Trail to Tooth Rock in Poway

Elevation: 1,167′
Miles: 2.12
Trailhead

Well, it’s been about a month and a half since I hiked any peaks here in San Diego. Not that I haven’t been hiking, mind you. I did a nice trek to Mount Whitney last month which put some perspective on things.

What I mean is that the hike this morning seemed more like a warm-up than an actual hike. However, I am writing a guide book in the hopes of getting not only the adventurous seasoned hiker out on the trail, but also the inexperienced person, willing to give hiking a try.

That being said, it was really nice to get back out on the trail here. San Diego is great. You usually don’t have to drive more than a few miles to find a trail. The PD and I got up at around 6AM and headed out to Poway after grabbing a quick bite. We strapped on our day packs and headed out. We encountered a woman walking a dog, which is pretty typical when the trailhead is near a suburban area, and, in this case, in a neighborhood.

Twin Peaks from the trail

Elevation: 1,306′
Miles: ~2.4
Trailhead

I only had a couple of hours and I drive by this peak all the time. I’ve been wondering what it’s like at the top, so I squeezed this hike in.

I parked in a neighborhood and was greeting with a sign asking dog owners to clean up after their pets. Right under the sign was a fairly fresh pile. Ironic.

This is a pretty straightforward hike, but the trail to the summit could be pretty easy to miss. It has all the signs of a suburban hike with dog and horse droppings as well as its lion’s share of graffiti. Actually, this was the most graffiti I’ve seen on a trail before. The tagger covered almost every large rock in one particular area, which is pretty disappointing.

Photo by Eduardo Contreras (Union Tribune) City of Poway employee Mark Avery installed a sign at the Iron Mountain Trail parking lot. New turn lanes are also open.

A new parking lot was opened earlier this month at the foot of Iron Mountain.

For many years, hikers have had to park on the wide of Highway 67 and dangerously make their way to the trailhead. One of the more popular suburban hikes in the area, Iron Mountain attracts hundreds of hikers every weekend.

Now they can park in a decomposed granite parking lot that can hold about 100 cars and also has room for trucks with equestrian trailers. There are new restrooms and lights for those early or late hikes, even though the sign reads that the trail is open between sunrise and sunset.

They’ve also added new turn lanes so access to the trailhead will be a lot easier and safer. Due to concerns over pedestrian safety the lot was approved by the city of Poway in 2003.

Iron Mountain Trailhead information

Elevation: 2,696′
Miles: 5.8
Trail head
Agency: City of Poway

I got off to a late start, as will happen from time to time. The trail is great and easy to follow, but the heavy use has caused some side trails and switchback cutting. I ran into families, dogs, and horses.

Pretty busy in the middle of a a weekday. Weekends are busier. Don’t forget to bring some water, since it can get pretty hot, especially in the summer. I tend to take Scripps Poway Parkway to the 67, so I can easily park on the east side of the road, near where you can see the line of trees.

The oaks lining the trail head

Update March 2010: I have heard that there is a new parking lot. I will need to swing by and check it out.

Update March 26, 2011: Ran this mountain as part of the King of the Hill Race Series. I did better than I had expected, even ending with a smile after the final burpee pushups. I am searching for pics that I took this morning.

Basically park in the parking lot and follow the trail through the trees, past the turnoff to the north, and continue until you see the switchbacks, making a right at the junction at the saddle. You can’t really miss it. There is a picnic bench and a mailbox summit register and a commanding view of the area.

Update 06/17/2011: Added trail map.

Iron Mountain Trail Map (Click to Enlarge)