One Of California's Best Hiking Trails Offers Scenic Views And Outdoor Fun In San Diego

Between its nine national parks and 280 state park units, California is the best state for hiking. Thousands of miles of trails take you on a journey through incredibly diverse landscapes, from the enchanting west coast forests of Redwood National and State Parks to the colorful desert cliffs of Red Rock Canyon State Park. But you don't need to wander far into the wilderness to find one of California's most rewarding hikes. Just 25 miles from San Diego sits Iron Mountain, the second-highest peak in Poway, with a trail waiting to take you up to its summit.

At a height of 2,696 feet, the 5.8-mile out-and-back Iron Mountain Trail is a moderately challenging but enjoyable hike that takes you over hills and valleys covered in sage scrub, chaparral, and manzanita. Boulders are scattered across the mountainsides, and wildflowers bring a touch of color to the otherwise dry desert landscape in springtime. Despite the steady climb, it's a fairly accessible and incredibly scenic trail, with sweeping views of the surrounding Southern California landscape. 

On a clear day, you can see as far as the Catalina Islands from the summit, as well as Mount Woodson, the tallest mountain in the Peninsular Range. Both of these mountains are part of the San Diego 100 Peaks Challenge, created by local hiker Derek Loranger. If you make it to the top of Iron Mountain, you can tick Peak No. 1 off your list. While the trail is open to mountain bikers and horse riders too, the trail gets pretty rocky as you climb and is best suited to hiking. Poway does, however, have a large trail network, and there are plenty of others more suitable for riders.

The trailhead for the Iron Mountain Trail is just south of the intersection of Poway Road and CA-67. There's a decent-sized parking lot, but it tends to fill up quickly, especially on weekends. To avoid the crowds and the extreme heat, head out early morning and catch the sunrise from the top. The cooler temperatures at this time of day often come with softer light, ideal for taking photos, especially if the mist is lying over the valleys. The sun can be relentless, and there is next to no shade, so avoid this clothing mistake and take lots of water, sunscreen, and a sunhat. Allow around three hours to complete the trail. 

Starting off as a gentle stroll along a wide, sandy path through a corridor of oak trees, the trail passes through open scrubland before it starts to climb. The route is well marked, but there are several side trails leading off the main path. As you near the top, a series of switchbacks make the ascent easier, but the track does become increasingly rocky. When not distracted by the views, keep an eye out for rattlesnakes, bobcats, and coyotes. Mountain lions have been spotted in the vicinity, but sightings are rare.

If you have the time and energy, the Wild Horse Trail and Ellie Lane Trail can also be accessed from the Iron Mountain trailhead, and there's always the 100 Peaks Challenge if you need another summit to climb. Otherwise, head back into Poway, making a stop at Rigoberto's on Twin Peaks Road for a well-earned plate of freshly prepared tacos.