Icehouse Saddle in Mount Baldy, California is a hikers paradise nestled in San Bernardino County. This location offers an exciting 7.1-mile out-and-back trail that not only provides breathtaking panoramic views of the towering Mount Baldy but also gives you a glimpse into the majestic San Gabriel Mountains.
As you tread on this well-worn path, you will be enveloped in the cool shade of a canyon, while being serenaded by the gentle murmur of a nearby stream. The trail is part of the Icehouse Canyon route, and its a challenging one at that! With an elevation gain of 3,500 feet across its entire length of 8.5 miles, hiking to Icehouse Saddle is no easy feat. But the views at the end make all the sweat worthwhile.
One of the unique attributes of this trail is the seasonal snowfall that blankets the landscape during winter and spring. The sight of a snow-capped mountain while youre still so close to the urban sprawl of Los Angeles and other neighboring cities makes for a truly unique and humbling experience.
This trail doesnt just stop at Icehouse Saddle, however. It intertwines with other popular hiking routes like the Three Tees trail that leads to Baldy Notch, the Devil’s Backbone trail that takes you all the way up to Mount Baldy, and the Baldy Bowl trail which descends to Manker Flats. So if your adventurous spirit craves more, theres plenty to explore from this starting point.
In summary, Icehouse Saddle is a challenging yet rewarding hike that offers stunning views, seasonal snow, and connections to other popular trails in the area. Whether youre a novice or an experienced hiker, its a trail that will leave you with unforgettable memories and stories to share. So come on, pack your boots and lets hit the trail!