Cucamonga Peak

Highlights:
Incredible city and mountain views, bushwhacking backcountry trail
Near: Lytle Creek, CA
Distance: 11.5 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 3650 ft
Hike Time: 8.5 hours
Difficulty: Strenuous
Trail Condition: Bush wacking
HikeType: Out and Back


The scenery in the Cucamonga Wilderness is breathtaking. Without a doubt, it is the most wild in the San Gabriels. The terrain is steep, dry, rugged, and covered in chaparral. Big Horn Sheep still roam, I saw a buck, fresh tracks and droppings along the trail.


At first, you may even begin to question whether this is a trail or not, as you cross a wash, it seems so overgrown that you can't fathom what later on parts may look like. Don't worry, it gets better, and if you have good trail sense, you should be fine. I never got lost, but I would suggest taking time to explore a bit when the trail gets sketchy, so your return will be smoother. Always look back at least.


The views are top-notch. I could see the Sierras in the morning and Catalina on top at noon. If you look carefully, you can spot the Ski Hut on Baldy.


This is a strenuous trip, but can be done fast.

Cucamonga Peak Pictures & Directions