Wild Horse Trail near Iron Mountain
This hike will take us to 5 large properties comprising 434 acres that are for sale as a unit. These properties surround Wild Horse Trail and the beginning of Iron Mountain Trail. The map below shows the parcels for sale shaded in transparent red.
About the Hike:
We start at Ellie Lane just off highway 67, 0.7 miles north of the intersection of Poway Road and Highway 67. We take Ellie Lane Trail to Wild Horse Trail south, which takes us along and through all but one of the parcels that are up for sale. Wild Horse trail brings us to Iron Mountain Trail, which we take for a short distance and cover the remaining parcel. The hike is 3.5 miles round trip. There are some steep and rocky areas at the beginning of the hike, and a few places where there are temporary shallow streams that suggest wearing water-resistant boots. We pass by 2 lakes. The hike is mostly exposed, but there are areas of dense vegetation, and California Lilacs are painting the hills blue.
Directions and Parking:
Take highway 67 north from Poway Road. In about ½ mile, you will see a yellow intersection sign. That indicates that Ellie Lane is the next right. There is no street sign for Ellie Lane. You can search Ellie Lane Trailhead or type 16320 Ellie Lane, Poway CA into your map app, and it will get you close to the parking lot. Parking lot location in Google Maps. The parking lot is on the right as soon as you turn onto Ellie Lane. We will meet in the parking lot at 8:45 and head out.
Weather:
Sunny with a high near 68.
Restrooms:
There are none at the trailhead, but at the halfway point we’ll stop at the Iron Mountain parking lot which has a restroom.
Wear good hiking shoes that are water resistant – this hike has rocky areas and temporary shallow streams.
We’ll take our group picture at 8:45 am and start our hike.
If you arrive late, you’ll possibly have no problem catching up with some of us.
As always, you can choose to go as far as you feel comfortable or have time for.
No need to reply, just show up (and bring anyone you want).
Don’t forget water. And some of you might also want to bring sun screen, hat, snack, camera, binoculars, GPS or walking stick.
Voluntary trash pickup: bring your own trash bag, gloves, mechanical pick-up stick, etc.