Iron Mountain, in the middle of the San Gabriel Mountains and Angeles National Forest, can be reached from a number of routes, including Trail Canyon and Mendenhall Ridge. This route takes the Condor Peak Trail from the trailhead along Big Tujunga Canyon Road to make for a 22.8-mile out-and-back with some big elevation gain. Along the way, Fox Mountain and Condor Peak make for two additional peak-bagging options just off-route. The vast majority of this route is along well-graded singletrack, thanks to the Lowelifes Respectable Citizens’ Club, and makes for a challenging but approachable trail run, hike, or mountain bike ride.
From the trailhead, Condor Peak Trail parallels the road for over a mile before beginning its lengthy climb toward Fox Mountain and Condor Ridge. Water is seasonally available in this section, but should not be relied upon and should be treated before drinking. From the ridge, the route takes some steep elevation changes (which have been reported to be quite taxing on the return), before reaching the junction with Trail Canyon and the final climb to Mendenhall Ridge Road and the shoulder of Iron Mountain. The summit offers panoramic views of these incredible San Gabriel Mountains. On the return, Mt. Lukens looms large and lush across Big Tujunga Canyon. Manzanita, yucca, whitethorn, and chamise are only some of the plants found along the trail and in the biodiverse surrounding area.
As always, practice Leave No Trace and come prepared for an exposed adventure. If you’re so inclined, bring an extra trash bag in the car to help with the unfortunate issue of large amounts of trash at the trailhead and along the road here.
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