Trailhead and General Information: The trailhead for Iron Mountain and the loop starts at the Highway 67 Staging Area in Poway, California. This is a popular trailhead so get to the trailhead early. Most people hike Iron Mountain (a 6.4 mile round trip). Another popular hike is a loop on the Elie Lane Trail by Table Rock Mountain. This is an up and down trail with elevation gain and loss over 2000 feet and approximately 10 miles in length. During the summer temperatures are warm during the day so hike the trail only during the early morning or late afternoon and with plenty of water.
The hike: Today my dad and I are hiking the loop and climbing Iron Mountain. It will be approximately 10 miles with over 2000 feet of elevation and loss. Leave the trailhead. Take the first left and hike passed two ponds. After the second pond the trail joins the Ellie Lane trail. Stay right; hiking by Table Mountain. Near Table Mountain the trail climbs ravina to a pass overlooking Ramona and surrounding mountains. Continue following the trail to the junction with the main Iron Mountain trail. If you want to climb from here to the top of Iron Mountain it is about one more mile. Flora for Iron Mountain includes Yarrow, Sagebrush, Coastlive Oak, California Scrub Oak, Eucalyptus. Information from: www.sandiegoreader.com, www.waynesworld.Palomar.edu/ironmt.htm
My dad hiking on the Elie Lane trail
Rocky terrain near Iron Mountain
On top of Ramona Outlook looking east
Looking south from the Ramona Overlook
Dad on top of Iron Mountain
Near the top of Iron Mountain
Looking south
The map of the Iron Mountain trails
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