Iron Mountain Peak Trail #10
Trail
5.8 mile
9.4 kilometer
out and back
Intermediate/Difficult
Elevation
Ascent:
1,067'
325 m
Descent: -1,067' -325 m
High: 2,673' 815 m
Low: 1,614' 492 m
Grade
Avg Grade: 7% (4°)
Max Grade: 29% (16°)
Dogs
Leashed
Weather
All Clear
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“This is a popular trail that powers up to Iron Mountain Peak.”
— Russell HobartFeatures Birding · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife
Please stay on the trail and avoid using "shortcuts" as this ends up ruining the vegetation and contributes to erosion.
Overview
This trail is one of the easiest-to-access trails in San Diego County and the number of visitors on the trail reflects that. Don't expect solitude. But if you want easy access with good parking and a nice summit, this is an excellent trail.
Need to Know
Go early in hot weather and bring plenty of water.
Description
The trail starts out of the back of the parking lot and soon draws a direct line heading uphill through a tree-lined field. After 2/3 of a mile you connect up with the intersection of the Wild Horse Trail and the Iron Peak Mountain Alternate Trail. From here, the chaparral continues to thicken until it creates thick walls around the trail. At around a mile you reconnect with the Iron Peak Mountain Alternate Trail.
After another 0.5 miles you pass the Ellie Lane Trail on your left and turn to the right. From here the trail changes character, as large rocks become boulders and the views become more expansive. A short while later, you pass access to a helipad on your left.
At around 2 miles, the trail begins to switchback along a more open ridge before you are finally rewarded with a big view from the summit.
After another 0.5 miles you pass the Ellie Lane Trail on your left and turn to the right. From here the trail changes character, as large rocks become boulders and the views become more expansive. A short while later, you pass access to a helipad on your left.
At around 2 miles, the trail begins to switchback along a more open ridge before you are finally rewarded with a big view from the summit.
Contacts
Land Manager: City of Poway - Community Services - Parks & Recreation
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Check-Ins
Jan 14, 2018
Ramo Silot
A steady incline with interval grades. You’ll feel it in your muscles in a good way.
Nov 27, 2017
Brent Delhamer
Amazing hike! It’s a long slow burn with uneven rocks along the path. The 360 degree view at the top is priceless!
5.8mi
Oct 21, 2017
Clay Hackett
Night hike. High winds / dry weather made for a challenging ascent and descent. Trail was in good shape, minus litter that was left by earlier hikers.
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