A moderate level Go-to hike (5.9 miles round). A good hike to start with after a break. It has a gradual inclination and the views from the top are quite rewarding. In summer, I would highly recommend to start early. Also, on a good day, it is very busy. So make sure to start early. Parking is a little tricky to get. It’s not quite an open hike but make sure to take enough water. Highly recommend this one!

Bring water. This is a 5-6 mile hike in and out. This is an easy to moderate hike depending on your physical condition. I hiked this with my kids. There is not a lot of shade so be prepared for sunshine if there is no cloud cover. There is a beautiful 360 view on the summit, and a little area to hang out and have a bite to eat if the wind doesn’t blow your food away.

Love this hike. It not easy or hard. If you are a regular hiker than this is a piece of cake. Can get very hot during the summer so do plan to go early n bring plenty of water. Parking field up quick so go early. If no parking left, you can park on the street/freeway.

Iron mountain is a great hike! It’s somewhat difficult, especially if you’re new to hiking, but it’s not too bad. The view from the top is extraordinary! On clear days, you can see all of San Diego including downtown and Coronado. I totally recommend this hike, though I recommend going during the morning or evening since it can get hot midday and there is very little tree coverage.

Super beautiful hike. Something for everyone here it would seem. Challenging parts but quite a mild hike over all. Take in the beauty, the views are incredible!

Very nice hike to enjoy some outdoor activity and bring the family on a Sunday. Not overall difficult but it’s not a walk around the lake either. The views from the top are awesome. Took us about an hour and a half up and about an hour down. Enjoy the hike!

This is a local gem hiking trail. We came all the way from Orange County. The hike was not that hard but heat combined with inclination and distance make it more harder than a moderate hike. There is not much shade but the flora and views make it worth to hike. On the summit, there are few tables and small bushes that provide some shade. Bring lots of water and shade and take breaks as necesary

Good for moderate hikers. Well maintained trail and well balanced on steep and flat bits. Absolutely a great time and the views. Beauty everywhere - The Beauty Of EARTH 🌏

We got here a bit late, about 9am. Very well marked trail, elevation to 1200. Lots of rocks to maneuver part of way. Coming back to reach the top. Nice moderate difficulty hike. Great view from different parts.

Great place to see hidden wildlife, very hard to get lost, and great views from atop. Open 24 hours and is a great place to watch rocket launches, various astrological events, and there is even a small public telescope on the very top. Watch out for all the spider webs crossing the trails at night.

A great Poway hiking experience. 5.8 miles round trip and about 1000 ft elevation climb. This is a fun hike and good preparation for a backpacking trip.

Hot hot hot. I went to the top of Iron mountain and back and there's basically no shade for the entirety of the trail. Views from the top are nice but this is your basic desert mountain hike. Grat workout though and the trailhead has pit toilets!

I had a great experience hiking the Iron Mountain Trail. There is a nice tree-covered road in the beginning of the trail, which is a good place to take some nice photos. Although it is rated as a moderate trail on AllTrails, it is very easy to walk. The first 1.5 miles is flat, and then gradually elevate about 1100 feet. There are a few tables on the top, and the view there is spectacular. It took you about 3.5 hours to finish the trail, about half an hour longer than the average time in AllTrails app. Many people bring dogs to the trail. There is no shade on this hike. It'd be better to wear a sun hat, and bring plenty of water for sure. Overall, it is a great place to hike.

Come early. Excellent hike/nature viewing. The journey to the top is worth it for the view. There's a telescope and a marker that points out the surrounding landmarks; it's definitely worth the trip. A lot of people bring their pets. There's also a picnic area in the grove where the trail begins.

Iron Mountain is a great place to go hiking in east county. It is a bit of a drive to get there though so be prepared. Part of the hike is just getting to the actual start of the iron mountain portion which is about a mile or so of walking from the parking lot. Once there you can either take a right to Iron Mountain or go left to Ramona Overlook. Best time to go is either early morning or late afternoon otherwise there are too many people to really enjoy the scenery. You get 360 degree views of all of San Diego at the top.

IRON MOUNTAIN-HIKERS WANTED The entire trail is wondrous with  panoramic vistas of rolling hills,  distant mountains, and boulder formations.  One of the highlights of the hike was the tree arch entry that greets you with blessings for a good hike. And that's about all the shade you will get :). AMENITIES The portopotties are a sanitary mayhem and need to be closed for hazmat. The stench reaches the parking lot. Parking & trail are free. IT'S THIS MOUNTAIN SAFE? On a scale 1-5 where 5 is the safest: 5 From sunrise to sunset you will see people. You will likely cross paths with someone every 15 minutes. No high cliffs or edges. Safe trails. Perfect trail for those wanting to explore solo hikes. While that is said, don't underestimate your own preparation. HOW FIT DO YOU HAVE TO BE FOR THIS HIKE? If you do cardio at least 4 hours weekly, you can manage this hike. But I also saw: A woman with flip flops A man carrying two 3 gallon jugs filled with water All age ranges and weight classes A first timer hiker and the list goes on. WHAT WAS YOUR OVERALL EXPERIENCE? I experienced the hike to be fun and interesting with the different terrain, views, switchbacks and boulders. If you can step up on a curb or do lunges then you can step on, over, or to the side of the boulders. With that being said, there are walking crevasses next to the boulders on the trail. I heard the hike was hard and because of my success on Saturday. I thought it was a fluke, so I went back the following next day. And it was just as enjoyable. Overall, this 5.8 mile hike offered a mix of natural beauty, conditioning, and satisfaction. It's a great way to connect with friends, groups, nature and obviously movement. I highly recommend Iron Mountain instead of Cowles mountain. HIGHLIGHTS Well maintained and clearly marked Perfect for new solo hikers No dog or human feces on trail NEED TO KNOW Can be done with/out trekking poles. I take mine because dogs were not leashed, although required San Diego temps can still reach the 80's in October. "A mustard seed of faith can move mountains. Have a mountainous faith to move every obstacle in your path." --Juken #JUKEN123 #ironmountainsd #hikepowaysd #hikepanoramicviews

A great trail for exercise and to get out of the city without driving too far. Recommend lots of water and electrolytes. If you’re a beginner take it slow and enjoy. Lot’s of rocks and slippery slopes, easy to roll an ankle! Get there early or carpool cause parking can get pretty packed!

Easily accessible from San Diego in around 30 minutes. Parking would get tougher during weekends so I would recommend coming in early. Great views throughout the hike of roughly 3 miles one way

Very beautiful hike. Be sure too wear proper shoes. The rain has exposed more rocks on the trail. The incline is nice and challenging but not too hard. Great view at the top with a telescope at the peak too see even more. Take your furry friends with you and they will love it!

It's a great moderate hike. The entire route is about 6 miles car-to car. It gets really hot in the summer months, but is rad as a night hike too. Make sure to bring plenty of water and a snack. Don't forget the headlamp if you're going after 5pm. Rocks are a little chunky and can give the new hiker/runner very uneven footing while coming down. Know your pace and take it slow.

Nice trail, beautiful view when you reach the peak. There are portable restrooms (2) by the parking area, which is free and quite plenty. Beautiful tree type tunnel at the entrance of the hike.

Mild to moderate hike without much shade cover. Agree with others to come early and have good sun cover. One thing I appreciated was at top they have a metal map/compass thing of sorts (don't know the official name) that points out landmarks and is fun to look at.