Sugarloaf Peak
Peak Name
Elevation
feet
Status
Region
Range
Nearby peaks
Location
Description
Sugarloaf Peak is a challenging and rewarding adventure for the experienced and fit hiker, but others should approach it cautiously. HPS Route 1 starts up the Icehouse Canyon Trail for a short distance before crossing the creek and entering aptly named Falling Rock Canyon. The canyon is a wonder, a lovely stream, interesting rock formations, and a route that often climbs steeply over loose scree and talus. Follow the directions on the web site and map to find the safest route. Leaving the canyon to the summit ridge is very steep and was once very slippery, but a good use trail has now developed in the loose scree. The summit rewards you with views of rugged cliffs and wild canyons falling deeply below. Most hikers continue on to Ontario Peak on the reverse of Route 2 and descend via the Icehouse Canyon Trail. Route 2 is the route out and back from Ontario. Because of rock fall potential, climbing helmets are encouraged, and required on official outings.
Maps generated from CalTopo.com, reproduced with permission
Downloadable Maps, Files, and Guides
Driving route
Take the 210 freeway east to Baseline Road exit in the City of Claremont. Turn left (west) at the bottom of the off-ramp onto Baseline Road.
Almost immediately, take the first right (north) onto Padua Ave.
Go 1.8 miles north on Padua to the intersection with Mount Baldy Rd. Turn right (northeast).
Take this road northeast and then north about seven miles to Mt. Baldy Village.
Continue another two and a half miles (through Baldy Village) to a fork at Icehouse Canyon. Turn right.
Go a short distance to a parking lot. Park here.
Hiking route
From the parking area (5000′), trail 7W07 starts just to the right of the old Icehouse Lodge foundation. Hike up this trail about 1/2 mile to the first obvious switchback, a short one of only 20′.
Continue 100′ beyond this short switchback to a stretch of trail buttressed with chicken wire support on the righthand side. This is turnoff for Sugarloaf Peak via Falling Rock Canyon. There may be ducks on and around the log at the turnoff point.
Leave the trail, cross the streambed, and go south up Falling Rock Canyon, turning right at about the 6200′ contour and scrambling up a scree slope, to a saddle at the top (6700′). It is often necessary to bypass on the left a slippery waterfall near the beginning of the canyon.
Turn right and follow the ridge to the peak passing a false bump on the left.
Driving route
Take the 210 freeway east to Baseline Road exit in the City of Claremont. Turn left (west) at the bottom of the off-ramp onto Baseline Road.
Almost immediately, take the first right (north) onto Padua Ave.
Go 1.8 miles north on Padua to the intersection with Mount Baldy Rd. Turn right (northeast).
Take this road northeast and then north about seven miles to Mt. Baldy Village.
Continue another two and a half miles (through Baldy Village) to a fork at Icehouse Canyon. Turn right.
Go a short distance to a parking lot. Park here.
Hiking route
See the Ontario Peak guide.
From the summit of Ontario Peak, retrace your route to the very next rock outcropping. Continue another 50′ and turn left down the hill picking up a ridge, which goes down to the saddle southeast of Sugarloaf Peak (6700′).
Go through the saddle and follow the ridge to the peak passing a false bump on the left.
To descend Falling Rock Canyon, follow the reverse of Route 1 back to the parking lot.
Route Notes
Notes: From Ontario Peak to Sugarloaf. Descending to the trailhead at Icehouse Canyon will add an additional 2,000 feet of loss.
Many hikers have taken the wrong ridge down from Ontario Peak and have had to negotiate high class 3 rock or have been forced to reclimb Ontario Peak. A map, compass, and good navigation skills are required!
Additional Peak Information
Note: HPS policy requires the possession and use of a climbing helmet on Class 3 terrain or where the hazard of rockfall is present. This requirement applies while in Falling Rock Canyon.
Special conditions: Ontario Peak and Sugarloaf Peak are in the Cucamonga Wilderness. A permit is required. Applications are available on the trail just past the Icehouse Canyon Trailhead. Fill it and drop in the box, or contact the USFS Mt. Baldy Schoolhouse Visitor Center in Mt. Baldy Village at (909) 982-2829 (8:00 am to 4:30 pm). A permit can be obtained in advance be writing to:
San Gabriel River Ranger District
Angeles National Forest
110 North Wabash Avenue
Glendora, CA 91741
(626) 335-1251
External Links
Nearby Peaks
External Links
Peakbagger.com
Nearest ranger station
NOAA Forecast
Google Earth
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