San Diego Hiking Trails

I complete this hike every weekend to start the day. I recommend the 8 or 9 mile alternate routes for those who are serious about their hiking. At the begining not long after leaving the parking lot you will see a trail leading left and away from the mountain. This trail leads around a smaller mountain and after many switchbacks end up at a fork before proceeding to complete the regular hike.

This is a nice, challenging trail. The view from the top is excellent, too. On hot days, though, it's probably best to either leave the dog at home, or make sure they have hiking booties. The trail gets HOT on their little paws. Our dogs kept ducking into the shade and holding their feet up until we turned around and took them back home, then came back to finish the hike without them. Bring the dogs on a cooler, cloudy day. Also to note, we saw a large coyote in the shaded around, right on the trail on a busy day...so especially watch out if you have a smaller dog. Great hike, though!

I read all the reviews for this hike and thought I knew what to expect. As a beginner hiker, I was not ready for the difficulty. Thought we were getting near the end when we hit the halfway sign! Thought about stopping there but made it slowly but surely all the way to the top (well almost). The last 3/4 mile is a lot steeper and there is no shade for most of the hike. There are a lot of other hikers around and everyone is very friendly, View from the top is worth the hike. Was exhausted after finishing but proud that I did it. If you're a beginner or not in very good shape - be prepared!

I am a fan of Iron Mountain! Its a fun mountain to hike up. My friends and I jogged part of it just to get in an extra work out. There are some rocky areas where you should be careful with your ankle. There's not much shade so I suggest bringing a hat and a good amount of water if you go on a warm sunny day. I brought about a good 40oz of water which was plenty for the hike.

My friend and i go hiking here locally in east county San Dego. Searched for a few new trails and came up on Iron Mountain...Great View, and when it rains, your virtually sucked into a rain cloud at the top...its was a great time, and we are determined to finally make it to the top.

I would recommend going on a somewhat cloudy day, the sun really beats down on you, but it has a great little spring running therough the bottom, and lots of great rocks.

A semi-challenging trail. I went up middle of the day during summer (not the smartest) and should have brought more water. The temperatures bounced around 100-110. Between the girlfriend and I, we had 2 liters and were rationing it on the way down. I read somewhere that a liter both ways per person is the way to go, and that would have been dead on. There is a portable restroom at the base about a 1/4 mile in if you need it.

The trail seemed to drag on. Looked like the peak was in site, but it wasn't. The last bit to the top is a doozie.

I got my hiking backpack back from my friend and decided to attempt this again without the jogger stroller. I have to say that I'm glad that I turned around where I did a few weeks ago, as the trail just got rockier and more difficult to maneuver the stroller.

With the backpack, things went much smoother!! The hike up was very nice, very easy to navigate and lots of friendly hikers along the trail. I did pass a couple of people with their dogs off leash and was a little disappointed. One lady's dogs ran up to my (leashed) dog and tried to start a fight until I asked the lady to please control her dogs since I have a baby on my back. Another guy was more involved with his cell phone conversation to notice his unleashed dog approaching my leashed dog. I asked him if his dog was friendly and his reply was, "I think". My suggestion, folks, is to please keep your dogs on a leash on this trail. There is too much traffic and other dogs for you to allow your dog to be loose. If you want your dog to run free, then please go to another trail where there is much less traffic.

The peak was very nice with views from Cuyamaca to the sea. I definitely would suggest this hike to anyone up for a peak :)

I brought my son and dog with me to check out this hike, as we have never been. I didn't know what to expect. The trail can be very rocky and I came to a little wash that I had to hop down. This normally would be no problem, but I didn't want to risk any problems since my son was in his jogger stroller and not the backpack. I want to go back and reach the top ASAP (with the hiking pack for my son to ride in). Definitely bring lots of water, there isn't much shade along the trail.

We just did the hike.
Park on Hwy 67, there is planty of parking.
At the start of the hike, you will walk between a nice lane of trees that form a canopy, it's pretty cool.
Continue hiking the trail to Iron mountain.
You come to a "T" and have the choice to hike to Iron Mountain or take the trail to your left which leads to the Ramona Lookout trail.
We took the Ramona Lookout trail.
As you reach the Ramona Lookout point you will have the option where you can go further another 2.5 miles to another walkout point.
it was getting late so we did not go on that trail.
Need to save something for the next trip.

As anyone who has hiked this trail knows it is Very Crowded.
As you venture further you will get some relief from the population.
This is really a cool trail and I would highly recommend it.
The hiking is pretty easy so it's perfect for beginners or kids.
Always take a bottle of water.
Good Hiking and we'll see you on the trail...

Really nice place.