Time to Hike: 10 AM-1:30 PM STEPS: 14,500 Distance: 6.8 miles out and back Hikeability: moderate to difficult Snacks/Water: Cliff bar, orange, tuna sandwich, 2L water Temp: 75 degrees
I am no stranger to hiking Iron Mountain, but it’s been a minute since I last have. In act its been at least a year-and-a-half A hike I had annually done 3-4 times all of a sudden felt very big and quite challenging. But, on this crystal clear indigo blue sky morning, Iron stands proud and awaits to be submitted.
Iron is located in Poway, CA at the intersection of Poway Rd. and Hwy. 67.
Parking is convenient and close to the trailhead. There are also concrete pit toilet restrooms off of the parking area. On the weekends the parking lot fills up quick and you may have to park along Hwy. 67.
Iron is one of my favorite trailhead welcomes. You are greeted by the iconic archways and then a 100 yards from there the ‘official” start, a dense canopy of oaks leads you fifty yards to the long open sandy trail start and your 3.3-mile trek to the summit. About a quarter of a mile from here you come to a side spur you can take right. You can also continue on along the more popular route going straight. I always appreciate options along the trail.
Either way, you can not get lost on this well-marked trail to the summit. The only differences are the views and trail composition. The more traditional route is rockier and eroded. The ‘short-cut’ spur is hard-packed sand through scrub oaks and low lying brush with a birds-eye view of the peak.
Each leads to the other and the same ascending single trail route to the peak. At the 1.5 mile mark, you will come to the mileage board indicating directions to key points along the way including the summit of Iron Mt.
The highlights of this hike begin at this stage of the hike. The incredible scenic views east of the Ramona foothills and the surrounding area of Julian, CA are breathtaking. Be sure you keep your eyes peeled for the ‘white cross’ tucked into the eastern mountainous landscape as you start to ascend.
This scenic hike does not disappoint in trail challenge and composition. Much of the time the trail is hard-packed sand to offer good footing. At times ankle-twisting jagged rock creates a true mountain adventure feel. As the trail ascends natural steps, slabs made of rock, help you navigate your climb to the peak. For me this is what makes this trail fun and spontaneous.
The last leg of the trail offers incredible views west including the parking lot far below, Hwy. 67 and on a clear day the Pacific Ocean. From this vantage point, you can gauge how high you have climbed. Look close and you can see Bernardo Mountain. Look north and you can see Iron’s sister hike, Mt. Woodson and the TV and radio towers adorning the Woodson summit.
Trekking on and as soon as you ask yourself, “when are we going to get to the top?” the trail unassumingly leads you to the summit.
The summit of iron is spread out allowing for different spots to rest, including a few picnic tables to share lunch at. ( how did they get these tables up here?). Scrub oak, low-lying brush and rock cover the top of Iron Stroll as far south as you can and you get a beautiful view of a pristine shimmering lake off in the distance.
From here you can see a wide expanse of the county in all directions. Being up here again reminds me this may be the best view from any peak in the county. This is a peak you do not mind spending a good amount of time at.
Another perk to this hike is although it over three miles back the scenic views along the way provide for a soothing different view of things. Before you know it you are passing the Helipad ( for emergency rescues) and coming up to the location/direction signboard and are only one and a half miles from the trailhead start.
When you come upon the section of the trail that offers the side spur back mix it up and choose the trail you did not take on the ascent.
Soon you will be approaching the Oak Grove canopy to guide you back to the trailhead start. Iron Mountain never disappoints with its scenic beauty, trail challenge and the sense of accomplishment you have hiked an adventurous mountain trail.
An added bonus and reward of hiking Iron Mountain and other Poway Peaks is the Stable Juice Smoothie shop at Twin Peaks and Espola Rds. The best smoothies in the county are served here. Treat yourself and bask in the accomplishment of the hike.
