Icehouse Canyon Trail winds through a beautiful wooded section of forest near Mt. Baldy Village, following a stream-fed canyon that feels genuinely remote despite being accessible for a day hike. The path starts in deep shade as it passes old recreation cabin remnants, gradually climbing as you head toward Ice House Canyon Saddle. Dogs handle the first half reasonably well, though you’ll want to bring water since the trail can get warm once you’re out of the canyon’s cool coverage.

After the halfway point, the real climbing begins with a series of switchbacks. The terrain opens up here with alpine flora and massive boulders scattered throughout—remnants of historical floods that carved this drainage. The boulders are impressive and create interesting footing, so watch your dog’s paws on the rocky sections. This is where elevation starts to matter, and you’ll notice the landscape changing as you climb.

Once you reach the saddle deep in the Cucamonga Wilderness, the trail opens up to multiple options. You can push toward Ontario Peak, Bighorn Peak, or Cucamonga Peak depending on your energy and your dog’s tolerance. A free wilderness permit is required to go past the Cucamonga Wilderness boundary—grab one at the brown box at the Icehouse Canyon Road parking lot or at the Mt. Baldy Visitor Center a quarter-mile away (though it’s only open weekends).

One important reality: this area sits at serious elevation, and conditions can shift dramatically. Even if it’s warm at the trailhead in spring or early summer, snow and winter weather can arrive quickly on the higher peaks. Your dog’s paws need protection, and you need proper gear and experience if you’re planning to summit anything significant. The Mt. Baldy area isn’t forgiving when conditions deteriorate, so plan accordingly and don’t underestimate how fast weather can change.