Overview
Iron Mountain is a great place to go hiking for any van or RV nomad. Iron Mountain is located between the cities of Poway and Romona. The hike is one of the most popular hikes in San Diego because of the moderate elevation change. When you make it to the summit, you will be rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounded areas.
Adventure
Iron Mountain is located in Poway and offers a great retreat for any van or RV nomad. The hike to the summit is one of the most popular hikes in San Diego because it is fun and offers amazing views.
Located at the trailhead is a map to help guide you and a few portable toilets. There is no water at the trailhead so bring plenty.
Hiking
The hike up Iron Mountain is a 5.2 mile heavily trafficked out and back. The trail is primarily used for hiking and running and is accessible year-round. Dogs can also use this trail but must be kept on a leash.
The trailhead can get very busy, especially on the weekend. Your best bet is to do this hike at sunrise on a weekday or later in the afternoon.
Don’t try to attempt this hike without plenty of water. It seems someone is always getting dehydrated on the mountain, and search and rescue must rescue them. Just because it’s cool at the parking lot doesn’t mean it’s cool at the summit.
Parking
Iron Mountain has a good-sized parking lot that can accommodate your van or RV. Just make sure you arrive early because it can get busy after lunchtime and on the weekends. The parking lot can become so full that people will park on Highway 67.
Directions
Use trailhead address: Iron Mountain Trailhead, 14847-14909 CA-67, Poway, CA 92064
References and Links
- Website: Iron Mountain – The Hiking Guy
Three Sisters Falls
Three Sisters Falls Trail is a fun day hike for any van lifer looking for an adventure out of the city. The hike is a 4.1 mile out and back trail located near Julian that features three waterfalls and is rated as difficult. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is accessible year-round. There’s a steep descent into the canyon where the falls are located so make sure you have enough energy for the return hike.
Julian
Julian is a beautiful mountain town located in the Cuyamaca mountains. The town dates back to the 1870’s gold rush in the early days of California and has a rich history. As a result, Julian has shops housed in historic buildings, a historic hotel, and many restaurants. It’s also known for its famous apple pies that attract visitors worldwide.
