This hike was really enjoyable as the canyon lead into some pretty amazing views of the nearby peaks. Our second trek deep into the San Gabriel Mountains was along and cold but amazing. 
The day began by waking up at 4:30 A.M. and scrambled to get ready and include all that I was bringing along. Mariel, Jennifer, Randy, and Alex picked me up around 5:00 as we headed toward the 210 East towards Mountain Road. The drive included coffee, Rockstar Drinks and some Macaroons for Passover, the perfect hiking food by the way. After about an hour and fifteen minute drive, we arrived at the Icehouse Canyon. We parked and got ready for the hike ahead. We entered the trail head at around 6:30 and began the hike into the picturesque Cucamunga Wilderness. 
The trail leading towards the wilderness was a steady incline as we slowly increased altitude. I really enjoyed following the creek where we could hear the flowing water follow us along the trail. It was an easy hike up to the Cucamunga Wilderness. Along the trail we passed some cabins who were situated right on the creek.
The hike followed a path flanked by the creek and up some boulders to the entrance of the Cucamunga Wilderness. The cool weather along with the beautiful scenery made this portion of the hike go rather quickly.
Our second stop along way was Icehouse Saddle which was only about 0.9 miles from Timber Mountain. The saddle was windy and cold but opened up some amazing views of Cucamunga Peak to the East, Big Horn Peak to the South, Timber Mountain and Telegraph Peaks to the North, and Mount Baldy to the South. We took a slight water and beef jerky break here and gazed at wondrous creation of nature before our eyes.
From the Saddle, we connected with the Three T's Trail for final accent up Timber mountain. This part of the journey saw the incline of the trail become a bit steeper and we encountered some switchbacks. Some in the group began to feel the coming affects of the altitude.
The highlight of the hike, or at least in my opinion, was strapping on the crampons to our feet as the final quarter mile of the hike to the summit had some snow on it. Randy and I had been monitoring the weather conditions of the Icehouse peak area along with the San Gorgonio and San Jacinto wildernesses to decide which peak to try. It was decided that Timber Mountain saw the best chance of the group to summit a mountain so we chose Timber Summit. Randy rented crampons from REI just in case we needed them. We though we did and put them on only to see a guy passing us without them. I really enjoyed hiking up the face of the mountain and am definitely hooked on winter hiking for next year, thanks Todd for your inspiration.
Need sun desperately
The summit rewarded us with some pretty amazing views of the peaks of the nearby peaks. After toasting our accomplishment of this hike with some drinks, we sat down on a log conveniently located there to eat and take in the scenery. This offered me a chance to continue my self imposed tradition of eating my lunchable at the top and to take pictures of the surrounding scenery and place our hiking mementos on the summit sign. This did not come without incident as, while still in my spikes. I borrowed Mariel and Jennifer's camera to take better shots, but tripped over the log just barely saving the camera.
Mariel, Checking the map
Majestic Mount Baldy
Cucamunga Peak
Mount Baldy
Rest in Peace Nick Adenheart
The Gnome and the Dinty Moore Can of Beef Stew
Old Glory from the summit.
After about 45 minutes of hanging out at the summit, we decided slide down the other side of the mountain to what looked like another summit or at least a hill on the other side of Timber Mountain. Twenty minutes later, Alex, Randy, and I came to the edge of this hill and partook in the breathtaking views of the Mojave Desert to the east and Mount San Gorgonio to the south east but not before Alex took me out thinking it was a race. This will be paid back another time. As we got back to Timber Mountain, we discussed going on to Telegraph Peak, only about two miles further towards
Mount Baldy, so that we could knock another peak off the list of highest in Southern California. We decided against this because dark clouds began to form around Cucamunga Peak and Mount Baldy. This was a sign for us to head back to the car. A good decision by the group because the temperature dropped considerable on the way back as the wind began to pick up.
Mojave Desert to the East
The Captain Mount San Gorgonio taunting us.
We took the same trail back to the car. Much similar to Baldy, it was long and tedious after we got back to the Icehouse Saddle. From there many in the group just wanted to get back to the car. As we passed the skeletal remains of house, Alex left his hiking stick nobly for the next hiker to use.
All in all, this was an incredible hike with spectacular views. I enjoyed the Icehouse Canyon and the peaks that surrounded. We began this new hobby in our lives last year and look forward to exploring more of the wilderness of Southern California as we prepare ourselves to hike Mount Whitney next year. A lofty but achievable goal. Nice to share these accomplishments with great friends.
Late,
Dave
Summit counter:
Randy (5): Mount Baldy, Mount Pinos, Mount San Gorgonio, Half Dome, and now Timber Mountain
Alex (4): Mount Baldy, Mount Pinos, Half Dome, and now Timber Mountain
Dave (2): Mount Baldy, and now Timber Mountain
Jennifer (2): Mount Pinos and now Timber Mountain
Mariel (2): Mount Pinos and now Timber Mountain
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