Family Hiking Adventure Up Icehouse Canyon
Yesterday, we hit the trail. Loaded up our backpacks and got out the door early in the morning to head up to Icehouse Canyon, one of our favorite trails in the Angeles National Forest. The weather was perfect for a day in the canyon - not too cool, not too warm - and the skies were gorgeous and clear up in the San Gabriels.
Icehouse is a 7.5 mile round-trip hike (2,700 foot elevation gain) from the base of the trail to Icehouse Saddle. From there, you can choose many options to increase the length, with additional trails ranging from less than a mile further, to 5+ miles that takes you to Mt. Baldy. We hiked to the saddle, had some delicious PB&J sandwiches (they never taste quite so delicious, as they do in the middle of a hike, do they?) and spent some time exploring and talking to other hikers.
The scenery on this hike is gorgeous. There are tall peaks all around you, with ridges that beautifully border the blue sky (yay, blue skies...no smog for a day!). One of the most beautiful features is the creek that runs alongside the trail for the first half of the hike. It was strongly flowing yesterday, given the time of year. The sounds of the water moving and the cool misty air is such a welcome addition to an already enjoyable trek. We stopped off several times to sit down on the rocks and enjoy the waterfalls that ran throughout that segment.
The trail is lined with cedars, pines, oaks, alder and fir trees, as well as huge yucca plants that were in full bloom yesterday. Another charming feature of Icehouse are the old (and newer) cabins that line the early part of the trail. There was a massive flood in 1938, that wiped out many of the original cabins, so as you walk there are still remnants of several chimneys and foundations of the cabins that were never rebuilt. The kids had fun climbing through some of them and exploring the old staircases and empty, open rooms.
For our first hike of the season together, it couldn’t have been better. The kids were all enthusiastic and total troopers during the more challenging and steeper parts of the climb. They really enjoyed exploring and seemed to really appreciate the beautiful setting. Steve and I love this trail and though we enjoy venturing to many other locations to hike, we return to Icehouse often because it’s such a fantastic mix of elements.
The Ladybug Tree
It was such a fun day away from “it all” in such an incredible setting; and of course, nothing beats spending a day with my family and watching, learning, and appreciating their fantastic-ness. I can’t wait for the next climb.
Monday, June 14, 2010 at 10:07AM
Reader Comments (12)
Yesterday was sooooo perfect. I look forward to many more hikes this season and maybe a camping trip or two.
I love that last picture of you looking out onto the world below.
wow oh wow looks like an awesomely incredible day!!!! the pictures are just beautiful...how cool is the lady bug tree :) nothin better than spending a day with your family doing something you can all love and enjoy. it's so much fun watching the kids explore new things and enjoy the beauty of it all as much as you do. my daughter, her fiance & the three grandbabies try to go hiking in a new spot every weekend...it's so cute seeing them splashing in the small falls and collecting rocks for gamma hehe...they are on hold for a lil bit since my kid broke her foot, but i'm sure as soon as she is unbroken lol they will be right back out there enjoying the world.
sounds like u had a great time!
love hiking - will have to join u one day :-)
It sounded like a picture perfect family day, great pictures too!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What wonderful pics, Jinxi!!! Looks like you all had an amazing day -- thanks for sharing up the pics! XOXOXO Wen
Wow!!! Thank u for sharing! What a great day out with the whole family!! I love hiking, especially scenic routes! I will have to take that family out there very soon!! You picked the perfect day judging by your fantastic pictures! How long did the trail take, taking your time about it and all? Is it one my 7 year old can do?
Love u Jinxi!!
Hey Jinxi...what an awesome day spent with the family...Life doesn't get much better than that, didn't cost you a cent, memories that bond and last a life time!!!...not to forget to mention the amazing country side, beautiful!...thanks again for sharing and inspiring! xox
All is wonderful in the right company....especially outdoors. I'm a closet tree hugger ;) livin' in the city! lol
What a lovely day out!! :)
I'm so glad you had a beautiful day! We've been going hiking alot as well.....it feels soooo good to be out in the fresh air, around the trees!! xoxo
nature is a beauty isnt it? <33
That looked like it was such a great day! I hope you had fun. What a perfect time of year to do some fantastic hiking like that..