Camp Quietude

Hike to Cedar Glen Campground in Icehouse Canyon

12.13.2023

Solitude isn’t exactly the first thing that comes to mind when hiking in Icehouse Canyon, but the hike to Cedar Glen Campground along the Chapman Trail actually brings some peace and quiet in this otherwise busy hiking destination. The 4.9-mile (out-and back) journey to Cedar Glen Camp climbs nearly 1,400 feet from the trailhead to the campground.

While you’ll definitely feel it, the trail is very evenly graded so it’s a steady climb from start to finish. The first mile of the trail weaves through the extremely popular Icehouse Canyon, the trailhead starting point for many well-known hikes in the area. Ruins of old cabins and the occasional small waterfall animate the trail as it follows the creek up the canyon. After one mile you’ll see a sign on the left marking the spur to Cedar Glen Camp, the Chapman Trail.

Almost immediately the crowds disappear, and you likely won’t see another human for the rest of the hike to the backcountry campground. Before long, the trail climbs out of the canyon and panoramic views of the San Gabriel Mountains appear. Telegraph Peak, part of the popular 3 T’s trail, looms above you as you continue towards the campground.

After following this trail for about 1.5 miles you’ll reach the campground, a shady grove of trees with plenty of places to sit and enjoy the solitude and some packed snacks before heading back down the same way you came.

Be sure to check weather and trail conditions before doing this hike—winter gear is necessary when snow is present and the trail is for experienced winter hikers only. Not recommended if snowy. Reminder that weather conditions can change rapidly, so be prepared. Trail begins at the Icehouse Canyon trailhead near Mount Baldy. Parking lot fills up early, so be prepared to park down the road or come during a less busy time of day. Adventure Pass required. Trail occasionally crosses into the Cucamonga Wilderness; fill out a permit at the trailhead and carry the yellow copy with you during your hike. Dog-friendly!

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Perles Beach Angel Island San Francisco Bay

    Secret Beach

    A hidden beach and a killer view? Those are hard to come by, but that’s exactly what you’ll get at Perles Beach on Angel Island. Bike or hike to this beautiful pocket cove.

    View

  2. Cinematic Sonoma

    Longer days. Golden light. Wildflowers in bloom. It’s the perfect moment to plan your spring escape to Sonoma for the Sonoma International Film Festival, March 25–29. No fuss. No sprawl. Just films, friends, fresh air, and that unmistakable Sonoma glow.

    View
  3. Hike Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve

    Mellow in the Marsh

    Beach, birds, ice plant popping purple flowers: That’s a hiking slam dunk! Hike about 2 miles at Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve using their easy to navigate (well-signed) Sequoia Audubon Trail.

    View
  4. A man is looking through his binoculars at sunrise at the Bayland Nature Preserve in Palo Alto

    Baylands Bird & Art Loop

    Combine an outdoor art walk and wildlife sightings at the Baylands Nature Preserve in Palo Alto. This 5-mile loop through Byxbee Park and the Emily Renzel Wetlands features striking installations by artists Peter Richards and Michael Oppenheimer—where the landscape itself becomes part of the canvas.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories

  1. Tree Town

    Home to an estimated 21,000 trees and 100 acres of parkland, South Pasadena has earned its nickname: the City of Trees. This 2.5-mile neighborhood walk lets you experience its leafy canopy up close, winding through charming streets and three of the city’s beloved parks.

    View

  2. A Better Way to Baldwin

    The Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook in Culver City is one of West L.A.’s most popular hiking spots, but most visitors miss the bigger picture. This 3.5-mile out-and-back along a section of the Park to Playa Trail offers a fuller experience of this gorgeous nature park with sweeping urban views and a few artistic surprises along the way.

    View
  3. Sponsored

    Warm Up to Winter in Reno Tahoe

    2026 is just getting started, but there’s one place already rising to the top as the best for adventure and relaxation: Reno Tahoe. The awe—and ahhhs—begin as soon as you arrive. G

    View
  4. A woman standing at the pond's edge at Ernest B Debs Regional Park in Los Angeles. Trees are making reflections on the pond.

    Urban Oasis Loop

    Home to the city’s Audubon Center, Ernest E. Debs' 282-acre park features a robust network of hiking trails and surprising wildlife diversity. More than 140 bird species have been spotted here. Birdwatcher or not, this 2.5-mile route makes for a gorgeous outing.

    View