Skip to content
All about sports. — Maps — Adventure — Trekking — National parks — Mountains — Camping — Gear — Trailhead — Hiking

Hiking Route along Middle Fork Trail, Lytle Creek

Navigating the untamed core of Cucamonga Wilderness, the Middle Fork Trail via Lytle Creek offers a challenging yet breathtaking hike.

,   and  ASMedia
4 min read
Traversing the Raw Core of Cucamonga Wilderness via the Lytle Creek Middle Fork Trail
Traversing the Raw Core of Cucamonga Wilderness via the Lytle Creek Middle Fork Trail

Hiking Route along Middle Fork Trail, Lytle Creek

Strapping on your hiking boots and ready for an adventure? The Middle Fork Trail along Lytle Creek will take you on a wild journey through the rugged heart of the Cucamonga Wilderness. This badass trail winds through a landscape that'll make you feel like you've stepped right into Yosemite. Buckle up for a thrilling hike filled with hidden waterfalls, steep slopes, and a whole lot of natural beauty.

But first things first, catching the trailhead can be tricky. It's a bumpy dirt road, ever-changing with rutting and loose sand. Lower-clearance vehicles can navigate it, just take it slow and stick to the straight and narrow. A higher-clearance vehicle, like a trusty 4x4, will make the journey a breeze. Just use this trailhead address: 13901 Middle Fork Rd, Lytle Creek, CA 92358. And remember, a National Parks Pass or Adventure Pass is required for parking here.

Now, about that permit. Yes, you'll need one to hike on this trail. But don't sweat it, getting one is as easy as pie - literally. Head over to permits.sgwa.org and choose Cucamonga Wilderness, then Middle Fork. You can score a permit for a day hike or an overnight. Just print a PDF and keep it on your phone, or pick one up in the nearby Front Country Ranger Station.

Oh, and the mountains of Southern California can be unpredictable. In the summer, it can be sweltering on the lower slopes, while in the winter, there might be snow and ice. But don't worry, Lytle Creek usually flows year-round, offering a filtered water refill along the way. Just give the trail a skip in icy and winter conditions, as there are some narrow sections on steep slopes that could be challenging.

Pack smart for this hike. Insects can be a nuisance along the creek, so load up on repellent. Trekking poles will help on the steep sections, and layers are a must for cooler temperatures. And remember, Icehouse Saddle can be windy and cold, so dress accordingly.

Here's some top-notch gear I'm currently using on the trail:

Osprey Hikelite 26 - My go-to daypack. Light, tough, and keeps my back dry with the trampoline mesh.

  1. Osprey Hikelite 26 - Light, tough, and keeps your back dry with the trampoline mesh.
  2. Norda 001 - Like a monster truck and a comfy pillow had a featherweight baby, for your feet.
  3. Garmin inReach Mini 2 - When I need 100% reliable SOS coverage, this is what I take in the backcountry.
  4. AllTrails Plus - 30% off! Up-to-date trip reports. AllTrails+ adds offline maps, off-trail alerts, and Garmin sync.
  5. Garmin Fenix 8 - Took a few updates to get right, but now it's rock solid for me. I use it for maps, tracking, and routing.

See all the gear I use (and why) on my Top Gear Picks page (last updated June 2025).

Norda 001 - Like a monster truck and a comfy pillow had a featherweight baby, for your feet.

Middle Fork Trail maps are a hiker's dream. Check out CalTopo's View Hike, or download the GPX File for detailed directions. Check out the Elevation Profile and 3D Map for a visual journey.

Looking to camp along the way? The Middle Fork Trail is a popular spot for backcountry camping, offering a sense of isolation in the heart of the wilderness. There are three camps along the way, Stonehouse, Third Stream Crossing, and Commanche. For Stonehouse, no permit is technically needed, but for the others, grab a free overnight permit at permits.sgwa.org.

Garmin inReach Mini 2 - When I need 100% reliable SOS coverage, this is what I take in the backountry.

As you journey down the trail, keep your eyes open for Nelson Bighorn Sheep, which call these slopes home.

Lytle Creek is more than just a trail. It's named after Captain Andrew Lytle, who led a Mormon wagon train to this valley in 1854. And get this – Lytle Creek boasts a naturally reproducing rainbow trout population and is eligible for National Wild & Scenic River protection.

AllTrails Plus - 30% off! Up-to-date trip reports. AllTrails+ adds offline maps, off-trail alerts, and Garmin sync.

So, grab your gear, snag that permit, and get ready for the hike of a lifetime. The Middle Fork Trail is just waiting for you. Happy trails, folks!

Garmin Fenix 8 - Took a few updates to get right, but now it's rock solid for me. I use it for maps, tracking, and routing.

  1. Strap on your hiking boots for an adventure on the Middle Fork Trail along Lytle Creek, meandering through the rugged Cucamonga Wilderness.
  2. Catch the trailhead at 13901 Middle Fork Rd, Lytle Creek, CA 92358, navigable by both lower-clearance and higher-clearance vehicles, requiring a National Parks Pass or Adventure Pass for parking.
  3. Batten down for a thrilling hike chock-full of hidden waterfalls, steep slopes, and breathtaking natural beauty along the wilderness trail.
  4. Don't forget insect repellent, trekking poles, and layers as you pack smart for this hike, considering the unpredictable weather conditions in the Southern California mountains.
  5. Navigate the Middle Fork Trail with maps from CalTopo or download the GPX File for detailed directions, and look out for Nelson Bighorn Sheep along the way.
  6. Camp along the trail at Stonehouse, Third Stream Crossing, or Commanche campsites, with Stonehouse requiring no permit, and others requiring permits from permits.sgwa.org. Happy trails, folks!

Read also:

Related

Latest