Etiwanda Peak via Cucamonga Peak Trail and Icehouse Canyon Trail
20.2 mi
Distance
9 hrs 3 min
Time
terrain
3,805 ft
Elev Gain
Overview
This is a difficult out and back trail to Etiwanda Peak in San Bernardino National Forest.
This trail goes by Icehouse Saddle, Cucamonga Peak, Columbine Spring, and Icehouse Canyon Trailhead.
Rate this Hike
★★★★★
Solo hiked the 4 ECBO peaks (Etiwanda, Cucamonga, Bighorn, Ontario) from Icehouse Canyon on 11/4/22. Alpine start with 25-35 mph wind gusts from Icehouse Saddle to Cucamonga Saddle (not too bad). Some slippery ice/snow patches on the Cucamonga Peak Trail climbing out of Cucamonga Saddle (used micro spikes). Beautiful hike through the snow forest to Etiwanda Peak – lots of icicles and snow drifts. Although the trail to Etiwanda can be hard to follow in winter, I found it easy to pick up as the snow was not yet very deep and the brush bordering the winding trail was trimmed back evenly - nice to go from rocks onto cushioning snow for a while. After great views from Etiwanda Peak, the good trail conditions never changed on the trip up Cucamonga Peak. Views of the valley from Cucamonga Peak lived up to their reputation. Snow and ice disappeared for the remainder of the trip on the way back to Cucamonga Saddle. From the saddle, I did the south-southeast climb straight up Bighorn Peak for 800 feet - a real leg burner as others have said (topo contours warned of the fun in store). When you’re on Bighorn Peak staring at Ontario, last of the four summits to ascend, it’s a little intimidating but Bighorn Peak to Ontario Peak seemed like the easiest climbing leg, just several trees to hop over and a few icy spots. The trip back to Icehouse Saddle from Ontario is a nice trail that lets you recover, taking you through Kelly Camp. Coming down to the trailhead from Icehouse Saddle was a scenic cruise with the fall colors and shady stream spots. Recorded 19 miles with a few side view spot excursions and 9-10 hours moving. Definitely recommend the ECBO trek – the trails are in good condition and take you through some beautiful, ever changing forest areas. Just wished I would have seen the usual herd of bighorn sheep!
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