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Get here early to find parking on weekends. I didn't notice any public restrooms at the trail. Most hikers were wearing a mask The Hike is at Level 2.5. Started hiking at 6am and was Done at 4pm. I wish I brought a portable water filter! icy cold Babbling brook was perfect to soak my aching feet

Ontario Peak: 8,694 feet elevation (part of Mt. Baldy- Angeles National Park) Miles: 12.8 miles round trip (3.6 to the Ice Saddle and 2.8 to the top) Time: about 7 hours for beginners Bring: camelback, snacks, sunglasses, hat, toilet paper, selfie stick This was my first big kid hike. And boy I was exhausted and realize that I'm not as fit as I thought I was. I guess eating over 1000 places on yelp and 7 plates at a buffet do not constitute being fit... Just fat(ass). I just got into this exercising thing like once a week and hike once or twice a month. So this was no breeze. The first half to the ice saddle was probably the worst for me. They had too many switch backs and it was hot! Big rocks everywhere and some times the trail was too thin. I was out of breath and had to stop and catch it a bit. Once you get to the ice saddle it turned windy and cold. The second half to the peak was easier than the first half. About 2.8 miles to the peak. The hike was hot and cold. There was snow for a good portion and then just towards the top it was blazing hot. The top of the peak was amazing! Beautiful views of San Bernardino and LA county. Lots of bees at the top though. You can sit on the rocks and look at the tiny tiny houses and the smog layer. We had a selfie stick and didn't need anybody to take a pic of us on top of the rock. We had fun! Getting down was tough. It was like never ending... I was are we there yet?! When will this end!! By the end my knees and feet were killing me. My legs were literally jello. Rest it out and the next day I was fine. I wasn't as sore as I thought I would be. By the second day I wasn't even sore at all! Maybe all that eating like a fatass helped! I wouldn't do this again just bc I want to do the other ones, too many options!

This is a great hike. Similar to Cucamonga Peak since the first half of the hike includes the Ice House Canyon Trail too. I would say this is a bit easier from the Saddle to the peak than Cucamonga but the peak isn't as impressive though. Parking- you need an Adventure Pass to park in the Ice House Canyon parking lot; I also recommend getting there early to grab a parking spot since this is a popular hiking area and to make the hike more enjoyable with cooler temperatures Trail- the first 3.5 miles of the hike is the Ice House Canyon Trail to Ice house Saddle and it is beautiful with spots of shade and the water running nearby for the first 2 miles or so, the trail then moves away from the creek and the next 1.5 miles to the saddle is probably the hardest part of the hike but once you make it to the saddle it is a great place to rest and catch your breath while you have a snack; from the saddle you have three trail options...you can go left to do the 3 T's, go straight to Cucamonga Peak, or go to the right to do Ontario Peak. I, of course, went to the right and the 2.8 miles to the peak from this point is not quite as steep but it is exposed to the sun for the most part with quite a few narrow sections on the trail; this trail is not as crowded as Cucamonga Peak and I didn't come across anyone else on the way to the peak and on the way back to the saddle I crossed only about 10-15 people on a Saturday morning so this trail does give you the peace and solitude...the trail is generally pretty clear in most spots but I did find having the All Trails app to be useful in some spots; the mosquitoes were quite bad along the entire trail but especially when close to the creek Peak- there are some large rocks and a leaf-less tree where you will find a sign (there were two when I visited in July) with the name and elevation to hold for pictures and there was a bottle opener attached to the tree trunk; the views are great but there isn't much space up there for multiple groups to be there at the same time...I luckily had the peak to myself and the views are not as great as Cucamonga but it still is beautiful *I only did Ontario Peak but not the additional Bighorn Peak which adds about 1.5 to 2 miles Details: Distance- 12.7 miles RT Elevation Peak- 8,696 ft Elevation Gain- about 3,900 ft Duration- 6 to 8 hrs (took me 6.5 hrs) Difficulty- Hard *I recommend bringing hiking poles, sufficient water (2-4 liters), sunblock, and insect repellent

This is a great hike that doesn't get a lot of foot traffic compared to Cucamonga Peak. It's a little over 12 miles round trip to Ontario Peak, which you can also add like an extra 1.5 mile round trip to Bighorn Peak if you have the energy. Since you will be parking at the icehouse canyon lot. Try to arrive early like before 7am as the lot fills up quick. Remember to also display your adventure pass. You do need to fill out a wilderness permit, it's free and the permit forms are at the start of the trailhead. The trail to icehouse saddle is nice, and it's a good incline getting there. You will pass a side trail called Chapman Trail. This is a longer route to icehouse saddle, so bypass Chapman and continue on unless you have more time to explore. Midway to the top, you will see a posted sign, go left to Chapman Trail or go right to icehouse saddle. Continue going right. Once you make it to Icehouse Saddle, there will be multiple of options to hike. The left is the Three T's Trail, the middle trail is to Cucamonga Peak, and the right trail is to Ontario Peak. Continue on the Ontario Peak trail on the right, once you arrive to Kelly Camp, there will be a fork in the trail, you want to go LEFT. It's a steady incline, so take your time and rest as much as you need. Once you reach the ridge line, there use to be a posted sign, but it's gone missing. You should see like a large pile of rocks. If you follow the trail left that will take you to Bighorn Peak. Otherwise, turn right for Ontario Peak. Before you know it you will arrive at Ontario and enjoy the view. I enjoyed it and it's just as beautiful as Cucamonga Peak. We spent over an hour enjoying the views that we have to come back for bighorn peak for another time. I suggest wearing long pants as the narrow trail going between the bushes before arriving the ridge line will definitely scratch your legs up. Other than that, bring plenty of water, snack, light jacket as it can get windy at times, sunblock, sunglasses and a hat. Have fun.

This was a 14-mile RT hike (including Bighorn Peak) out to two of the lesser visited trails in Ice House Canyon and with elevation gain/loss/gain it approximates out to about 4300' of elevation. It's a good, tough (but not extreme) hike with good views along the way and once you reach the peaks. Ontario Peak has a tree with a bottle opener attached so bring a brew to celebrate when you get there. We were training for Mt Whitney and this was a good grind without having to go out to far. Note: get there early for best parking

I wasn't prepared for how cold it was. def check the weather through alltrails before going up because there can be a big temperature difference from the bottom. I went 5/22/21 and there was snow on the ground. Icechouse to saddle was very muddy and wet as well. It was very beautiful. Mt Baldy was covered in snow but Ontario was nice with rolling fog. The hike up to the saddle was pretty crowded. We saw a ranger early on the way up counting how many people were hiking and around 8:30am he already counted over 300 people. The saddle was freezing because of the winds but many people rest there and have snacks. We went Saturday and started at ice canyon and could not find parking. We had to park pretty far away from icehouse lot. There is a primitive bathroom in the lot. This is the longest hike I've done so far and it was not too difficult as the inclines were pretty gradual the whole way up, its just long. pictures don't do it justice, you have to go experience the beauty up there. The trail is pretty well marked and easy to follow. Some of the trail is pretty rocky though and I was glad for my trekking poles on the way down.

IMO, the hike up Ontario Peak (round-trip of ~13 miles) is up there with the more popular Cucamonga Peak. These hikes are very similar actually, starting with the climb to the Ice House Saddle before wrapping up and around the mountain slopes few times. Expect snow in the winter months that are slow to melt and it could be pretty deep (knees) in some places. Like Cucamonga Peak, the view is breathtaking, especially on a clear day. It doesn't get any better than the urban landscape with an ocean backdrop! One thing to remember is to go left at Kelly Camp "Y" http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/ontario-peak-mount-baldy-2?select=E9VTBZefjU7OnXSj4DrzTg&userid=IZ3K3X2PUUZI7x0yXmKMcQ#9nckIIsIWKkKeOPtcCJ3MA and up the hill. They really should put a sign there. The climb up the hill among all the fallen and bare trees is quite a sight http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/ontario-peak-mount-baldy-2?select=j5MFTetVSlswj0b-FqhBaw#j5MFTetVSlswj0b-FqhBaw . Last time, I lost the trail in the snow going up here and had to figure out a way to go up in snow that was up to knee high. It's easy to lose the trail in the snow, so keep your eyes peeled! Once you get up, you should get your first wide open view at Big Horn Junction. There is a wooden sign that sits against some rocks. To the left is Big Horn Peak, to the right is Ontario Peak. You're less than 2 miles from the peak now. After a false peak or two, you reach Ontario Peak where you'll see this lone tree and a triangular rock http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/ontario-peak-mount-baldy-2#KgA7igGzOPHby1-gSMEt1A . Enjoy the view, and maybe enjoy a cold one because there is a bottle opener nailed to the tree http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/ontario-peak-mount-baldy-2#roAqr12CQpf7A-ONzL1owQ . There's no cool rock platforms to pose for pictures like at Cucamonga Peak, but the views are just as good. If you're on the app, look for my video that I took at the peak to get a little sense of how awesome the view is from there!

The hike to Ontario Peak is about 12 miles with 3733' elevation gain/loss. It is not the most difficult of hikes, in terms of ascension, but if you plan to hike while there is still snow on the ground, it can be quite challenging. The trail is mostly single file with many rocks under foot. There is a mix of shaded and exposed areas. The trail is the same one that you take to get to Icehouse Saddle, but once you reach the saddle, the trail is clearly marked and to the right. As soon as we took the trail from the Saddle, the wind started to really blow hard. It was already a blustery April morning, but the winds were whipping terribly for the 2nd 1/2 (about 3 miles) of the hike. This, coupled with lots of ice and snow still on the ground, made for a treacherous, taxing hike. If there is snow or ice, you will really need to have microspikes or the equivalent to get you safely to your destination. Much of the trail was completely covered - thank goodness for GPS. The views from the peak are beautiful. And if it's a nice day, it is a lovely place to have lunch or spend a bit of down time. parking - adventure pass required

Great hike! I am just getting more enthusiastic about hiking the trails in Southern California. Hike to Ontario peak was awesome. It was early June with abit of over cast, but when reaching the top, I was rewarded with being on top of cloud. Bit breeze but overall nice temperature for hike. On this Sunday morning there was alot of traffic to the saddle but beyond I bumped into only handful of other hikers. When I sat down for short break, the silence of nature, birds chirping and branches from near by trees swishing from the wind created a moment to remember. I definetly recommend Ontario peak for your next hike.

Ontario Peak is another great Mt Baldy hike. After you get up to the Ice House Saddle by way of the 3.6 mile Ice House Canyon Trail, http://www.yelp.com/biz/ice-house-canyon-trail-mount-baldy?hrid=7xbAkpMLb89keNbcDHgMRA&utm_campaign=www_review_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct) you have trekked up the hardest part to get to Ontario Peak, a round trip of 12.2 miles, with an elevation gain of 3,777 feet and the final elevation of 8,693 feet. At the Saddle, there is a trail sign marked 'Ontario Peak Trail', which is the southwest trail. I hike with my pooch Sammy, and she absolutely loves it up there on these Mt Baldy trails. The one mile from the Saddle to Kelly Camp, on the way to Ontario Peak, is an easy dirt trail. You will pass through Manzanita bushes and over some fallen trees. At 4.6 miles from the Ice House trailhead you will reach a Y in the trail at Kelly Camp. Go to the LEFT for Big Horn and Ontario Peak. Well, my first time on this trail, I went to the right... DON'T DO THAT. For some reason, I thought I knew where I was going, so I didn't even bother to look at my Garmin Oregon 450t GPS device. As I went to the right at the Y, the trail became hard to follow as there were large fallen trees to get over and the Manzanita bushes that boxed us in. As I read my Garmin device and trying to remember what I had just learned at my REI GPS Navigation class I took the week before, I saw Sammy was giving me the EVIL EYE! I saw it in her eyes; she knew we were on another Mt Baldy detour! And after hiking a mile through that Manzanita and scratching up my legs I was ready to go home and give this trail a one star Yelp rating. So, we headed back towards Kelly Camp. But when we got there I just couldn't accept not reaching our destination and I rechecked my Garmin again. It was then I learned the correct path to Ontario Peak was to the LEFT at the Kelly Camp Y. After checking with Sammy we decided to head for the Peak. This time we went to the LEFT at the Kelly Camp Y. http://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=YA3y73QwEpbygxajnHoOKg&userid=RoGuDu1egfAvVgb4WmZwUw&utm_campaign=www_photo_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct) Immediately after that you will pass over some stone steps as you head toward the trees and on your way to Ontario Peak. http://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=k7nA1n6AFp3lnLOJAdJ4rg&userid=RoGuDu1egfAvVgb4WmZwUw&utm_campaign=www_photo_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct) After you leave Kelly Camp the trail starts a steeper incline and there aren't many shaded areas from then on. At 4.98 miles you will reach the top ridge where there is a great view below. As you reach the ridge look straight ahead and there will be a trail sign located in a pile of rocks. http://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=Dk7fZh_k1TqdHQ99CS7-VA&userid=RoGuDu1egfAvVgb4WmZwUw&utm_campaign=www_photo_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct) To the left is Big Horn Peak in seven tenths of a mile. I did both peaks on my second trip making it a 13.6 mile trip. The last few tenths of a mile to Big Horn were STEEP and in the sun, but it wasn't much of a peak at all. I'm glad I had my Garmin GPS, as it took the guess work out of selecting the correct peak at 8,448 feet. The trail to the peak was nice but I was not impressed about the peak at all. Back to my first trip, on a day when it was INCREDIBLY WINDY up at the top ridge; go to the right for Ontario Peak. From the Big Horn/Ontario Peak top ridge junction where the sign is, it is about 1.4 miles to Ontario Peak. On the way you will pass through some leg scratching Manzanita bushes. But I really like this section of the trail, as you travel along the top ridge to the peak. You will see some great views here. At the end of the trail to Ontario Peak is a big dead tree on a small rocky top. The elevation there is 8,693feet! http://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=tgqKbuM5M6HuimS5v8yODQ&userid=RoGuDu1egfAvVgb4WmZwUw&utm_campaign=www_photo_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct) Just in front of that tree in a small pile of rock is the registry. When you put it back, put the holes facing the ground so the papers inside don't get wet. When I found the PVC registry the holes were facing up and the papers inside had gotten wet. If you are going to be hiking in the mountains, it's a great idea to invest in a GPS navigation device. I also use my iPhone Runkeeper application run by GPS. Other nice things to carry, is an 'Anker Astro 5600mAh Backup External Battery Pack Charger' for all cell phones ($30) and a '3.0 Liter Platypus Insulator Hydration System'. I put ice cubes in it and the water stays cold all day. I like their top opening access better than Camelbak. Since the mountain weather can be unpredictable, I always carry a windbreaker and gloves. I just love the experience and the challenges of a mountain!
Ontario Peak was my first Peakbagger! It will always hold special memories for me and I've made such great and amazing friends climbing this peak. It was fun and I think anyone can do it. For those that are a little out of shape, take your time and you will get there. The summit is breathtaking. Bring hiking poles. This was also the peak that demonstrated to me that I can do anything if I set my mind to it and to not be afraid to get out there and conquer anything and everything! I carpooled and an adventure pass is required to park. Please get out there and create your own adventure. read more
3 years ago
This is another new favorite SoCal hike. I hiked to the top a few weekends ago before snow hit the area and I'm so happy I did! It was still cold but I got a chance to see beautiful orange and yellow leaves in the trail for the first few miles and then the surroundings turned to pine trees, skree and distant views of the Mount Baldy Bowl! I never really understood how many trails there are out by Mount Baldy. I've even done Cucamonga peak and didn't realize there were so many more accessible peaks to check out from the same trail! I'm really excited to try more in the area! This is a really well marked and maintained trail. There were a few spots in the last mile towards the peak where there were trees fallen but only a few. The saddle is a great place to rest before the last push to the top. You could easily add a couple peaks on but I was pressed for time this day. It's also a great training hike for other adventures and maintaining hiking fitness as the distance is over 10 miles and elevation above 4000. Total distance: 13.54 Miles Elevation Gain: 4,392 ft Highest Point: 8,696 ft read more
Key things to know, you'll need an Adventure pass for parking before you get here (you can buy those at Big 5 or REI) or you can buy a pass at the Baldy visitor center when they open. Ice House Canyon Trail is the main path most take to get to this hike, you can put that in your gps to get directions here. From the parking lot to the Ice House Canyon Saddle is 3.6 miles, from there the trail to Ontario Peak is another 2.8 miles. Round trip in and out you're looking at just under 13 miles. The views at Ontario peak might not be as great as near by Cucamonga peak, but it's still definitely worth coming over to check out. Now that Ontario is part of the alternate hikes on the 6 pack peak challenge this trail will be getting a lot more foot traffic in the future. The elevation gains are still challenging on this trail, but it's not as tough as Cucamonga and parts of this trail feel a bit more shaded than Cucamonga so it was a little more enjoyable to get through. read more
6 years ago
Get here early to find parking on weekends. I didn't notice any public restrooms at the trail. Most hikers were wearing a mask The Hike is at Level 2.5. Started hiking at 6am and was Done at 4pm. I wish I brought a portable water filter! icy cold Babbling brook was perfect to soak my aching feet read more
Ontario Peak: 8,694 feet elevation (part of Mt. Baldy- Angeles National Park) Miles: 12.8 miles round trip (3.6 to the Ice Saddle and 2.8 to the top) Time: about 7 hours for beginners Bring: camelback, snacks, sunglasses, hat, toilet paper, selfie stick This was my first big kid hike. And boy I was exhausted and realize that I'm not as fit as I thought I was. I guess eating over 1000 places on yelp and 7 plates at a buffet do not constitute being fit... Just fat(ass). I just got into this exercising thing like once a week and hike once or twice a month. So this was no breeze. The first half to the ice saddle was probably the worst for me. They had too many switch backs and it was hot! Big rocks everywhere and some times the trail was too thin. I was out of breath and had to stop and catch it a bit. Once you get to the ice saddle it turned windy and cold. The second half to the peak was easier than the first half. About 2.8 miles to the peak. The hike was hot and cold. There was snow for a good portion and then just towards the top it was blazing hot. The top of the peak was amazing! Beautiful views of San Bernardino and LA county. Lots of bees at the top though. You can sit on the rocks and look at the tiny tiny houses and the smog layer. We had a selfie stick and didn't need anybody to take a pic of us on top of the rock. We had fun! Getting down was tough. It was like never ending... I was are we there yet?! When will this end!! By the end my knees and feet were killing me. My legs were literally jello. Rest it out and the next day I was fine. I wasn't as sore as I thought I would be. By the second day I wasn't even sore at all! Maybe all that eating like a fatass helped! I wouldn't do this again just bc I want to do the other ones, too many options! read more
This is a great hike. Similar to Cucamonga Peak since the first half of the hike includes the Ice House Canyon Trail too. I would say this is a bit easier from the Saddle to the peak than Cucamonga but the peak isn't as impressive though. Parking- you need an Adventure Pass to park in the Ice House Canyon parking lot; I also recommend getting there early to grab a parking spot since this is a popular hiking area and to make the hike more enjoyable with cooler temperatures Trail- the first 3.5 miles of the hike is the Ice House Canyon Trail to Ice house Saddle and it is beautiful with spots of shade and the water running nearby for the first 2 miles or so, the trail then moves away from the creek and the next 1.5 miles to the saddle is probably the hardest part of the hike but once you make it to the saddle it is a great place to rest and catch your breath while you have a snack; from the saddle you have three trail options...you can go left to do the 3 T's, go straight to Cucamonga Peak, or go to the right to do Ontario Peak. I, of course, went to the right and the 2.8 miles to the peak from this point is not quite as steep but it is exposed to the sun for the most part with quite a few narrow sections on the trail; this trail is not as crowded as Cucamonga Peak and I didn't come across anyone else on the way to the peak and on the way back to the saddle I crossed only about 10-15 people on a Saturday morning so this trail does give you the peace and solitude...the trail is generally pretty clear in most spots but I did find having the All Trails app to be useful in some spots; the mosquitoes were quite bad along the entire trail but especially when close to the creek Peak- there are some large rocks and a leaf-less tree where you will find a sign (there were two when I visited in July) with the name and elevation to hold for pictures and there was a bottle opener attached to the tree trunk; the views are great but there isn't much space up there for multiple groups to be there at the same time...I luckily had the peak to myself and the views are not as great as Cucamonga but it still is beautiful *I only did Ontario Peak but not the additional Bighorn Peak which adds about 1.5 to 2 miles Details: Distance- 12.7 miles RT Elevation Peak- 8,696 ft Elevation Gain- about 3,900 ft Duration- 6 to 8 hrs (took me 6.5 hrs) Difficulty- Hard *I recommend bringing hiking poles, sufficient water (2-4 liters), sunblock, and insect repellent read more
8 years ago
This is a great hike that doesn't get a lot of foot traffic compared to Cucamonga Peak. It's a little over 12 miles round trip to Ontario Peak, which you can also add like an extra 1.5 mile round trip to Bighorn Peak if you have the energy. Since you will be parking at the icehouse canyon lot. Try to arrive early like before 7am as the lot fills up quick. Remember to also display your adventure pass. You do need to fill out a wilderness permit, it's free and the permit forms are at the start of the trailhead. The trail to icehouse saddle is nice, and it's a good incline getting there. You will pass a side trail called Chapman Trail. This is a longer route to icehouse saddle, so bypass Chapman and continue on unless you have more time to explore. Midway to the top, you will see a posted sign, go left to Chapman Trail or go right to icehouse saddle. Continue going right. Once you make it to Icehouse Saddle, there will be multiple of options to hike. The left is the Three T's Trail, the middle trail is to Cucamonga Peak, and the right trail is to Ontario Peak. Continue on the Ontario Peak trail on the right, once you arrive to Kelly Camp, there will be a fork in the trail, you want to go LEFT. It's a steady incline, so take your time and rest as much as you need. Once you reach the ridge line, there use to be a posted sign, but it's gone missing. You should see like a large pile of rocks. If you follow the trail left that will take you to Bighorn Peak. Otherwise, turn right for Ontario Peak. Before you know it you will arrive at Ontario and enjoy the view. I enjoyed it and it's just as beautiful as Cucamonga Peak. We spent over an hour enjoying the views that we have to come back for bighorn peak for another time. I suggest wearing long pants as the narrow trail going between the bushes before arriving the ridge line will definitely scratch your legs up. Other than that, bring plenty of water, snack, light jacket as it can get windy at times, sunblock, sunglasses and a hat. Have fun. read more
This was a 14-mile RT hike (including Bighorn Peak) out to two of the lesser visited trails in Ice House Canyon and with elevation gain/loss/gain it approximates out to about 4300' of elevation. It's a good, tough (but not extreme) hike with good views along the way and once you reach the peaks. Ontario Peak has a tree with a bottle opener attached so bring a brew to celebrate when you get there. We were training for Mt Whitney and this was a good grind without having to go out to far. Note: get there early for best parking read more
I wasn't prepared for how cold it was. def check the weather through alltrails before going up because there can be a big temperature difference from the bottom. I went 5/22/21 and there was snow on the ground. Icechouse to saddle was very muddy and wet as well. It was very beautiful. Mt Baldy was covered in snow but Ontario was nice with rolling fog. The hike up to the saddle was pretty crowded. We saw a ranger early on the way up counting how many people were hiking and around 8:30am he already counted over 300 people. The saddle was freezing because of the winds but many people rest there and have snacks. We went Saturday and started at ice canyon and could not find parking. We had to park pretty far away from icehouse lot. There is a primitive bathroom in the lot. This is the longest hike I've done so far and it was not too difficult as the inclines were pretty gradual the whole way up, its just long. pictures don't do it justice, you have to go experience the beauty up there. The trail is pretty well marked and easy to follow. Some of the trail is pretty rocky though and I was glad for my trekking poles on the way down. read more
IMO, the hike up Ontario Peak (round-trip of ~13 miles) is up there with the more popular Cucamonga Peak. These hikes are very similar actually, starting with the climb to the Ice House Saddle before wrapping up and around the mountain slopes few times. Expect snow in the winter months that are slow to melt and it could be pretty deep (knees) in some places. Like Cucamonga Peak, the view is breathtaking, especially on a clear day. It doesn't get any better than the urban landscape with an ocean backdrop! One thing to remember is to go left at Kelly Camp "Y" http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/ontario-peak-mount-baldy-2?select=E9VTBZefjU7OnXSj4DrzTg&userid=IZ3K3X2PUUZI7x0yXmKMcQ#9nckIIsIWKkKeOPtcCJ3MA and up the hill. They really should put a sign there. The climb up the hill among all the fallen and bare trees is quite a sight http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/ontario-peak-mount-baldy-2?select=j5MFTetVSlswj0b-FqhBaw#j5MFTetVSlswj0b-FqhBaw . Last time, I lost the trail in the snow going up here and had to figure out a way to go up in snow that was up to knee high. It's easy to lose the trail in the snow, so keep your eyes peeled! Once you get up, you should get your first wide open view at Big Horn Junction. There is a wooden sign that sits against some rocks. To the left is Big Horn Peak, to the right is Ontario Peak. You're less than 2 miles from the peak now. After a false peak or two, you reach Ontario Peak where you'll see this lone tree and a triangular rock http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/ontario-peak-mount-baldy-2#KgA7igGzOPHby1-gSMEt1A . Enjoy the view, and maybe enjoy a cold one because there is a bottle opener nailed to the tree http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/ontario-peak-mount-baldy-2#roAqr12CQpf7A-ONzL1owQ . There's no cool rock platforms to pose for pictures like at Cucamonga Peak, but the views are just as good. If you're on the app, look for my video that I took at the peak to get a little sense of how awesome the view is from there! read more
10 years ago
The hike to Ontario Peak is about 12 miles with 3733' elevation gain/loss. It is not the most difficult of hikes, in terms of ascension, but if you plan to hike while there is still snow on the ground, it can be quite challenging. The trail is mostly single file with many rocks under foot. There is a mix of shaded and exposed areas. The trail is the same one that you take to get to Icehouse Saddle, but once you reach the saddle, the trail is clearly marked and to the right. As soon as we took the trail from the Saddle, the wind started to really blow hard. It was already a blustery April morning, but the winds were whipping terribly for the 2nd 1/2 (about 3 miles) of the hike. This, coupled with lots of ice and snow still on the ground, made for a treacherous, taxing hike. If there is snow or ice, you will really need to have microspikes or the equivalent to get you safely to your destination. Much of the trail was completely covered - thank goodness for GPS. The views from the peak are beautiful. And if it's a nice day, it is a lovely place to have lunch or spend a bit of down time. parking - adventure pass required read more
Cucamonga Peak's lesser known sibling. Not much to say about this one. The view is nice, and far fewer people hike this relative to Cucamonga. Oh it's also a teeny bit less difficult I think since the elevation gain is distributed over a longer distance. There's not a lot of shade though.. so either wear a lot of sunblock or come on a somewhat cloudy day. Take a left when you reach the fork leading up to Kelly Camp. Total trip time will take you around 8 hours and over 13 miles. read more
9 years ago
Great hike! I am just getting more enthusiastic about hiking the trails in Southern California. Hike to Ontario peak was awesome. It was early June with abit of over cast, but when reaching the top, I was rewarded with being on top of cloud. Bit breeze but overall nice temperature for hike. On this Sunday morning there was alot of traffic to the saddle but beyond I bumped into only handful of other hikers. When I sat down for short break, the silence of nature, birds chirping and branches from near by trees swishing from the wind created a moment to remember. I definetly recommend Ontario peak for your next hike. read more
Ontario Peak is another great Mt Baldy hike. After you get up to the Ice House Saddle by way of the 3.6 mile Ice House Canyon Trail, http://www.yelp.com/biz/ice-house-canyon-trail-mount-baldy?hrid=7xbAkpMLb89keNbcDHgMRA&utm_campaign=www_review_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct) you have trekked up the hardest part to get to Ontario Peak, a round trip of 12.2 miles, with an elevation gain of 3,777 feet and the final elevation of 8,693 feet. At the Saddle, there is a trail sign marked 'Ontario Peak Trail', which is the southwest trail. I hike with my pooch Sammy, and she absolutely loves it up there on these Mt Baldy trails. The one mile from the Saddle to Kelly Camp, on the way to Ontario Peak, is an easy dirt trail. You will pass through Manzanita bushes and over some fallen trees. At 4.6 miles from the Ice House trailhead you will reach a Y in the trail at Kelly Camp. Go to the LEFT for Big Horn and Ontario Peak. Well, my first time on this trail, I went to the right... DON'T DO THAT. For some reason, I thought I knew where I was going, so I didn't even bother to look at my Garmin Oregon 450t GPS device. As I went to the right at the Y, the trail became hard to follow as there were large fallen trees to get over and the Manzanita bushes that boxed us in. As I read my Garmin device and trying to remember what I had just learned at my REI GPS Navigation class I took the week before, I saw Sammy was giving me the EVIL EYE! I saw it in her eyes; she knew we were on another Mt Baldy detour! And after hiking a mile through that Manzanita and scratching up my legs I was ready to go home and give this trail a one star Yelp rating. So, we headed back towards Kelly Camp. But when we got there I just couldn't accept not reaching our destination and I rechecked my Garmin again. It was then I learned the correct path to Ontario Peak was to the LEFT at the Kelly Camp Y. After checking with Sammy we decided to head for the Peak. This time we went to the LEFT at the Kelly Camp Y. http://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=YA3y73QwEpbygxajnHoOKg&userid=RoGuDu1egfAvVgb4WmZwUw&utm_campaign=www_photo_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct) Immediately after that you will pass over some stone steps as you head toward the trees and on your way to Ontario Peak. http://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=k7nA1n6AFp3lnLOJAdJ4rg&userid=RoGuDu1egfAvVgb4WmZwUw&utm_campaign=www_photo_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct) After you leave Kelly Camp the trail starts a steeper incline and there aren't many shaded areas from then on. At 4.98 miles you will reach the top ridge where there is a great view below. As you reach the ridge look straight ahead and there will be a trail sign located in a pile of rocks. http://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=Dk7fZh_k1TqdHQ99CS7-VA&userid=RoGuDu1egfAvVgb4WmZwUw&utm_campaign=www_photo_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct) To the left is Big Horn Peak in seven tenths of a mile. I did both peaks on my second trip making it a 13.6 mile trip. The last few tenths of a mile to Big Horn were STEEP and in the sun, but it wasn't much of a peak at all. I'm glad I had my Garmin GPS, as it took the guess work out of selecting the correct peak at 8,448 feet. The trail to the peak was nice but I was not impressed about the peak at all. Back to my first trip, on a day when it was INCREDIBLY WINDY up at the top ridge; go to the right for Ontario Peak. From the Big Horn/Ontario Peak top ridge junction where the sign is, it is about 1.4 miles to Ontario Peak. On the way you will pass through some leg scratching Manzanita bushes. But I really like this section of the trail, as you travel along the top ridge to the peak. You will see some great views here. At the end of the trail to Ontario Peak is a big dead tree on a small rocky top. The elevation there is 8,693feet! http://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=tgqKbuM5M6HuimS5v8yODQ&userid=RoGuDu1egfAvVgb4WmZwUw&utm_campaign=www_photo_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct) Just in front of that tree in a small pile of rock is the registry. When you put it back, put the holes facing the ground so the papers inside don't get wet. When I found the PVC registry the holes were facing up and the papers inside had gotten wet. If you are going to be hiking in the mountains, it's a great idea to invest in a GPS navigation device. I also use my iPhone Runkeeper application run by GPS. Other nice things to carry, is an 'Anker Astro 5600mAh Backup External Battery Pack Charger' for all cell phones ($30) and a '3.0 Liter Platypus Insulator Hydration System'. I put ice cubes in it and the water stays cold all day. I like their top opening access better than Camelbak. Since the mountain weather can be unpredictable, I always carry a windbreaker and gloves. I just love the experience and the challenges of a mountain! read more
LOVE this journey! First and foremost, I just want to say good job to all the visitors for maintaining a clean trail by not littering. It makes a huge difference going on a clean trail where it is trash free. Unfortunately I found a few pieces of broken glass at the top probably from beer bottles.. Hiking to Ontario Peak is pretty easy IF you have the right gear. I highly recommend investing in a good pair of hiking shoes that have great ankle support, soles and support, I advise not wearing running shoes. I personally love my Vasques hiking boots, Merrell is another great brand. If you have super wide feet get a pair of Keens. You can probably get away with hiking in a pair of shorts if the weather is nice since the majority of the trail is not very bushy, however there are a few spots that are very dense and bushy...it is only to your advantage to have long pants, long pants protect little rocks and bugs from getting into your shoes or feasting on your legs. Bring a comfortable, light and well fitted day pack that can hold at least 3 liters of water (per person), protein packed snacks (such as beef jerkey, tofu-jerkey, nuts), a packable jacket, first aid kit and a flash light (in case you get lost and it gets dark) and a designated plastic bag for trash. Wear a wide rim full cover hat that protects your face and neck. Trekking poles are optional, however they do help out a lot... I've been practicing yoga for 12 years and have great balance and strength and I still love using my trekking poles for hikes, they really help when you go up or down hill. The trail is in great shape, but there are some super narrow and rocky sections where you should use extra caution. There are also a few fallen trees on the trail you will need to physically climb over - full on straddle (pants will protect you from giant black ants and splinters). We stopped by the Mt. Baldy Visitor Center and filled out a permit there, you can also do this at the parking lot, but sometimes they run out of slips. The parking lot is small, it fills up quick! Thankfully there is a lot of parking available on the side of the road nearby, just be careful of the cars passing, use extreme caution. If you fancy a little overnight backpacking adventure you can definitely camp out at Kelly Camp! This is actually a great introduction to overnight backpacking if you're just starting out. Get your fire permit online to use your camp stove, unfortunately campfires are not allowed. Kelly Campground is about 2 miles before Ontario Peak. It is very open and lovely, my only regret is that I didn't bring a hammock. There were a few places at the campground you can set up a hammock. Kelly Camp is very shaded, flat and peaceful. It gets cold at night, so layer up and get some gloves and a hat! There were plenty of giant wood plank pieces that you can use as benches or tables that can seat 4-6 people comfortably. There is no running water up there... the only running water we saw was at the bottom before any of the switch backs started, about a mile into the hike from the parking lot. Bring plenty of water if you plan on staying over night. I recommend (per person) 3 liters of water in your bladder for your hike in, at least 3 extra liters for cooking and drinking at camp and to top off your bladder, 1 to 2 liters for your dog (depending on size of dog). The more water you can bring the better, it does get heavy but you will not regret it. A few groups of hikers up there were asking about water, we asked others about water and basically everyone said it was at the bottom. Even Columbine Springs is pretty much at the bottom and people say it's unreliable. I hope this was helpful. Ontario Peak is a fun and rewarding hike. Always be respectful, friendly, polite and help out others if you can. Just say hi or give a smile, if you're headed downhill, step to the side and let those who are headed uphill go first. Always pick up after yourself, leave no trash behind. We were very fortunate to have a couple who was headed down help us out with an issue.. that kindness is contagious and I am very grateful for people with big hearts like them. read more
11 years ago
This is a great peak that takes about 7 hours (depending on how long you chill at the top) and is about 13 miles round trip. Be prepared to sweat your ass off on this one, as it isn't a forgiving hike. There are lots of switchbacks and it's steep all the way up. Bring lots of water and good hiking shoes. Don't be the idiots that wear sandals and have a 12oz bottle of water in your hands because you'll die. Haha. Be prepared! read more
11 years ago
Here's the video review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VkWsGl0pM94 Most people will take Ice House Canyon trail to Ontario Peak, this time we decided to up the challenge by going through Sugarloaf. This path offers a step in difficulty with scrambling and light climbing. When going up with a group be mindful as you can drop rocks below as you step. Parts of the path will offer some shade to help cool down. Once reaching the saddle the path becomes less defined and you may get off trail at times. At the summit Ontario Peak you will see a large tree. Enjoy the lovely views. We took Ice House trail back zig zagging all the switch backs. Overall this was a good and long hike. Distance: 15 miles round trip Elevation gain: 4000 feet Estimated trip time: 8 hours Notes: Adventure pass for parking. Have a map to help you find the trail. Bring hiking poles and about 7 bottles of water. read more
11 years ago
This hike is amazing! The Cucamonga Wilderness trails never cease to amaze me with their trifecta of accessibility, a decent booty blaster workout, and the reward of epic views. Once you get to the Ice House Saddle about 3.6 miles in from starting, veer right towards Big Horn/Ontario Peak, which is only another 2.5 miles up. The incline is steady, so it's definitely not bad. The worst is over after you get to the saddle. You'll reach a point where you have to split either right or left; left for Big Horn (another 1.75 miles) or right for Ontario Peak (another 1.25 miles). The trail is really visible and clear, so getting lost is pretty much out of the question. We even had unexpected snow during our hike, which slightly muddled the trail but made it much more scenic, and even then it was still clear where we had to trek. Once at the top, you'll see boulders that you ought to climb if you really want to take in the view. Highly recommend this trail! And if you're up for it since you're already up there, might as well hit Big Horn, too. Unfortunately we were pressed for time and had to get back to civilization before we could climb up, but we'll be sure to hit it soon. read more
11 years ago
Hiked up to Ontario & Bighorn peak this Labor Day. Here's a tip for this hike:WEAR PANTS! The trail in places is 6 inches wide and has you walking right through bushes and some trees that WILL scratch you up and cause you to bleed if you're unlucky enough. The trail itself from Icehouse saddle to Ontario peak is very easy. It's easier than Icehouse canyon. So yeah. Ontario peak is great! It's like a smaller less busy version of cucamonga peak. Definitely worth going to! It's great to climb on the rocks right there and just sit looking out over the city. Now on the other hand Big Horn Peak is nothing special and I wouldn't bother with it. read more
7 years ago
well this is easy. all you do is drive to ice house cyn parking lot.just north of baldy village. get out an hit the trail.you are on easy going all the way to ice house canyon saddle. rest an eat. then make up your mind if you want to go left or right. cucamonga peak or right to ontario peak. eather is a good choice. an neather are to hard.do cucamonga today an come back next week an do buck horn an ontario. one time going to ontario..i sat on a log real stell an watched a mother deer an three fawns walk right past me. take plenty of water hiking poles an a good flashlight..just in case..an go have a grate time on a tall mountain. while you come back an forth to mt baldy village..stop in the buckhorn inn..its a fun plce for adult hikers..go out on the poarch an have a beer..looking at a grate view..an those tall mountains you have just climbed or want to climb,then go inside for country music... if its saturday night. you can go on line an find out anything about how to get around up their.all you have to do is go an started up a trail..an then it becomes your story. one word of advice.if your just starting your hiking life..i would recomend you dont try the hike to mt baldy from the village! an dont let any one talk you into going up iron mt! those will still be their for you latter in your hiking life! skip watson..adventures mountian club.... gone but not forgoten. read more
More info about Ontario Peak
Mt Baldy Rd
Mount Baldy, CA 91759
Directions
Hours
What time does Ontario Peak open?
What time does Ontario Peak close?
Outdoor Amenities
Does Ontario Peak have bike parking?
No, Ontario Peak does not have bike parking.
Does Ontario Peak have parking?
Yes, Ontario Peak has parking options. Private Lot Parking
Ask the Community - Ontario Peak
Review Highlights - Ontario Peak
“Midway to the top, you will see a posted sign, go left to Chapman Trail or go right to icehouse saddle.”
Mentioned in 9 reviews
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Ontario Peak - hiking - Updated May 2026
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