Cucamonga Peak

Cucamonga Peak is a granite summit in the San Gabriel Mountains that stands at 8,862 feet. The mountain sits within the San Bernardino National Forest and provides expansive views across the surrounding landscape toward Los Angeles and the Inland Empire.

The peak's name comes from Rancho Cucamonga, a Mexican land grant from the 19th century that covered the valley below the mountain. This territorial concession shaped the region's early history long before the slopes became a hiking destination.

The mountain trails contain remnants of early 1900s cabins, with approximately 25 structures remaining from the original settlement in Icehouse Canyon.

The hike is demanding and typically takes five to seven hours for a complete round trip. Start early in the day, bring plenty of water, and be prepared for weather changes as you climb higher.

On clear days, hikers can see Mount San Jacinto and distant urban areas from the summit, revealing the expansive sight line across Southern California. This panorama demonstrates how close the peak sits to major population centers despite being surrounded by untouched wilderness.