisable to check the San Bernardino National Forest website or call a local ranger station for the most current information on permit requirements and how to obtain them, especially during peak seasons or fire restrictions.

Yes, dogs are generally allowed on the trails leading to Ontario Peak, including the popular Icehouse Canyon Trail, provided they are kept on a leash. However, it's crucial to ensure your dog is conditioned for a strenuous, long-distance hike with significant elevation gain. Always carry plenty of water for both yourself and your pet, as water sources can be unreliable, especially higher up the mountain.

The terrain to Ontario Peak presents several challenges. The initial section through Icehouse Canyon is shaded and follows a creek, but it quickly transitions to a steep ascent with numerous switchbacks to Icehouse Saddle. From the saddle, the trail becomes more exposed, rocky, and can involve navigating around false summits before reaching the true peak. Hikers should be prepared for uneven footing, loose rock, and significant exposure to the sun on the upper sections.

The round trip hike to Ontario Peak from the Icehouse Canyon Trailhead is approximately 13 miles (20.9 km) with 4,100 feet (1,200 m) of elevation gain. For an average hiker, this strenuous trek can take anywhere from 8 to 12 hours to complete, depending on fitness levels, pace, and time spent at the summit. It's essential to start early to allow ample time before sunset.

While possible, hiking Ontario Peak in winter presents significant challenges and is generally only recommended for experienced hikers with proper gear. The trails can be covered in snow and ice, requiring equipment such as microspikes, crampons, and an ice axe. Weather conditions can change rapidly, and avalanche danger may be present. Always check current trail conditions and weather forecasts before attempting a winter ascent.

While the Icehouse Canyon Trail to Icehouse Saddle is the most popular and accessible route, hikers can also reach Ontario Peak via other trails that connect to Icehouse Saddle, such as the Chapman Trail or the Cucamonga Peak Trail (which branches off from the saddle). However, these routes are often longer or involve similar strenuous conditions. All routes converge at Icehouse Saddle before the final push to Ontario Peak.

The Cucamonga Wilderness is home to diverse wildlife. Hikers on the Ontario Peak trail might spot various bird species, lizards, and smaller mammals like squirrels and chipmunks. More elusive animals include deer, coyotes, and occasionally, bighorn sheep, especially in the higher, rockier elevations. Mountain lions are also present in the wilderness, though sightings are rare. Always observe wildlife from a distance and never feed animals.

The Icehouse Canyon Trailhead itself has very limited facilities, typically just restrooms. There are no cafes, pubs, or direct accommodations right at the trailhead. However, the nearby town of Mt. Baldy Village, a short drive away, offers a few small restaurants and limited lodging options. For more extensive services, including a wider range of dining and accommodation, you would need to look towards larger towns like Upland or Rancho Cucamonga, which are further down the mountain.

Kelly Camp, located along the trail to Icehouse Saddle, holds historical significance as an unimproved wilderness campsite. It was originally established as a mining prospect in 1905 and later transformed into a trail resort in 1922. While now just a rustic camp, its past as a hub for early prospectors and visitors adds a layer of historical interest to the journey. A spring is present there, though its reliability can vary seasonally.

Both Ontario Peak and Cucamonga Peak are challenging hikes accessible from Icehouse Saddle, and they share similar starting points and initial elevation gain. Many hikers consider them to be of comparable difficulty, both being strenuous day hikes with significant mileage and elevation. Cucamonga Peak is slightly higher in elevation (8,859 ft vs. 8,696 ft for Ontario), but the overall experience and physical demands are very similar for both summits.