12/20/13 Cucamonga Peak

bschmalz · Post by **bschmalz** » Sun Dec 22, 2013 2:00 pm

SO MUCH FUN

http://calitrails.com/2013/12/22/icehou ... k-in-snow/

outwhere · Post by **outwhere** » Mon Dec 23, 2013 7:44 am

With all these beautiful pictures - instead of a 'Trip Report', this could be called a 'Scenic Report'...

You know it's good stuff when your dog appears to be soaking up the grand views

Great photo!!

Post by **tekewin** » Mon Dec 23, 2013 4:43 pm

Great trip report and photos. So there is snow hiding on some of the northern slopes. Everything on the south slopes, even high elevations looks almost mostly dry.

Did you feel the need for spikes or crampons when you got past the Bighorn-Cucamonga saddle? I don't remember any mention in your report.

It's been a weak winter compared to last year at this time. Maybe January will bring more storms to the mountains.

bschmalz · Post by **bschmalz** » Mon Dec 23, 2013 5:04 pm

I wore microspikes from icehouse saddle to the summit and back. I don't think they're "necessary", but I think hiking out there without them would be asking for trouble. Same thing re: an ice axe.

The more important gear was solid gaiters and boots. Breaking trail through snow for miles makes that gear the most important.

Post by **tekewin** » Mon Dec 23, 2013 5:05 pm

Cool. Totally agree with you gear choices, especially the gaiters.