Iron Mountain

I love to hike after work! For over 20 yrs my choice was Cowels Mtn due to its proximity and my time constraints… that’s now changed some– and Iron Mtn is the new soup-​de-​jour of the ‘so close to home but still able to do it before I must return to reality after work’ past-​time! 2.5−3hr hike brings me to a place that I am listening to the birds and looking around at beautiful mountains! My 6mos old Aussie pup is learning trail manners. and I get that «I will Survive» emotion needed by all us ‘outside folk’ who are forced to work indoors!!! Makes me want to buy a back-​pack and say «Si-​O-​Nara «to life !!

Went here 2 hours before sunset and hiked the Iron Mountain trail. Pretty flowers on the hike and the greenery was beautiful. Two picnic tables at the top which was quite cute. Walking down the trail was fantastic as the sun was setting, causing the sky to turn a beautiful purple and orange. Would recommend this hike as there was plenty of parking, barely anyone on the trail and bathroom facilities there.

THIS IS NOT IRON MOUNTAIN LOCATION! CHECK THE RELATED AT THE BOTTOM, IT is WHERE THE 78 AND POWAY ROAD MEET!
Other than that this is a fantastic place to hike! If you decide to run up I’m sure you’ll be fine. Please just don’t think running down the mountain is a good idea. That’s how you break or sprain an ankle. It is sometimes crowded on the weekends but no worries people just park down the side of the highway. It’s a pretty steep hike and it’s almost no shade so bring some water and be ready for a great hike.

Hi can anybody please tell me how to get there? I did try to search the location but I can’t find the address yet. Is it in in Kearny Mesa? Thank you:)

Iron mountain is easily one of my favorite hiking trails in San Diego because of the ease, distance and the 360 views up top. It steadily inclines (for the most part) before zig-​zagging upward near the top. It is almost 7 miles round trip, so expect to spend a couple of hours on the hike itself and maybe a little more time to take in the views while leaving your message in the notebooks provided. There are picnic tables and benches for your use, and it can get pretty crowded up there. I also understand the there are other trails that branch off from the main trail but I’ve never explored them myself. Parking is free in a dirt lot and along the highway. There are restrooms near the parking lot and the trailhead. The trail begins on a gravel path that is flanked with rows of trees which provide some shade and is also lined with benches. The gravel path leads to a wide, dusty dirt path where the incline slowly begins and starts to narrow. There is some patchy shade along various parts of the trail. Remember to bring plenty of water and maybe light snacks, as well as sun protection. Also, keep an eye out for animal feces (dogs & horses) throughout the trail as those have always been plentiful everytime I’ve gone. Dogs are allowed (not sure if leading is required because many I’ve seen unleashed), just please be considerate and mindful, responsible parents to clean up after your furbabies!

My friend and I went hiking on Friday morning. We got there around 8:30 and there is a nice parking lot at the intersection of Poway Rd and Highway 67. They have bathrooms right there before you start on the trail. You begin the hike under the shade of some trees that look like they came from a postcard. The trail kept up very nicely and the view is amazing on a clear day. You can see many other peaks in San Diego. When we reached the top there were some nice places to sit and there was even a picnic table. We enjoyed the view before heading back down the trail, and as the morning progressed we saw more hikers on the trail. We ended up hiking 6 miles. There is a longer, tougher hike if you take the Ellie Lane trailhead.

The Iron Mountain is a hiking magic, the golden California sunset, the space station that we found crossing the night sky, the full moon follows.
Bring a backpack with water, some snacks (best if you bring fruit or frozen berries). Definitely carry a torch which is a must and if you are interested in the biology and insects and would like to see a lot more than you can with a normal torch bring a Black Light torch. You will be able to see little scorpions that turn blue under the black light when they poke their head out of their caves.
It’s a 5 – 6 mile hike and takes an hour or so to get up depending on your cruising speed.
Parking lot down the trail is pretty big and sometimes cars park on the street as well.

This is a really fun hike. It’s pretty long though so be ready to spend about 3 hours hiking, unless you’re moving pretty quickly. The hike itself isn’t actually very difficult. The trail takes it’s time building elevation, snaking it’s way up, so you won’t have any super steep parts to worry about. The view at the top is expansive, but there isn’t really much out there. Just a lot of space and a reservoir. There are a lot of butterflies fluttering around the top though that made it a kind of pleasant end to the venture up. This is a good hike for most anyone. Bring water!

A great hike in Poway.
One major path, which takes about 2.5 hours if you rest or stop to see the amazing view 1 – 2 times.
Fairly difficult, but an amazing view of Mt. Witsett, and even Catalina Island.
Tends to be busy during the weekend, and dog friendly. Definitely more suited towards walking or running, the terrain is a bit difficult for biking.
Parking in the lot fills up fast, but there is plenty of street parking before Poway Rd.