I like to start everyday in his word, and today’s verse related to what I was doing today, which is what I love to do everyday, be out in nature.
He has got the whole world in his hands.
I set out on the 6 mile trail to Iron Mountain (Elevation 2684), leaving from the trailhead around 9am. This is “Little” Iron Mountain, not Big Iron, the one with 7000 feet of gain in the Angeles Forest. This hike has far less gain, but is definitely challenging.
I managed to snag the only spot left in the parking lot. It was Saturday, and probably the busiest time to hike here. I was not yet aware of exactly how popular this hike actually was.
I had made sure to download the alltrails map ahead of time, not knowing the wifi service in the area.
A Tree Tunnel
After a short walk from the parking area, you will pass through a tunnel of trees. There were a few benches underneath, to enjoy a shade break.
Afterward, there is a trail that veers off to the left. This one, leads down Ellie Lane Trail, for hiking the loop trail, to Iron Mountain, which was much longer at over 7 miles. I thought I might try that one, but then had some second thoughts.
After wandering amongst wildflowers a mile or so, I came to a turnoff down a single track trail.
It felt very empty over here, like I might get the trail all to myself. But I decided it looked too overgrown, and brushy to continue on. It was rattlesnake season after all.
So I backtracked, to the much wider the main trail to Iron Mountain, which is also more heavily trafficked. I made a left, and proceeded on to Iron Mountain.
The views are spectacular the further you ascend, and the terrain varies. Eventually there will be these rock barriers you have to repeatedly step over.
The rocks were placed the re for erosion control. But they make hiking to the peak a real chore, and exhausting.
I spotted some beautiful wild lilac bushes, and flowering shrubs.
There were lots of beautiful yellow blooms.
I could see a green lush valley on the other side of Iron Mountain.
As I ventured further up the mountain, I could see the high peaks of the Cleveland National Forest in the distance.
At the saddle, there is another trail that veers off to the left.
This was the only sign I spotted along the way. It was interesting that the helicopter evacuation area is noted, just in case.
So I stayed right on the trail, taking it on up to Iron Mountain.
There is no shade on the trail, so I recommend an umbrella, if you hike here, during the daytime. I was fortunate I brought a sun hat, and sunglasses though.
The manzanita’s were in bloom, with their bright red berries.
Hot and exhausted, I finally reached the summit around 11am.I stayed just 20 minutes, having some lunch, before heading back down. I definitely would have started earlier next time.
There were so many people taking photos, that I had to wait awhile to be able to take a few shots, at the peak.
There is an interesting iron lightening rod, with a rotating dial, with arrows, that will tell you exactly all the summits in the area, which was a lot of fun to see.
Hot and Exposed
If it’s a cool winter or early spring day, I would definitely try the Ellie Lane Loop Trail, next time I visit. Inland San Diego hikes at lower elevations like Iron Mountain are best hiked when it is in the 50’s and 60’s. It was so baking hot, and crowded this time here in spring. That is something I will keep in mind, in planning future hikes in the area.
Springtime at Iron Mountain
But if you are on the hunt for wildflowers, springtime is the ideal time to go. I saw the most wildflowers on the way to Ellie Lane Trail. There were lots of flowering bushes on rocky sunbaked trail, on the way up to Iron Mountain, though not nearly as many as in the meadow below.
Conclusions
How did I like the trail? Well it was beautiful, and like many places of beauty. It is well known destination, so it’s very crowded. If your not into crowds, there are plenty of other peaks you could try in this area.
If you don’t mind them, then you might really like this trail. I prefer quieter more empty wilderness trails, so I just had to make the most of it.
While on the main trail, I had practically no moments of peace and quiet. I heard chattering, or boom boxes the whole way.
Will I go back? Maybe in winter, on a weekday, when the parking area has just a few cars, and certainly not on Saturday.
I hope you enjoyed reading this, and it is helpful in knowing what to expect, should you decide to visit here.
About me
I’m Serafina! I’m a writer and California girl who loves to go exploring. Hope you will get outside today, breathe some fresh air, and be happy!
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Disclaimer: The work on this blog is my opinion and my opinion alone and I am not responsible for the outcome if someone were to apply these thoughts to their own life. All text and photography copyright 2021 by Serafina, all rights reserved. Information and opinions provided are kept current to the best of the author’s ability. All readers’ usage of the ideas and opinions presented in the blog, are at their own risk. Be aware of the possible dangers of hiking, surfing, walking, cooking, and other activities, which may take place indoors or outdoors. By reading this, you agree not to hold the author or publisher of the content on this web site responsible for any injuries or inconveniences that may result from reading the blog, or partaking in any activity mentioned in the blog. Read the blog, and use its ideas, if you so desire, at your own risk.
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