Cucamonga Wilderness
The United States Congress designated the Cucamonga Wilderness in 1964. The wilderness has a total of 12,781 acres and managed jointly by the Angeles and San Bernardino national forests.
The name Cucamonga was derived from an old nearby Spanish rancheria. The meaning has been variously interpreted as sandy place or place of many springs. That may describe the rancheria, but not the Cucamonga Wilderness, located at the east end of Southern California's San Gabriel range.
The steep, rugged terrain of the Cucamonga Wilderness rises abruptly from the urban San Bernardino Valley, ranging from approximately 5,000 feet to almost 9,000 feet. Most of the streams are intermittent and water is scarce, but the wilderness offers a handy retreat to a beautiful sub-alpine setting on 18 miles of trails for the nearby suburban and city population. Numerous wildlife species do well in the area, including deer, bears, mountain lions and bighorn sheep.
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General Information
A free wilderness permit is required for day hikes and overnight trips. The requirement is only for portions of the wilderness within San Bernardino National Forest, not Angeles National Forest.
To obtain a permit, visit the permit page for the San Gorgonio Wilderness Association, a Forest Service partner. Permits can be requested up to 90 days in advance.
- Day Use: Permits are available to enter the wilderness in San Bernardino National Forest from four locations.
- Middle Fork Trail off Middle Fork Road (2N58) by way of Lytle Creek (Note: An Adventure Pass is required for parking at the trailhead).
- Cucamonga Peak - Ice House Saddle Trail off Big Trees Cucamonga Road (1N34) by way of Lytle Creek (Note: This road is closed annually between September 1 and March 1).
- Ice House Saddle from the Ice House Canyon Trail on the Angeles National Forest
- A permit is only required for entering the wilderness within San Bernardino National Forest. Visitors need a permit when going beyond Ice House Saddle to
- No campfires allowed at any time.
- Gas stoves are allowed with a free California Campfire Permit.
- No possessing or using a hang glider or bicycle.
- Group size limited to 12 people maximum.
- Possessing or using a motor vehicle, motorboat or motorized equipment except as authorized by Federal Law or regulation.
Address: 1209 Lytle Creek Road Lytle Creek, CA 92358
Phone: (909) 382-2851
Hours: Wednesday-Sunday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday & Tuesday Closed
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are not available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
Picnic Tables
Picnic tables are not available at this site.
