Icehouse Canyon: The Trail That Lives Up To It's Name

About 1 mile in.

This trail is located in the Angeles National Forest off the 210 freeway. If you want specific directions and location of this trail, you can google directions directly to the trailhead. There are also a few dozen other hiking sites that offer mileage and difficulty ratings. We just like to skip the technicalities and jump into the hike.

So, if you are looking for a half day get away from everything urban, this will do it. We hiked this trail on the 23rd of February and was the closest to a proper winter yet. As you can tell from the cover photo, this trail was covered in snow and ice. On a clear and sunny day like it was, weather was generous enough to let us hike in shorts and light jackets. Although, at the saddle, I would of like to of had a little more to keep warm. 

Beautiful trail conditions

Icehouse trekking

Mitch in his natural habitat

Fearless leader handling the trail!

Go check this place out while it's still covered in snow. Hiking isn't just a summer activity! My girlfriend, Nicole, survived this trail. Let's just say, she does not hike. So that's what Mitch and I set out to do. We had to initiate her into the wilderness. She was less than amused when she saw what was ahead of her. However, coming down the mountain, she was all smiles. I personally take great joy in seeing others introduced into the beauty of the wilderness. That look of awe, when you just climbed 3,000ft in elevation up snowy switchbacks to overlook the entire valley. People tend to forget the troubles they went through to get there or it at least makes it all completely worth it. So before you say no right away, give it a shot. There's a lot more to hiking than walking uphill and getting dirty. There's a lot more world out there beyond street names and freeways. 

Things to know:

• Dress warm
• Ice/Snow can be slippery (I, as a Southern California native, tend to forget these things)
• Bring adventure pass
• Plan about 5 hours for this hike

Some more convincing scenery!

We made it! Look how cool we are (no pun intended).

Go check this trail out. We'll see you out there.

Love the earth and love each other.

-JoshW