Wheelbarrow - Mar 19, 2024 10:20 pm Date Climbed: Dec 23, 2020
Extravagant night hike
If you love ridges, you gotta try heading directly up to the ridge above the parking lot. It connects to Heaton Saddle!
I'll be back for more when my calves don't hurt so much.
IronHiker - Oct 19, 2018 8:24 pm Date Climbed: Oct 12, 2018
via Gold Dollar Mine
Heaton -> Allison Saddle -> Coldwater Trail -> Dry Gulch -> Gold Dollar Mine -> San Antonio Ridge -> Iron -> Heaton
Another long day coming out of Dry Gulch and over the San Antonio Ridge. Second summit this year.
Alex.k - Jul 24, 2018 6:28 am Date Climbed: Dec 23, 2015
Iron Mountain
The peak was an island in a sea of clouds, awesome!
IronHiker - Jun 24, 2018 4:44 pm Date Climbed: Jun 22, 2018
via San Antonio Ridge
This was a huge day with Henry Chen. We started at Manker Flat at 2:30 AM, reached the summit of Baldy at sunrise, then traversed San Antonio Ridge to Iron. We descended to Heaton Flat (running into heat issues along the way), then shuttled back to Manker. Wondrous.
socalpeakbagger - Mar 5, 2017 10:15 am Date Climbed: Mar 5, 2017
Heaton Flats
Trail is in great shape, easy to follow...still a little snow up top, hope to do traverse this year.
wyopeakMike - Oct 3, 2016 9:34 pm Date Climbed: Sep 27, 2016
Big Bad Iron
It was a 100 degree day in the valley and it was hot on the lower parts of the hike. Did not see anyone else on the mountain and I had it all to myself. After Allison Saddle, it really is one big chunk of elevation gain. Only had 3 quarts of water and I stretched them out. What an awesome hike and I only spent 20 minutes on top. I wish I had more time to enjoy it but I wanted to get back to the trail before dark. Amazing sunset and the last hour with a headlamp. Iron lives up to its reputation and then some. One BIG tarantula in the trail on the hike out.
BobD3 - Feb 18, 2016 11:18 pm Date Climbed: Feb 14, 2016
again.
Same as last year with an overnight stay at 5400 ft. (29 hrs., roundtrip)
Took up 10 liters of water and returned with 1. Never saw it this clear here before thanks to eastern winds (Santa Ana's).
5 days later my leg muscles are not fully recovered, (forgot the poles, not recommended)) but the yucca punctures have healed, lol.
The register had 2 inches of water in it. I drained it. Thanks to whomever left the large can of pink salmon in the register container.
And the marshmallows.
And the orange.
Ultamagnetic - May 24, 2015 8:30 pm Date Climbed: Sep 2, 2014
Heston flats to iron
Did this hike 2x once inthe worst heat and another in the dark. It hurts that's all I can say.
ScottWhitneyBound - Apr 19, 2015 10:47 am Date Climbed: Apr 18, 2015
From Heaton Flat
A group of 18 started, but at most 15 made it to the top. The views of the surrounding mountains were stunning, but the marine layer kept us from viewing Los Angeles or any islands. By going very slowly, and extremely carefully, I made it all the way down without falling once. I'm not sure any of the others, who descended faster, accomplished that. There are soooo many opportunites to slip and fall and crack your head on a rock. Be careful out there!
IronHiker - Mar 3, 2015 4:10 pm Date Climbed: Oct 24, 2012
Left an impression
Big solo of Big Iron from Heaton Flat. Shredded my shorts on the way down. I was so impressed, I named my hiking blog after it.
BobD3 - Feb 27, 2015 9:07 pm Date Climbed: Feb 9, 2015
Once again
Once again, this time as an overniter. Spent the night on a small flat knob approx. 5400 ft. with superb view of city lights, then went up to the summit the next morning.
The summit log is in complete disarray,(and wet). Didn't have time to dry out the pages but did notice an entry by someone who has been up here 19 times.
This summit deserves an ammo box or some kind of a waterproof container. The stuff in there now will be ruined if left as is.
orbitor - Aug 12, 2014 7:31 pm Date Climbed: Jan 1, 2014
From Heaton Flat
Started off 2014 on the right note by finally hiking Big Iron. Dry winter meant no snow and clear trails, but it still got pretty hot below Allison Saddle. Last 2 miles to summit are brutal. Excellent 360 views from up top. Descent is hard on the knees and yuccas stand to punish any mistake. Earn it.
JeremiahJohnson - Nov 25, 2013 6:57 pm Date Climbed: Nov 24, 2013
SW ridge via allison
Brutal scree/choss fest with lots of bushwacking up the SW ridge from Allison Mine. Took longer than expected, but well worth the effort. The Summit is idyllic.
Terry Fazio - Sep 17, 2013 7:07 pm Date Climbed: Aug 24, 2013
Too hot
Tried this when I had a free weekend while working in the area. Got to within about a mile & a half of the summit before turning back. It was near 100 degrees & I went through 6 liters of water. I was worried about continuing and not having the energy for the return trip with all the ups & downs. Definitely will try this one again in cooler weather.
BobD3 - Feb 2, 2013 11:12 pm Date Climbed: May 25, 1988
8th or 9th or 10th time up
I first climbed Iron Mtn. in the early 80's but do not remember the exact date. This hike is best done in spring, May or June, especially when it's overcast and the days are longer. I was once stranded on the upper ridgeline, in thick fog and spent a night here. Luckily it was in May and overnight temps stayed above 50 F.
I've found nothing in the San Gabriel's tougher than this one.
It's heart attack killer, without a doubt.
Fletch - Dec 28, 2012 12:28 pm Date Climbed: May 8, 2010
Wow!
Wife and I turned around... bigger day than expected...
SierraCJ - Oct 29, 2012 8:32 pm Date Climbed: Oct 27, 2012
Strike three!
Heaton Flat trail on a very hot(mid 90's)and still day. Leg cramps 1 mile from summit caused me to abort this hike. Already planning conquering this beast on a much cooler day!
seano - Oct 29, 2012 6:25 pm Date Climbed: Oct 29, 2012
Heaton Flat
A long, hot slog. Bleh.
mattcav - Sep 22, 2012 10:39 pm Date Climbed: Feb 4, 2011
hell hath no fury
sweet Jesus this one was tough!
we went at the right time, early february, when the snow was minimal (hardly any at the top) and the temps were relatively low. the summit view as of writing this is still my all time favorite summit view ever. breathtaking. recommended but never do this one alone. also, BRING trekking poles and tough clothing. my goretex pants were hot but saved me from sliding into the razor sharp yucca. i've posted a ton of pics, a gps log, and other goodies on my blog: http://summitascents.com/2011/02/05/2-4-11-conquering-the-hell-that-is-iron-mountain/
royanderson - Jun 3, 2012 11:11 pm Date Climbed: May 28, 2012
Iron to Baldy
Went on to Baldy via San Antonio Ridge. Started at Heaton Flats. Have trip report on it.
Wheelbarrow - Mar 19, 2024 10:20 pm Date Climbed: Dec 23, 2020
Extravagant night hikeIf you love ridges, you gotta try heading directly up to the ridge above the parking lot. It connects to Heaton Saddle!
I'll be back for more when my calves don't hurt so much.
IronHiker - Oct 19, 2018 8:24 pm Date Climbed: Oct 12, 2018
via Gold Dollar MineHeaton -> Allison Saddle -> Coldwater Trail -> Dry Gulch -> Gold Dollar Mine -> San Antonio Ridge -> Iron -> Heaton
Another long day coming out of Dry Gulch and over the San Antonio Ridge. Second summit this year.
Alex.k - Jul 24, 2018 6:28 am Date Climbed: Dec 23, 2015
Iron MountainThe peak was an island in a sea of clouds, awesome!
IronHiker - Jun 24, 2018 4:44 pm Date Climbed: Jun 22, 2018
via San Antonio RidgeThis was a huge day with Henry Chen. We started at Manker Flat at 2:30 AM, reached the summit of Baldy at sunrise, then traversed San Antonio Ridge to Iron. We descended to Heaton Flat (running into heat issues along the way), then shuttled back to Manker. Wondrous.
http://ironhiker.blogspot.com/2018/06/iron-mountain-1-via-san-antonio-ridge.html
socalpeakbagger - Mar 5, 2017 10:15 am Date Climbed: Mar 5, 2017
Heaton FlatsTrail is in great shape, easy to follow...still a little snow up top, hope to do traverse this year.
wyopeakMike - Oct 3, 2016 9:34 pm Date Climbed: Sep 27, 2016
Big Bad IronIt was a 100 degree day in the valley and it was hot on the lower parts of the hike. Did not see anyone else on the mountain and I had it all to myself. After Allison Saddle, it really is one big chunk of elevation gain. Only had 3 quarts of water and I stretched them out. What an awesome hike and I only spent 20 minutes on top. I wish I had more time to enjoy it but I wanted to get back to the trail before dark. Amazing sunset and the last hour with a headlamp. Iron lives up to its reputation and then some. One BIG tarantula in the trail on the hike out.
BobD3 - Feb 18, 2016 11:18 pm Date Climbed: Feb 14, 2016
again.Same as last year with an overnight stay at 5400 ft. (29 hrs., roundtrip)
Took up 10 liters of water and returned with 1. Never saw it this clear here before thanks to eastern winds (Santa Ana's).
5 days later my leg muscles are not fully recovered, (forgot the poles, not recommended)) but the yucca punctures have healed, lol.
The register had 2 inches of water in it. I drained it. Thanks to whomever left the large can of pink salmon in the register container.
And the marshmallows.
And the orange.
Ultamagnetic - May 24, 2015 8:30 pm Date Climbed: Sep 2, 2014
Heston flats to ironDid this hike 2x once inthe worst heat and another in the dark. It hurts that's all I can say.
ScottWhitneyBound - Apr 19, 2015 10:47 am Date Climbed: Apr 18, 2015
From Heaton FlatA group of 18 started, but at most 15 made it to the top. The views of the surrounding mountains were stunning, but the marine layer kept us from viewing Los Angeles or any islands. By going very slowly, and extremely carefully, I made it all the way down without falling once. I'm not sure any of the others, who descended faster, accomplished that. There are soooo many opportunites to slip and fall and crack your head on a rock. Be careful out there!
IronHiker - Mar 3, 2015 4:10 pm Date Climbed: Oct 24, 2012
Left an impressionBig solo of Big Iron from Heaton Flat. Shredded my shorts on the way down. I was so impressed, I named my hiking blog after it.
BobD3 - Feb 27, 2015 9:07 pm Date Climbed: Feb 9, 2015
Once againOnce again, this time as an overniter. Spent the night on a small flat knob approx. 5400 ft. with superb view of city lights, then went up to the summit the next morning.
The summit log is in complete disarray,(and wet). Didn't have time to dry out the pages but did notice an entry by someone who has been up here 19 times.
This summit deserves an ammo box or some kind of a waterproof container. The stuff in there now will be ruined if left as is.
orbitor - Aug 12, 2014 7:31 pm Date Climbed: Jan 1, 2014
From Heaton FlatStarted off 2014 on the right note by finally hiking Big Iron. Dry winter meant no snow and clear trails, but it still got pretty hot below Allison Saddle. Last 2 miles to summit are brutal. Excellent 360 views from up top. Descent is hard on the knees and yuccas stand to punish any mistake. Earn it.
JeremiahJohnson - Nov 25, 2013 6:57 pm Date Climbed: Nov 24, 2013
SW ridge via allisonBrutal scree/choss fest with lots of bushwacking up the SW ridge from Allison Mine. Took longer than expected, but well worth the effort. The Summit is idyllic.
Terry Fazio - Sep 17, 2013 7:07 pm Date Climbed: Aug 24, 2013
Too hotTried this when I had a free weekend while working in the area. Got to within about a mile & a half of the summit before turning back. It was near 100 degrees & I went through 6 liters of water. I was worried about continuing and not having the energy for the return trip with all the ups & downs. Definitely will try this one again in cooler weather.
BobD3 - Feb 2, 2013 11:12 pm Date Climbed: May 25, 1988
8th or 9th or 10th time upI first climbed Iron Mtn. in the early 80's but do not remember the exact date. This hike is best done in spring, May or June, especially when it's overcast and the days are longer. I was once stranded on the upper ridgeline, in thick fog and spent a night here. Luckily it was in May and overnight temps stayed above 50 F.
I've found nothing in the San Gabriel's tougher than this one.
It's heart attack killer, without a doubt.
Fletch - Dec 28, 2012 12:28 pm Date Climbed: May 8, 2010
Wow!Wife and I turned around... bigger day than expected...
SierraCJ - Oct 29, 2012 8:32 pm Date Climbed: Oct 27, 2012
Strike three!Heaton Flat trail on a very hot(mid 90's)and still day. Leg cramps 1 mile from summit caused me to abort this hike. Already planning conquering this beast on a much cooler day!
seano - Oct 29, 2012 6:25 pm Date Climbed: Oct 29, 2012
Heaton FlatA long, hot slog. Bleh.
mattcav - Sep 22, 2012 10:39 pm Date Climbed: Feb 4, 2011
hell hath no furysweet Jesus this one was tough!
we went at the right time, early february, when the snow was minimal (hardly any at the top) and the temps were relatively low. the summit view as of writing this is still my all time favorite summit view ever. breathtaking. recommended but never do this one alone. also, BRING trekking poles and tough clothing. my goretex pants were hot but saved me from sliding into the razor sharp yucca. i've posted a ton of pics, a gps log, and other goodies on my blog: http://summitascents.com/2011/02/05/2-4-11-conquering-the-hell-that-is-iron-mountain/
royanderson - Jun 3, 2012 11:11 pm Date Climbed: May 28, 2012
Iron to BaldyWent on to Baldy via San Antonio Ridge. Started at Heaton Flats. Have trip report on it.