Pets allowed
Allowed
Elevation Gain
1,070.00 ft (326.14 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
6.40 mi (10.30 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Just outside of Poway is one of San Diego area’s most popular hikes. Despite its popularity, it is still possible to visit without running into too many other visitors. Even though the hike is not too far from civilization, adventurers can feel like they are miles from nowhere during off-peak times. The vista offers 360-degree views of the surrounding hills, including the San Vicente Reservoir. For rock climbers, some of the granite formations along the trail make for good bouldering.

For roughly the first mile, the trail seems more like an old forest road that maintains a straight and gradual incline. Horses share this section of trail, but they are more likely to be found on trails that run vaguely parallel and to the south of the main trail, where there are staging areas. After this first mile, the trail begins to switchback and becomes steeper, running over some rocks that require mild scrambling.

At the summit, enjoy the views either unaided or through a coin-operated scope. Stay for a picnic, and sign your name in the logbook found in a mailbox.

The vast majority of the trail is exposed, so be sure to wear sun protection.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Winter
Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

Not Required

Pros

Interesting rock formations. Well-maintained trail. 360-degree vistas.

Cons

Little shade.

Trailhead Elevation

1,608.00 ft (490.12 m)

Features

Rock climbing
Big vistas
Wildflowers
Geologically significant

Suitable for

Biking
Horseback

Location

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Comments

08/03/2016
I've added an image, pulled from Google Earth, of an Iron Mountain gps track. It will give the viewer an idea of the kind of terrain covered by this trail. I've hiked this well maintained trail many times and have never considered any part to include mild scrambling. There are some steep, rocky, stair like sections that the author may be referring to.
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