iron mountain

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.

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.

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.

The 4-mile hike is a good work-out for all but the infirm and the views at the top are superb. From this North Inland mountain you can see the Coronado Bridge (on a clear day, of course). The views below you of Poway and Rancho Bernardo are rather picturesque.

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!

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.

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.

This hike is a must. In the summer do it early because it gets hot midday. In the winter do it later so the fog burns off and you can enjoy the beautiful view. It's kid and pet friendly.

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.

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.

Lots of great comments and tips by previous reviewers. Less than 5 stars due to insane number of cars/people there. But still, a great hike to spectacular views, not just at the top, but up and down the trail! If you're into hiking, you've got to do this and Mt. Woodson!

Iron Mountain offers the chance to get your work-out outside and get an awesome view, all the way to the ocean, for your effort. The parking can be tight on the weekend, so try and get there by 7:30. Also, this hike can get very hot, so bring your sunscreen, a hat and at least 1/2 a liter of water per person and/or dog. It can cool down pretty quickly when the weather changes or it gets cloudy. This hike can also get crowded with people, dogs and occasionally bicyclists (though it's pretty rocky with some small boulder scrambles - actually, I think it's too popular of a hike and I wouldn't recommend that bicyclists take the route to the top - better to go toward the helicopter pad). I use poles on this hike because I worry about my knees and ankles on the rocky parts. However, you can do it without poles and some people run it for their workout. Kids can do the hike also - but it is 3 miles up and then 3 miles down and I've found younger kids often get bored on this type of hike. There's a pit toilet bathroom in the parking lot and it's the only facility at Iron Mountain. It's a toilet like you would find at many rustic campgrounds - not fancy, but it does the job. There is soap and water to wash your hands afterwards. This can be a very crowded hike, so people can see down the trail as they are hiking back - don't think that if you are a woman you can find a private place to squat - just use the restroom before you go up the trail. At the top, there are gorgeous views and rocks and picnic table to sit at for a break. The hike is moderately strenuous, but almost anyone can do it if they go at their own pace. it is a hike, not a walk in the park - you need hiking or trail running shoes, flip-flops won't do it. I didn't give it five stars because, while it's a beautiful hike, it's not as beautiful as Torrey Pines or the Sierra's. But if you want to get your exercise outdoors by hiking, Iron Mountain is definitely a good choice.

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.

Our family of 5 did this hike on father's day. It was beautiful and worth the 6 mile hike! 3 miles uphill and 3 miles down.

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!