This is a nice hike with a great reward of views at the top. I highly recommend you bring lots of water, a hat and some snacks. We started the hike around 8:30am and I would definitely start earlier next time. It's mid November and it was hot! It took us an hour and 46 minutes to complete. It's a little over 6 miles. I did run about 1/3 of the way down then my friend rolled his ankle, so we had to walk the rest of the way. There weren't as many people as I thought there would be. Mt. Woodson was way more crowded. There are restrooms in the parking lot with non-flushable toilets and no sink/faucet to wash your hands. Bring anti-baceterial gel!
I have lived in Poway for over 16 years now and have hiked "Iron" many times. It is a good workout and the scenery on the way to the top is beautiful, as is the 360 degree view when you get there. It does get crowded so early morning is best and take plenty of water and a hat. I prefer using walking sticks because I did have a very bad sprain while coming down without them once. The trail is rocky and uneven and can be challenging. Even if you can't make it to the top, the hike would be fun for the whole family. There are restrooms in the parking lot but none along the way. If you want a real challenge, take the Ellie Lane trail that starts just north of the Iron Mountain trailhead.
This is an excellent trail to hike if you're in San Diego. Go in the morning before it gets hot, and make sure you bring plenty of water. It's arid and heats up quickly out there, and people get transported off the mountain from time to time because they went too late in the day and didn't bring enough water. If you bring Rover, please remember to bring lots of water for him too. I've seen way too many people hiking with large dogs and no apparent water for them.The trail starts out easy at 1100 feet above sea level and tops out around 2300 ASL, so 1200 foot elevation gain. There are rocks and steps you have to go up and down in some parts, but for the most part it's an easy hike. A little over 6 miles total, and the view at the top is beautiful. On clear days you can see all the way to the ocean. Enjoy!
One of many great hiking trails in San Diego County. Be prepared for a moderately difficult walk up to the top of Iron Mountain, with a reward of a terrific view all the way out to the ocean on a clear day.
There is a great atmosphere in this trail. People come with their kids and pets and there are plenty of trees for shade during the summer months.Great place to start if you are new at the hiking thing.
Just as I said in the title, avoid the crowds, avoid the heat. Hike Iron Mountain at night. Generally, you won't be the only group on the trail. On a full moon, the trail is like an interstate. Out of respect for other, I use the trail during non-peak times so that I can let me dog walk off-lead, It is too crowded to do that on any given morning, let alone a weekend (DON'T THESE PEOPLE WORK?!?).Great view at the top, including a telescope to view SD Bay with on a clear evening. I am fortunate enough to live in Poway and have a fantastic view of the mountains to the East. I enjoy watching ddaylight break from behin Iron Mountan while eating breakfast. At the right time of year, it is spiritual to hit the trail at 5 AM and be on the top at first light. The entire valley and county slowly comes to life. If you plan ahead, you can bring small burner or stove and make your own breakfast burritos up on top (there is a picnic table).Hint: Don't park at the main trailhead. Not only are vehicles constantly broken into there, the trail is crowded. Try an alternate starting point. Drive North on CA-67 about a mile or two and start at the Ellie Lane trailhead. It is a lot more interesting that the long straightaway that is the first 1/3 of the shorter route.
This hike was one of our favorite likes we have ever done. It is definitely a workout! The beginning of the hike was a long gradual climb with a few steep rocks/steps right near the beginning. The middle part of the hike is a nice combination of inclines and then leveled out areas (even some with shade!) to "catch your breath". The trail is well-maintained and offers views throughout the whole hike. The upper part of the hike is a little more steep and challenging, but it is well worth it to stick it out and make it to the top because the views are breathtaking! I would recommend a lot of water, sunscreen and snacks. We were there on a Holiday weekend, so the trails had A LOT of people on them, but people were very respectful of each other and let faster hikers pass on by. I would also recommend starting the hike early in the day. We started at 10am and about midway through it was VERY hot (in January!). We wished we would have started earlier.
Iron Mountain is a popular climbing mountain in Poway, CA. The trail is mostly switchbacks with a final steep incline to the summit.It is not the most interesting trail, and it is usually busy, but this is Southern California.It does provide a good workout, and the views from the top are excellent on a clear day. There is ample parking. Bring a lot of water, and watch out for rattlesnakes in the warm weather.
I'm proud to be able to say that "I climbed Iron Mountain". It is a good hike up with terrific scenery that can only be experienced by climbing this mountain...little lakes, ridges of mountains and the ocean from on top! In the summer it's best to do early morning or evening hikes.
Great exercise with a spectacular view at the top. Parking can be limited due to popularity, particularly on the weekend. Please remember to pack/bring water. A light lunch or snack at the top is most enjoyable.