Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Elevation Gain
5,020.00 ft (1,530.10 m)
Trail type
Shuttle
Distance
14.40 mi (23.17 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Icehouse to Manker + Telegraph is a 14.4-mile point-to-point route through the San Gabriel Mountains near Mount Baldy, California. This route includes a short out-and-back to Telegraph Peak, which is one of the peaks listed in the Sierra Club Hundred Peaks List - Angeles Chapter.

The route begins with the Icehouse Canyon Trail. This popular trail winds alongside a creek, traversing a diverse landscape of chaparral, oak, and pine forests within the canyon. After a few miles, hikers will arrive at the Icehouse Saddle, a tranquil and open area, shaded by towering pine trees and encircled by rugged peaks. This spot marks the starting point for numerous trails and peak-bagging opportunities branching in all directions. It's an ideal spot to pause and take a well-deserved break. 

The Telegraph Peak Trail, situated toward the end of the Three T’s Trail, is a short yet steep out-and-back. It's not as well-maintained as the Three T’s Trail, so hikers must pay attention and carry maps to avoid missing it.

From the summit of Telegraph Peak, hikers can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes, encompassing peaks such as Mount Baldy, Timber Mountain, and Cucamonga Peak.

After climbing Telegraph Peak continue on the Three T’s Trail to the Mount Baldy Resort which may be a nice place to stop and get some food if you are there during operating hours. 
Mount Baldy Resort: https://www.mtbaldyresort.com/

Follow the dirt road trail down from the resort to Manker Flats Campground where the route ends. 

Manker Campground information: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/angeles/recreation/camping-cabins/recarea/?recid=41776&actid=29. 

WILDLIFE
This area is home to a variety of animals including several bird species, deer, coyotes, bighorn sheep, black bears, mountain lions, lizards, snakes, and various types of insects, among others.

LOGISTICS
This route requires the use of two cars or a shuttle to be arranged in advance.

Parking is available at Icehouse Canyon, the starting point of the route. This popular trailhead serves as the beginning for several well-known trails in the San Gabriel Mountains. The parking lot tends to fill up quickly, especially on weekends or during peak hiking seasons (spring, fall, summer).


 

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Fall
Summer

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

Adventure Pass required

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Peak Bagging. Solitude. Scenic Vistas.

Cons

Rugged and steep trail.

Trailhead Elevation

4,987.00 ft (1,520.04 m)

Highest point

8,965.00 ft (2,732.53 m)

Features

Wildlife
Backcountry camping
Big vistas

Typically multi-day

No

Permit required

No

Location

Nearby Adventures

San Gabriel + San Bernardino Mountains, California
San Gabriel + San Bernardino Mountains, California

Nearby Lodging + Camping

San Gabriel + San Bernardino Mountains, California
San Gabriel + San Bernardino Mountains, California
San Gabriel + San Bernardino Mountains, California

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