Three T’s Trail

This hike, taking the Icehouse Canyon Trail, is about 14 miles with 6,100 total elevation gain.
The 3 T’s consist of a group of peaks which are located between Icehouse Saddle and the Baldy Notch, They include the 1^st peak, Timber mountain (8303′), 2^nd peak, Telegraph Peak (8985′), and 3^rd peak, Thunder Mountain (8587′)
It is a fairly difficult hike overall, with the toughest climb from Timber to Telegraph Peak. Hiking to the 3^rd peak, Thunder Mountain, is not nearly as challenging. Overall, it makes for a very long day of hiking, but it is a great leg workout and calorie burner.
Most of the trail is single file with loose rocks under foot. The hike consists mostly of a steady incline, but there are steep portions. Parts of the trail are shaded but mostly unshaded. Go early in the morning to avoid the heat, especially in the summer.
Views are interesting thoughout, but the most spectacular views are offered from Telegraph Peak. It was definitely worth the summit.
parking — small lot located at the start of the trail. Adventure pass required

Our video review:
We took the ski lift up knowing we would do two hikes, saving us about an hour on fire road. A slow incline up, nothing too difficult. We did see a few dogs on the path. Heading up to Telegraph Peak you have many switch backs and at the top you will have panoramic views of all the neighboring mountains.
*Adventure pass required to park.
Thunder Mountain
Distance: 3.5 miles
Elevation gain: 3,400 feet
Estimated round trip time: 3 hours
Telegraph Peak
Distance: 13 miles
Elevation gain: 3525 feet
Estimated round trip time: 7 hours
Hikers: Han, Nick, Matt, Clay and Jesse
Our difficulty rating: PG
Notes: If you come the weekend of the first full moon they have a BBQ at the restaurant right at ridge next to the ski lift.

TELEGRAPH TIMBER, THERE’S THUNDER ON THE MOUNTAIN!
BACKGROUND:
Thunder Mountain: (Elevation 8587ft) Thunder is the northernmost of what Southern California peak baggers refer to as the «Three T’s», the other two being Telegraph Peak (8,985) and Timber Mountain (8,303). Thunder Mountain is by far the easiest of the three, due to the existence of a road (closed to vehicle traffic) to the summit, and a trailhead 1,000′ higher than the typical approach for the other two.
Telegraph Peak (elevation 8985ft): Named for uncertain reasons. Telegraph is set on the border between the Angeles National Forest and the San Bernardino National Forest. Often overshadowed by its neighbor to the northwest, Mount Baldy (San Antonio), Telegraph Peak is much less visited, but no less magnificent.
Timber Mountain: (elevation 8303ft.)Name given by early Sierra Club skiers and hikers (ca. 1930). It was singled out by Walt Wheelock as one of 30 early peaks.
STATS:
10.5 miles shuttle route w/​the ski lift
Elevation gain: 2500 (overall)
Elevation starts at 5600′ at the trail head
ESSENTIALS:
At least 3 liters of water
Know your limits
Hiking boots that can withstand water, ice, and snow
Layered Clothing
Gloves
High protein food/​snacks
Electrolytes
Camera
Hat (optional)
Sunscreen
Trek/​ski poles
OUR ROUTE:
Me and The Crew started our day as the sun was rising in Ice House Canyon at the ski hut below the Top of the Notch, at 7800ft. Here we purchased our round trip ski lift ticket. Two-​by-​two we hopped on ski lift chairs and accompanied by a guitar, sang our way to the top. At the top of the notch, we prepared our gear for a long, strenuous for some, day of trekking.
Our first stop was Thunder Mountain. From Top of the Notch, we followed a fire/​service road till we hit a ski slop. hiking up the slop was by far the most strenuous portion of Thunder, but eventually all prevailed.
As if we hadn’t climbed enough, after peaking on Thunder, we head up to Telegraph. If you don’t like switchbacks, this one is not for you. However, unlike Whitney’s 99 switchbacks, Telegraph has far less, but they are short and steep. The upside to going up Telegraph is the shaded trail and scenic view.
As you can imagine, based on the elevation gain/​loss, Timber was less strenuous then Thunder and Telegraph. Nice way to ease back into the lower elevation of our final resting place, Top of the Notch. Some ate a hardy lunch and toasted to our feat with a tasty beverage, while others rested before taking the ski lift down and heading to The Baldy Village for some grub and brew.
Unilocaler Matt P. wrote in his review, «Make no mistake, hiking this isn’t for the faint of heart…». His statement is on point. This is a good practice hike before heading to San Gorgonio, San Jacinto, and Mt. Whitney. However, if those are not on your bucket list, Three T’s is a very scenic hike with over 2500ft of elevation gain.
DISCLAIMER:
Hiking is not something that can be taken lightly. It can be life-​threatening as you see and hear on the news, people die or get lost all time. Please, if you are going to hike, never go alone and prepare for the worst, hope for the best. Remember when going for a hike, no matter how short you think it may be, always be prepared. Carry at least two liters of water for every five miles (more if the weather is warm), protein bar, nuts, and electrolytes. Wear sturdy lug sole shoes and protective clothing. Some areas the weather can change quicker than a fireman can put on his gear. It is also very important, always always always let a family member or friend know where you are going and when you expect to be back. Lastly, have fun when you hike it up.
Review 54 Unilocal 100+ Challenge 2015
#hiking #sangabrielmountains #3Ts #peatbaggers

This has been my longest Mt. Baldy trail hike. The Three Tees Trail took me 16 miles, up 4,000 Feet of elevation gain and over Timber Mountain, Telegraph Peak and Thunder Mountain. And of course, to get there, I had to get up the Icehouse Canyon Trail.
Since my hike was in August, and I hike with my pooch Sammy, we were at the Icehouse Canyon Trailhead by 4am… to avoid the heat on the climb up. This is a long hike, so even on our descent down in the heat I had to make sure I gave Sammy enough water and breaks so she wouldn’t overheat. At 3.6 miles and 2,660 feet of elevation gain from the trailhead, we reached the Icehouse Saddle before sunrise, took a break then headed up the Three Tees trail as the sun was rising. The trail starts up an incline right away and passes by some Manzanita bushes and some unique fallen trees. On the main trail at 4.4 miles there is a ‘Timber Mountain .25′ sign. Head east up the hill 0.25 miles to reach your first T, Timber Mountain at 8,303 feet. Sign the register located inside the metal cylinder, mounted in the tree, just behind the top Timber Mt. sign. Wander around behind and to the left of that tree to see a large hollowed out and twisted fallen tree. From that tree I was tempted to just head north to reconnect with the 3 T Trail, but Sammy advised me otherwise. We have gotten lost (oops, I mean detoured) before and today was not a good day for that! So, we headed back down the same way we went up. When you reach the main 3 T Trail, continue north for 2 miles towards the second T, Telegraph Peak. At first the trail goes downhill for about a half of a mile, but then at 5.5 miles, it starts UP through some narrow leg scratching Manzanita bushes and some STEEP soft dirt switchbacks through the large trees. Off to the west are some amazing views! At one point, the dirt trail seems to end at the edge of the mountain and you find yourself having to scramble up and over the large rocky boulders. At 6.99 miles, you will come across a ‘Three Tees Trail’ sign. For some reason there is no Telegraph Peak trail sign here. But go to the right and head up the hill for 0.2 miles to reach the Telegraph Peak at 8,985 feet. Look for the aluminum register box and the Geological Survey Bench Marker embedded in the large rock.
Look north and you will see the Mt Baldy Notch water reservoir and the ski lodge. After Sammy and I enjoyed the amazing view, we headed back down to the main 3 T Trail and headed north again to reach our third T, Thunder Mountain… all downhill for 1.2 miles. On the way at 7.0 miles, start looking 310 degrees North West to see the green roofed San Antonio Ski Hut. It will be small, so you have to look hard for it. On the slightest of fog days you will not see it. At 8.0 miles you reach a purple ‘Three T’s Trail — Cucamonga Wilderness’ sign and the third T, Thunder Mountain at 8,587 feet. Look over the ridge and you will see the water reservoir and the ski lodge again. Here at Thunder Mountain you can continue towards the ski lodge for 1.5 miles to make this a looped hike, but then you have to hike down the road back to your car. I didn’t want to hike a road, so I just turned around after Thunder Mt. and went back the same way I got there, making this a very long 16 mile hike!
In my other hiking reviews I have written about what I take, this time I will cover how I prepare my pooch Sammy for these long mountain hikes. She is a black 70 pound LOVEABLE Pit Bull. First, I feed her a high protein dog food diet. She carries her own one liter water backpack, which I mix in some pet electrolytes for the hotter days. She usually drinks more than 1 liter, so I make sure to carry extra water for her. Some days we start our hike before sunrise to avoid the heat. On those days I put my red flashing bicycle light on her backpack so I won’t lose her in the mountains. On the very cold days, I put her Hurtta Pro winter fleece and wind resistant jacket on and carry her Ultra Paws ‘Rugged’ boots and boot liners (which help putting her boots on easier) just in case the trails get too snowy or icy. Here she is in her gear getting ready for the Devil’s Backbone.
I really like the cold winter gear I bought for Sammy at
. They even posted her pictures on their facebook.
I love hiking with my pooch Sammy. And I try my best to make it enjoyable and safe for her!
There is also a Unilocal check in for Telegraph Peak.

A great trail for elevation training below 10,000 ft.
The Three T’s Trail is about 5.5 miles of roller coaster ups and downs, affectionately named for the 3 mountain peaks along the trail (Thunder, Telegraph, & Timber). Make no mistake, hiking this isn’t for the faint of heart, with all 3 peaks above 8,000 ft in elevation and some significant gain and loss between peaks.
The trail runs from Baldy Notch to Icehouse Saddle. If you want to start from the Icehouse Saddle side, it’s a 3.5 mile hike just to get there, which can turn into an 18 mile round trip hike if you’re starting from this side. Getting to the trailhead from the Baldy Notch side a 2 mile trek up to the Mt. Baldy ski area, or you could take the ski lift as up as well.
The trail is pretty good condition due its use. There’s ample shade in some portions, but exposed in others. The mountain peaks that are adjacent to the trail are working scaling up too. They are there, so why not?
Pretty far back in the mountain range, so you get some crystal clear views, alpine trees and relatively cleaner air than trails closer to LA. It’s a bit of drive, but definitely worth the time spent to get there.