Great trail with awesome views from the top. Moderately strenuous but still accessible to children and older folk

Not bad of a hike. Theres plenty of markings to indicate where to go. On a clear day you can see downtown San Diego and the ocean. I think this would serve as a good practice hike for the bigger and longer ones. And please, if you bring a dog clean up after them.

Gets rocky in certain spots but incredible views and worth the climb. So much fun. I always feel Im on a true adventure here. This is Ellies peak right next to iron mountain. This mountain has trails too!

Good hike, lots of switch backs whichakes it nice, doesnt feel like your walking straight up all the time. But that long walk on the way back, yeah thats the earth that gets ya. But definitely a good one to do. Beautiful views as well.

It is 26.6 miles from the balboa hospital in downtown San Diego with a drive time of about 35 minutes.The weather was SUNNY and temperature ranged between 44 degrees when i started at 7am and reached 78 degrees when i got to the top at 9am.The Summit Trail is 6.4 miles out and back hike located near Poway, CA that features beautiful flowers and is a moderate challenge with many switchbacks. The elevation is 1184 feet.  You might want to pack snacks that you can enjoy at the top! There are 2 benches at the top and a guided sight to view every other peak and in every direction.The bathroom is located at the base of the trail so use it while youre at the parking lot.Hiking poles are suggested and it can get rocky but not too steep. There is a fair amount of shade until you get close to the top.I preferred Iron Mountain over Potato Chip Rock as this wasnt so crowded and gave a better view. This also has more shade than Cowles and Black Mountain. Enjoy!

Awesome hike, Ellie lane trail head is very rocky and rough. Bring good shoes with lots of traction and plenty of water. Beautiful views.

Beautiful. Trail is moderate....starts off almost stdaight with minor accent for a mile then a bit switch and spirals the other half mile. View is beautiful...Take water with you and good loose clothing and enjoy. It took me 2 hrs and 15 of hike not considering 15min for stop and photo..The sign telling you the Peak, name info was not there.

Really well marked trail and breathtaking view at the top. Not heavy traffic, intermediate fitness level recommended. Can easily be conquered, bask at the summit, and return down in a few hours.

This is a great hike. It is a little over 5 miles total. It has a lot of areas that are rocky so make sure to bring good shoes. Theres a few picnic tables at the top. People bring their dogs. I am not an avid hiker and it took me 2.5 hours at a moderate pace. There are restrooms in the parking area. Its beautiful!

This is my favorite hiking trail in San Diego. Has great views throughout the entire hike. Has a nice picnic table at the top. Adequate incline for a decent workout. It can use some cleanup because people just leave a lot of toilet papers around and not clean up after themselves

Amazing trail with breathtaking views. Well maintained, with restrooms at the trailhead and plenty of parking. Dog friendly, as long as they are on a leash.

WEAR. YOUR. MASKS. WHAT are you not getting!?!? This is not for YOU to feel safe. I felt so uncomfortable on this entire trail because almost NO ONE had a mask on. And take out everything you brought on the trail! There were multiple clothing items, lots of dog poop bags. So upsetting

Great hike for sunset. Not too difficult. I can see how this might get super hot on a morning hike with majority of the trail on the east side.

Easy hike up but long, worth the while. Very scenic view on top.Lots of people. Dog friendly.

A hike very much like cowles but longer and has flat spaces..the panoramic views from the top are so worth it...definitely kid friendly just make sure theyre ready for it! Took me 2 and a half hours just adults and 3 hours and 45 with the kids

Love this hiking trail. Short and sweet.

As someone who exercises and walks regularly, hiking to the summit of Iron Mountain was a moderate hike. The scenery at the summit is beautiful. You can see Downtown San Diego, Cowles Mountain, and Cuyemaca Peak.I began at 7am on a Friday morning when the sun just rose. It was not crowded when I hiked to the top nor when I hiked down later on. The heat was not as much of an issue until I was about 2/3 of the way up the mountain. But as I was coming down, the sun was blazing (even by 10am) and there was no shade. Bring plenty of water and a snack to enjoy at the top.Other notes:-Parking: good amount space at the trailhead-There are other trails and lookouts (Ramona Lookout and Ellie Lane Peak). Be sure to take a quick picture of the detailed map at the trailhead before trying to find these!

I would give it 5 stars, but not a hike to enjoy year round. There is minimal shade so definitely an early hike. The views are amazing from the peak. Dog friendly because there is a route to a pond, but early into the hike, so bring lots of water.

Well maintained trail. Multiple side trails throughout. Some shade along the trail but still bring plenty of water

Super workout ! Beautiful scenery!. although its about 6 mi round trip it takes 3 hours. Bring water sunscreen and your hiking shoes for the rocks!

Come early! Usually before 8 you can find a parking space in the lot. If not parking on the streets is fine too. This hike is not too hard in my opinion. It’s a long slow descend. The top of the mountain is pretty nice I guess. One or take picnic table. Some cool rocks. In clear days you can actually see the ocean and downtown. Otherwise it’s just a bunch of other San Diego mountains peaks. It’s quite rocky in some parts. Be careful as you might sprain your ankle. Lots of rocks. About a 6 miles round trip. Dog friendly.

Great moderately strenuous hike with beautiful views of poway and san Diego. theres no shade and the last half mile gets a bit steeper.

First time hiking this trail!!! The view was incredible! The is to get there early! Otherwise too crowded and it slows down your pace! Reaching the top of the trail is simply the BEST FEELING after any work out! It feels like a combo of the peloton & stair master!!! Start strong, end strong #amworkout

Panoramic views at the peak are worth the trip up. I recommend wearing hiking boots, but I managed just fine in tennis shoes.

A great hike, moderate difficulty fortunately the rises are gradual so theres not very many steep places. Definitely recommend bringing friends and family.

Always a good hike. The summit got amazing views all around. Make sure to bring plenty of water.

Such a nice spot - east side gets shady near sunset

Moderately challenging to seniors. Clean and wholesome. Very limited parking on weekends.

Really nice place to hike. I came here on a weekday morning and the dog hadnt burnt off yet and it was lovely. Its surprisingly lush. There is traffic noise on the trail but once youre about a quarter mile in its not so bad. Lots of vegetation and lovely views.

Ill come back to hiking again soon.

No portable stoves allowed but otherwise a rather nice trail

Great view 360°, this place has a parking it is free.

Great hike.....wish people didnt leave trash every where. Pack in pack it out...simple

Good place to hike. Not that hard. Just take precautions because the trails has some areas that sa rocks.

Hike uphill then back. Trail was rocky in places but well marked. Lots of people - popular spot. Dog friendly. Bring more water than you think youll need because it gets hot quickly in the sun (not a lot of shade) and uphill exertion. I had 28oz and it wasnt enough! Not a lot of wildlife or features. The 360 degree view from the top is the draw.

Fun trail worth making it to the top every time. Also great for a workout!

Tough trail in the heat. Go early. Parking is limited. Public bathrooms are available but not very clean.

Good hike, overly busy recently

Easy to moderate trail. Gets extremely crowded during the summer months especially on weekends.

Theres good amount of parking, and public restrooms at the trailhead. Once you get past the first +0.5 miles of dirt road and find a narrow trail to top of the hill, theres very little that can go wrong. No matter if youre a first time visitor, or a regular trail consumer (like me), I bet you will enjoy the journey both up and down.

Its a great trail, with a nice parking area. Super busy, so get there bright and early if you want a spot. Normally nice views from the to, when its not cloudy.

My first time there and most def my favorite hike in California so far. So many beautiful flowers.

Excellent local mountain for conditioning hike

Nice hike to the summit. A handful of park tables and plenty of rock space to sit and enjoy the views. The downside, the parking lot. Each time weve been, many of the cars towards the back of the lot have been vandalized. Be alert, smash and grab seems to be their style. Coming back to a broken window is not the way to end a hike.

We had fun. It may be challenging for some.

DO IT.This is seriously one of the coolest hikes Ive taken. Its on my bucket list to climb a mountain above clouds and this was pretty close. Its so breathtaking to stand so high up and look over such a gorgeous area.Moderate hike, nothing too hard. My friend and I both have bad knees and it wasnt too terrible. We did an almost sunrise hike and it was perfect. Easy to see paths but still a little challenging. Picnic tables at the top too!

Very well maintained trail. Steep but manageable for all ages. And very rewarding when you reach the peak.

This place is wonderful! Moderate hiking with so many trails it doesnt ever seem crowded.

Moderate leveled hiked, about 5.5 miles round trip from the trail head. Worth the views at the top and along the way!

Nice early morning hike. Okay for kids.

My favorite hike in San Diego

Worth it to check it when in Escondido. I love this place. Great hike. Beautiful views.

A little rocky but the scenery was worth it!

Get there earlier, I had to hike in 97 degrees which was very difficult for me. Awesome views all around, little to no shade

First time on Iron Mountain and loved the challenge, great trail and beautiful at the top. Really appreciated the picnic tables.

Nice moderate hike with rewarding views.

Nice trail head with restrooms parking fills up fast

Great hike and so many different trails with signs but make sure u have proper shoes cause lots of rocks and loose gravel on trail

Worth hiking!! It was really nice view...

More challenging than I expected but certainly manageable for a healthy person. The views from the top are beautiful but know that you started climbing as soon as you start the hike. This area can be hot so plan to bring the right clothing and plenty of water.

Great workout. Switch backs makes it easier. Fantadtic view from the top

This is a moderate to difficult trail with really nice views.

Great hike moderate climb, perfect distance, about 2 hours up and down at a good pace. Lots of parking but can get very busy and full during the weekends. Go early morning or in the afternoon. Can get very hot in the Summer.

Well kept up! Bathrooms & lots of parking space. Great location also. Theres a couple different trails you can take starting from this trail head. Which is absolutely gorgeous with its trees! Rocky trail so be prepared with the right shoes & bring lots of water! Dog friendly but PLEASE FOR THE LOVE OF PUPS, BRING WATER FOR THEM TOO. Check the temps also before going out on this hike. Itll take yah to the top!

Favorite hike in San Diego. Moderate in intensity. Usually allow for 2 - 2.5 hours of time to spend making it up, enjoying the top, and coming back down. Surrounding nature, scenery and viewpoints make it one of my favorite outdoor spots in the city.

Great sunset hike. Did the Ramona overlook trail. It was pretty dark by the time I got to the bottom, but there were still people on the trail.

Good hike for the family! Did it with my 11 and 6 year old.

Good solid workout, did 8 miles

Presently no crowds and weather is great. Wear good hiking shoes if you dont hike frequently. Trail is rocky.

A Great hike for beginners with slight challenges here and there but nothing too crazy..not too much foot traffic during the middle of the week

Would have given 5 stats but almost every person on trail dod not have a mask on

Little shade. Very popular. Nice gentle climb.

HOT AND DUSTY! But beautiful

The views were great and I could go different routes

Was at stop light waiting to turn in opposite direction... app should do a better job of analyzing coordinates. Trailhead is good for those that enjoy hiking in the desert with no amenities provided. Ensure you bring adequate hydration if visiting...

Great hike especially on a cool misty morning.

I love Iron Mountain hike. Its rocky, bumpy and is just perfect sized for a Sat morning. Todays hike was even cooler due to fog and slight drizzle at the peak.

Its a great moderate hike, well shaded, good scenary, and dog friendly.

Beautiful views, not too difficult.

Great trail, just pack plenty of water and dont go on a hot day.

Hilly hike so be prepared for a work out. Bring plenty of water and snacks. But it is a beautiful hike especially the first part when the trees stand on each side of the trail. Good for the kids too. Also a nice long hike for those energetic pups out there. Enjoy the hike, forget your worries for however long you hike for, and stay safe!!

Tough endurance incline and pacing yourself alongside the group helps a ton. Keep pushing each level and keep going.

Very nice place to be at!Nice photos, and very good for workout.I was with my wife, and it was a very good experience, I really enjoy it.I recommend for family to...

Its a good place for hiking!

It was great to watch the sunrise.

Went early in the morning to avoid a hot sweaty climb. Beautiful views. Look for small cairns if you enjoy exploring smaller trail. Be respectful and leave without a trace. Well marked, with some unstable trail surfaces.

First time hiking here and I loved it.

I love the entrance of the trail. It looks surreal!!!

Love this place. Open 24/7

Branches off into multiple trails, Iron Mountain is the big draw. Good hike.

Great hike for exercise

Good to have a easy walk here!

Awesome hike. Great views! Parking is tough during peak times. Make sure you bring lots of water - especially on hot days. Everyone is very friendly and the workout isnt crazy intense, but its good.

Beautiful area.Beware in summer, hike early, little cover. Option to take a couple of routes.Parking lot weekends a mess!

Great hike to go on. The majority of the hike is not shady, so be prepared to bring a hat and some water.

Nice hike. Downer it is getting too busy

It is about 6.4 miles round trip from the Ramona-Poway junction staging area. The staging area has limited spots for parking and will usually gets full in the weekends. But there are many roadside parking spots.. And yes, there is absolutely no parking or entry fee to enjoy your 1/4 day here.The hike is welcomed by a beautiful tree canopy-corridor and then its about a mile of straight unpaved path with 6-8% grading followed by curvy uphill that is but steep at times.On a clear day the peak will delight you with some breath taking views!Enjoy the the hike along with your pets... And make sure you carry lots of water... Also keep in mind that there are no toilets while hiking.

Great hike with great views near San Diego metro

This is a great place to hike at in San Diego county. The views are pretty great and its also very quiet up here.

TONS of wilderness hiking right in Poway,CA.