When I moved to Rancho Penasquitos, my go-to hikes shifted from Mission Trails to the peaks like Black Mountain, Iron Mountain, and Mount Woodson.
Iron Mountain looms over Poway at the end of Poway Road. This hike has become more popular over the years. Now, as I drive by the trailhead, the parking lot is often full. The hike is a straightforward trail to the summit. This hike does have the honor of the first time I hiked with Scott Turner, the co-author of Afoot and Afield in San Diego.
If you want to avoid some of the crowds, there is an alternate path for part of the summit via the Ellie Lane Trail.
I am an avid peak bagger, sometimes backpacker, and former sea kayaker living in San Diego. In 2019, I became the third person to complete the San Diego 100 Peak Challenge. Not stopping with that accomplishment, I set my sights on the harder San Diego Sierra Club 100 Peak list, which I completed in 2021. In addition, I have conquered several Six-Pack of Peaks challenges (SoCal, San Diego, Central Coast, and Arizona-Winter). Beyond attempting the San Diego Sierra Club 100 Peak list a second time, I am looking forward to exploring new summits and new adventures across the southwest.