Iron Mountain, Poway, CA Feb., 17, 2018 Hiker Therapy

DISTANCE: 6.2 miles: Steps: 13.5K ELEVATION GAIN: 1000′ Elevation at Peak: 1615′ HIKEABILITY: scale 0-10, 6 ( not as difficult as Woodson, more challenging than Cowles.) WATER: 2 liters SNACKS: energy bar, orange. CONDITIONS: temperature 70’s, slight breeze.  Hike Time: 11:15am to 3:30PM RESTROOMS: at trail head PARKING:  lot at trailhead, if full park on Hwy., 67

Iron Mountain Trailhead Poway, CA Hiker Therapy

Iron Mountain “Canopy”
Hiker Therapy

I have hiked Iron Mountain in Poway at least a dozen times, however each time is a unique experience always full of adventure, challenge beauty and accomplishment. On this day I arrived at 1115AM and the main parking lot off of Poway Rd. and Hwy. 67 was full. Not to worry, overflow parking is available on Hwy., 67 which is where I parked, a short walk will get you to trailhead and or restrooms. Direction to Iron Mountain, which is located at the T section of Poway rd., and Why 67 in Poway  You know you are at the “official” Trailhead as soon as you see the mainstay IRON MOUNTAIN arch signifying your journey up to the peak of Iron. The hike from this point is about 3.1 miles to the summit. However, for me the welcoming canopy of trees covering the trail is the “Official” trail start that sets the tone and the journey to the peak.    

 

The trail at Iron at the start is smooth, hard packed sand and for about the next .50 miles is such. At the .50 mark or so, you have 2 options to continue your hike. You can go right at the trail marker or continue on the traditional way as most do hiking Iron. I always break off and go right here. This segment of the trail offers you diversity of trail, it is less traveled, much quieter and full of nature and a more “green” approach to Iron. You also get a great view of the peak along this spur of the trail. This spur continues on for about .75 miles and then joins up with the main trail up to the peak. Thats the beauty of hiking Iron, you cannot get lost here, follow the well marked trail 3.1 miles you will summit this very doable and popular San Diego Hiking Trail.

As this spur comes to an end you will join up with the main trail and  be introduced to a much more rocky trail and for the rest of your journey up the trail will alternate between hard packed sand and earth and rocks. Twisted ankles are not uncommon here, take your time, be safe, the peak isn’t going anywhere you will get there when you do. 

Iron Mountain Trail is alternating mix of hard packed earth and sand or Rocks Hiker Therapy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.75 mile mark and the Iron Mountain Trail System Direction Board
Hiker Therapy

As you get to the 1.75 mile mark of the hike you will come to the “Trail Direction Board” which will point you to go right to the Iron Mountain Peak. Going left gets you back to the trailhead start to the Ellie Lane, which adds 3.3 miles to this hike but if you get the chance one day I highly suggest this as your trailhead start. As you continue right you will start more of the ascent portion of hiking Iron. The trail here gets back to a sandy composition but soon will get rockier as you ascend up to the top. after a short while you will come to the HeloPad that serves as a rescue site for those who have met the fate of the trail and ended up with a broken bone, or more sever health problem. Any hike can serve as a danger, precautions aside, accidents do happen.

 

 

 

Look very close to see White Cross
Hiker Therapy

As you approach the last segment of this hike, to your last the views are spectacular of the far distance Palomar Mountains, Julian and Mt Gower Ramona. Pay close attention to detail as you stop and gaze east. You will see the White Cross tucked into a mountainside. I always love seeing this cross which offers me a sense of familiarity and comfort Continue up and the trail starts to steepen, never to the point of exhaustion, but enough that offers challenge and reward. The Summit of Iron is “Sneaky” after a series of switchback segments to the trail, the last 100 years winds around and up and then, there you are, you have made it to the summit of Iron Mountain. 

 

 

 

The false peak offers the marker of arrival and from previous a Journal Box where you could stake your claim to summiting Iron by writing into the peak journal. The last few times I’ve been on the top, the journal box has been gone. To your right your will come to the first picnic table continue on to the left past the second picnic table and you will hit the ‘official” summit. From here you have a great view of Ramona, Julian, Palomar Mountains and the sapphire blue waters of Lake Ramona.
Enjoy the peak, eat a snack and take pictures, the views go on forever. On your way back look over to your north a short distance and you will see Iron’s sister peak of Mt Woodson another very popular San Diego Hike and the tallest Poway Peak, Iron is the second tallest peak at just over 1600’ . I believe Iron is on the 100 peaks list and falls under peaks to bag for the 52 Peak Challenge.

 

 

 

 

We are so fortunate to have the hiking trails that we have here in San Diego County. Iron was one of the first “Hard Hikes” or challenging Peaks I attempted back in 2012 and at the beginning of my Hiking Career. Now I call Iron one of my go to Hikes and one that never disappoints.

Weather wise, Fall through Spring is Hiking season in San Diego, in a few months the heat out in Poway can get up into the 90’s, which makes Iron, as well as any hike, much more of a challenge and safety risk.  Always bring more water than you need, I always start with 2l and go from there depending on heat, hike with a partner, respect your hiking limits, respect your partners hiking limits and most important Hike on!

 

 

Food Tip:  After you Hike in Poway I highly recommend The Stable Fresh Fruit and Smoothie Shop on Twin peaks and Espola rd. The best fresh smoothies and date shakes in the County!  

  Iron Mountain Photo Gallery

 

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