Ontario and Sugarloaf Peaks via Falling Rock Canyon

In this adventure, I set out from the Icehouse Canyon Trailhead in the dark, long before the sun even thought about rising. Headlamp on, legs cold, and lungs waking up — I began climbing up Falling Rock Canyon, one of the steepest and most direct routes in the San Gabriel Mountains. Climbing through the canyon in total darkness was surreal. Just the sound of loose rock under my boots and my breathing echoing off the walls. Then, right as I gained elevation, the sky started to shift. I caught the sunrise from inside Falling Rock Canyon, watching the light slowly spill over the ridgelines. Absolutely unreal. Once I hit the scree field, things got real. Loose rock everywhere. I slipped and almost went down the mountain — a reminder that this route demands full focus and respect. From there, I pushed up to Sugarloaf Peak, where the views opened up across the range. But the day wasn’t over. After Sugarloaf, navigation became key. The route toward Ontario Peak got steep, rugged, and a little confusing in sections. Lots of route-finding, careful footing, and mental grit. The final push was tough — but I stayed locked in and successfully summited Ontario Peak. Two peaks. One sunrise. One close call. This is why I love the mountains. If you’re planning this route: • Start early • Bring plenty of water • Expect steep scree • Be comfortable with navigation • Don’t underestimate the climb Let me know if you’ve done Ontario or Sugarloaf — and what route you took 👇