The Middle Fork Trail along Lytle Creek takes you through the rugged heart of the Cucamonga Wilderness. You'll hike up along a dramatic canyon formed by Lytle Creek, through a landscape reminiscent of Yosemite. Along the way, we'll visit a hidden waterfall, my favorite in Southern California, before reaching the end of the trail at Icehouse Saddle.
In this Guide:
Video and Turn-by-Turn Directions for the Middle Fork Trail (Lytle Creek)
Getting to the trailhead can be a challenge. It's a dirt road whose conditions change every year. The road gets periodic attention and grading, but it seems to be a little different every time I drive it. The challenge is rutting and loose sand. You can usually do this in a low-clearance vehicle if you go slow and pick your way through the ruts. The better option is a higher-clearance vehicle; with a 4x4, you can barrel through it all. I've seen a Honda Accord stuck in rutted sand along the way and an old Prius at the trailhead. It can be done.
You need a free permit to hike on this trail. It's easy to get at the new permit site, permits.sgwa.org. Choose Cucamonga Wilderness and then Middle Fork. You can get a permit for a day hike or an overnight. I usually print a PDF and just keep it on my phone. You can also pick up a permit in the nearby Front Country Ranger Station.
Gear For the Hike
The mountains of Southern California can be a place of extremes, and the Middle Fork Trail is no exception. In the summer, it can be scorching on the lower slopes, and in the winter, there can be snow and ice. Lytle Creek usually flows year-round, and you can refill with water (filtered) along the way. I'd give the trail a skip in icy and winter conditions. There are very narrow sections on steep slopes that could be challenging.
Insects can be bad along the creek.
Trekking poles will help on the steep slopes.
Bring layers during cooler temperatures. Icehouse Saddle can be windy and cold.
There's a mix of shade and exposure on the trail.
Gear That I Love Right Now
Nothing is sponsored or promoted, just the actual gear that I use.
The Middle Fork Trail is a popular spot for backcountry camping. You can hike a short distance, set up camp, and feel like you are miles away from civilization. There are three camps along the way, Stonehouse, Third Stream Crossing, and Commanche. For Stonehouse, you don't technically need a permit since it's outside of the Cucamonga Wilderness border. For the other two, pick up a free overnight permit at permits.sgwa.org. The campsites have flat areas for several tents; they're not large. My favorite is Third Stream Crossing, which is next to Lytle Creek.
Middle Fork Trail Hike Directions
Lytle Creek is named after Captain Andrew Lytle, who led a wagon train of Mormons from Council Bluffs, Iowa, to this valley in 1854.
Lytle Creek is home to a naturally reproducing rainbow trout population and is eligible for National Wild & Scenic River protection.
Keep your eyes open for Nelson Bighorn Sheep, which live on these slopes.
Need More Info?
Have a question about the guide or want to see what other people are saying/asking? View the Youtube comments for this video. Leave a comment and I will do my best to respond.
When planning, always check the park website and social media to make sure the trails are open. Similarly, check the weather and road conditions.