Middle Fork Trail (Lytle Creek) - HikingGuy.com (2025)

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 theMiddle Fork Trail (Lytle Creek)
  • Getting to the Trailhead & Parking
  • Insider Tips for the Hike

Quick Links:
Parks Pass -Park Website - NOAA Weather Report - My Jul 2024 Gear

Where is Middle Fork Trail?

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.

Use this trailhead address:
13901 Middle Fork Rd, Lytle Creek, CA 92358

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You need a National Parks Pass or Adventure Pass to park here.

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Middle Fork Trail Permit

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

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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.

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Garmin InReach Mini 2Hit SOS or just tell loved ones that you're running late where your cell phone has no service. Review here.

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Topo Pursuit 2The best hiking footwear I've ever owned. No blisters. Get them wet, they dry quickly. Lots of cushion and comfort.

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Garmin Epix ProHiking maps, route info, and fitness stats on my wrist. Review here.

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Osprey Hikelite 26Lightweight, carries all your gear, and your back doesn't get sweaty. Oh yea, it's also one of the most inexpensive packs you can get.

Check out the complete list here. ( Updated July 2024)

Middle Fork Trail Maps

Click Here To View

Use This Map:
View in CalTopo | PDF Map | GPX File

How Will You Navigate?

Using the Apple Watch for Hiking

How To Read a Topographic Map

Garmin GPSMAP 67i Review

Elevation Profile

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3D Map

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Camping

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 atpermits.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

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Lytle Creek is named after Captain Andrew Lytle, who led a wagon train of Mormons from Council Bluffs, Iowa, to this valley in 1854.

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Lytle Creek is home to a naturally reproducing rainbow trout population and is eligible for National Wild & Scenic River protection.

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Keep your eyes open for Nelson Bighorn Sheep, which live on these slopes.

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This Guide Was Written by Cris Hazzard

Middle Fork Trail (Lytle Creek) - HikingGuy.com (72)
Hi, I'mCris Hazzard, aka Hiking Guy, a professional outdoors guide,hiking expert, and author based in Southern California. I created this website to share all the great hikes I do with everyone else out there. This site is different because it gives detailed directions that even the beginning hiker can follow. I also share what hiking gear works and doesn't so you don't waste money. I don't do sponsored or promoted content; I share only the gear recommendations, hikes, and tips that I would with my family and friends. If you like the website and YouTube channel, please support these free guides (I couldn't do it without folks like you!). You can stay up to date with my new guides by following me on YouTube, Instagram, or by subscribing to my monthly newsletter.

Middle Fork Trail (Lytle Creek) - HikingGuy.com (2025)
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