Cucamonga Peak

Location

San Gabriel Mountains, CA

Website

www.fs.usda.gov

Activity Guide

Day Hiking, Backpacking

General Info

Cucamonga Peak is overshadowed by the more popular Mt. Baldy, which is shorter, steeper, and taller. It is a lovely, gradual 12 mile hike into the Cucamonga Wilderness where you can get away from the crowds and end at the beautiful and scenic 8,862 ft summit. The hike can be a great way to escape the heat in the summer, but can be very dangerous in the winter.

Amenities

  • Day Use Area
  • Scenic summit
  • Creek

Insider Information

  1. There is quite a network of trails in this direction that get you past the crowds of Icehouse Canyon and Mt. Baldy. Spend some time exploring the wilderness area.
  2. You need an Adventure Pass to park at the trailhead. It is $5 for a day pass or $30 for an annual pass, and you can buy them in the town of Mt. Baldy on the way up if you forget.
  3. There is a trout pond on the way up the road near Mt. Baldy Village. If you pull over at the turnout across from it, you’re likely to see bighorn sheep grazing against the hills. (I haven’t been lucky enough yet).
  4. Mt. Baldy Lodge provides delicious chili fries (veggie or meaty) and also has very cute cabin rentals for not too much money- in case you’re too exhausted (or excited!) to make it down the mountain that day.