Take the 10 East past the town of Banning. Exit Fields Road, turn left toward the mountains. Turn left again (the road T's after the overpass.) Make a right onto Fields Road. Make a right onto Morongo. Follow it until it stops and becomes Millard Canyon road with a left turn.
Stay on the main road and follow it to the signed junction, make a right for the Kitching Peak trail - follow this road for about 2 miles.
Note: If you do not have a four wheel drive vehicle, you will need to park in a turnout along the road one half mile to a mile before the trail - there are a couple of sections you wont be able to pass, along with a stream crossing.
Park at the sign and follow the well maintained trail.
Sections of the trail are steep and parts are not for the faint of heart.
Description
For some reason this hike felt longer than 8 miles and seemed to gain more elevation than 2900 feet. It could be due to the fact that I summitted in wintry conditions and had to tromp through some snow to get there.
I only caught a few glimpses backwards at San Gorgonio before the weather turned bad, so I can't comment for certain on how magnificent the view from the top is - I didn't see it, but I can imagine on a clear day, it would rival Cucamonga or Ontario Peak for mountain/city views.
The hike itself follows beautiful Millard Canyon through pine, maple and oak along a wonderful stream that gradually builds to a chapparal covered slope and purely oaken forest. You catch some great views of Joshua Tree and Morongo along with the high country of San Gorgonio.
When you reach the saddle, go right, it's two miles to the peak. I had trouble finding the trail for the summit. It was unclear and covered in snow. After much searching and backtracking, I made it.
Map / Directions:
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