At The Backroads

from Iron Mountain’s summit

From Ellie Lane Trailhead:

          Distance: 9.0 miles round trip

          Elevation gain/loss : 1600 ft

          Difficulty: Moderate

          Trailhead: Highway 67 and Ellie Lane Road ( 0.7 mile North of Poway Rd)

From Highway 67, just South of Poway Road:

          Distance: 6.3 miles round trip

          Elevation Gain/Loss: 1000 ft

          Difficulty: Moderate

           Trailhead: Highway 67, a little bit South of Poway Road

Best Times: During the cooler days, from November to May

Iron Mountain is located at the eastern edge of the City of Poway. There are two trailheads which are located approximately 1 mile apart. The hike from the Highway 67 Staging Area, just south of the intersection with Poway Road, is shorter and is a direct path to the peak. The hike from the Ellie Lane Staging Area, one mile north along Highway 67, is a bit longer, but more scenic and most of it is a loop hike.  

The easier hike to the peak of Iron Mountain is from Highway 67 and Poway Road. The hike is enjoyable on a cooler weather, even on mid-day. But on a hot summer day, the hike should be attempted early morning. Both trails call for sturdy hiking shoes because of numerous switchbacks and has a good rocky uphill ascent. This hike can be enjoyed by the whole family of all ages. I saw a family hiking here complete from grandparents to grandkids, some with their dogs. This trail is very popular to local San Diegans on a weekend because of its accessibility. A very nice outdoor physical training and workout. There are plenty of birds, rabbits, and natural flora and fauna along the trail, interesting rocks and some geocaches along the trail to enjoy.

On a clear day, the ocean can be seen from the peak of Iron Mountain. You can see as far to the small islands off San Diego Coast. With a zooming lens, the ocean and the island can be captured from the peak.

 From the peak of Iron Mountain to Coronado Island off San Diego Coast

The scenery from the peak of Iron Mountain varies depending on conditions. On a foggy day, it seems like being with the clouds. On a clear day, you see the layers of hills and mountains in all directions, around San Diego County.

Here are some samples of the view from the peak of Iron Mountain. Layers of mountains and hills to the South,

Looking west to the Pacific Ocean as far as your eyes can see,

 and finally, looking North, where the view is blocked by much taller rock strewn Woodson Mountain.

To go to Iron Mountain’s trailhead at Highway 67 and Poway Road,

From Places North (i.e. Escondido): Travel south on I-15: Take the Camino Del North Exit and turn left on Camino Del Norte.  Right on Pomerado Road, Left on Scripps Poway Parkway, left on Highway 67 and travel North, and then, park on the shoulder of the road right at the Iron Mountain trailhead, a little bit South of Poway Road.  The trailhead is on the righthand side of the road. No need to cross the street.

From Places South (i.e. downtown San Diego): Travel North on I-15, take the Scripps Poway Parkway Exit, head East on Scripps Poway Parkway, then, turn left on Highway 67, then, travel North for about 1.6 miles. Park on the shoulder of the road right at the Iron Mountain trailhead, a little bit South of Poway Road.  The trailhead is on the right-hand side of the road. No need to cross the street.

To go to Iron Mountain’s trailhead at Ellie Lane Road,

Follow the same direction above, but instead continue past Poway Road, Ellie Lane is about 0.7 mile North of Poway Road.

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