Iron Mountain in San Gabriel Mountains this Saturday

[Gregory]

I did C2C on 5/15/2011 so before I get out of shape I thought I would give Iron Mountain a try. According to web accounts, this is a notoriously difficult 14 mile round trip hike with 7,200 feet gain. It's a "use" trail, which means that there is no maintained trail (much like Skyline), but it has been frequently hilked and no rock climbing is required on the Heaton Flats route, which I will be taking. Here is a nice description of the hike:

http://www.summitpost.org/heaton-flat-t ... dge/264070

The weather should be beautiful, with temperatures forecast to be in the 70's. I'll leave Long Beach around 6:30am and should arrive at the trail head (48 miles from Long Beach) around 7:30am.

If anyone else is up for the adventure, please let me know. After dealing with all the snow on C2C in May, I'm looking forward to a dry hike!

[Blooty]

I don't care if I never hike down that Iron Mountain trail again!!! My one (halfway) remaining big toe nail has to be removed now, my knees are shot from trying to descend while scrunching foot to keep same toenail from pounding on front of boot... the puncture wounds from the yucca are the only injuries that have healed. It's hell getting old(er), but Iron Mountain made it even more hellish!!!

Good luck - wear the most comfy shoes you've got.

[Gregory]

Wow...that sounds miserable!! I purchased some Merrell Moabs before C2C so I guess this hike will put them to the test. It sounds like I should wear pants with kevlar lining

I really prepared for and wanted to complete C2C, but Iron Mountain is more of a whim. I hope the trail is reasonably established so I'm not meandering the ridge. I've been studying the topo maps but haven't been able to find a GPS track that I could download. If the hike gets too unpleasant, I'll beat a hasty retreat and figure I've nevertheless gotten a good workout and seen some beautiful country.

[AlanK]

When I first did Iron Mountain with my son in 2001, the use trail was sketchy in places. Nevertheless, it was pretty easy to navigate the ridge. We do it every year. These days, it is popular and hard to get lost. You'll probably see actual people on the hike, which used ot be rather rare. With any navigational skills at all, you are unlikely to get lost.

I have lots of GPS tracks for this hike. If you want one, send a PM with an e-mail address.

Eric on Iron Mt., July 2001


Ellen wants a more recent picture. I have no pictures from our last trip up Iron. I reached the top in 3:25 and Eric was 70 minutes faster -- the blur spoiled any attempt at photos. But here is a picture of us from last New Year's Eve on the way down from Mt. Wilson. (Eric was 11 in the first picture and 21 in the second.)

[Blooty]

I was looking at the Merrell Moab boots yesterday, I would like to hear how they work for you after Iron.

The trail is very well defined. The only place you might get off trail is on the descent near the top, be sure to stay to your left, you'll know right away if you've gone astray - you'll be headed into a steep canyon going nowhere.

I wore some lightweight long pants but everyone else had on shorts. The darn yucca stab your hands and arms...nasty sharp buggers!

The flowers along the trail were beautiful last week, I imagine they're still nice, also lots of beautiful swallowtail butterflies.

[Ellen]

Howdy Gregory

I'd like to do big Iron as well, but will wait for the fall when 1) it is cooler so long pants and sleeves aren't as much of a drag and 2) when there are less biting flies.

My pain sista Tina did Iron last weekend with Tracie, Norma, Carmen et al and all are still scratching from the numerous fly bites

Howdy Alan

That picture of Eric is TOO CUTE You need to post a current one, say one of his cross country pictures.

Howdy Tracie

All I can say about your Iron experience is UGH Every time I think about doing it, I read/hear these horror stories

One reason I keep doing Skyline -- I can ride the tram DOWN. All of my orthopedic injuries thank me.

Miles of smiles,
Ellen

[Lermo]

I swear by Merrell Moabs w/ Superfeet Green inserts. They're great for dayhikes in non snow conditions.

[Hikin_Jim]

All of my orthopedic injuries thank me.

HJ

[Sally]

I can't pass up an opportunity to praise my Moabs. I love 'em, and I also use green Superfeet insoles in them. They are my Skyline boots, except in wet conditions as they soak up water like a sponge.

[Ellen]

Howdy Sister Sally

Ah yes, the Merrell Spongenators, a side-effect of damp hikes

Howdy Alan

Great picture of the father/son "Dynamic Duo." I think I know where Eric gets his speedy alien DNA

Miles of smiles,
Ellen