Ontario Peak
Overview
This is a moderate one way trail to Ontario Peak in Angeles National Forest. The round trip is roughly 12 miles and provides good training for elevations.
This trail goes by Columbine Spring and Icehouse Saddle.
The trail climbs consistently up from the Ice House Canyon trailhead, passing the junction with the Chapman Trail, an alternate route to the same location at 1 mile. The next two miles climbs steadily up switchbacks to 7,400 to the saddle. The signs direct you to the right once at the saddle and to the west along a contour and gently upward to Kelly Camp, a popular if waterless camping spot and site of an old cabin. The trail then heads upward steeply through a couple switchbacks to another ridge saddle between Big Horn (left) and Ontario (right) Peaks. In fall this part of the trail is covered thickly with gooseberries and I always expect to see a bear enjoying the abundance, but never have. The trail then winds along the ridge for another 1.5 miles to Ontario Peak and great views of the Los Angeles Basin. Return along the same route, or continue straight and bag Big Horn only 1/4 mile away while you are in the neighborhood.
Getting Started
This starts at the Ice House Canyon Parking lot. The permit is self-issued from the box at the entry. On Summer weekends, the parking lot is full by 7:30 am and you have to park down Baldy Road to access this location.
Taking Children
This trail is too long for most children with the substantial added elevation gain, it would not be recommnended except for the most stalwart of kids.
Sights to See
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