San Ysidro Mountain, Iron Spring Mountain

12-13 February 1966

By: Bill Schuler

Thirty-three Sierra Clubbers met at Warner Springs on Hwy. 79 and caravanned to the start of the hike on the Don Simon Ranch. 31 hikers battled high winds and reached the summit of San Ysidro Mtn. an hour and a half later. This was peak #1 for Mr. & Mrs. Harold Burt from Canoga Park. We returned from the peak with enough time to try for Hot Springs Mtn. but failure to find the right party to get permission to cross private property cancelled the added side trip.

We camped overnight at Oak Grove Campground. Thirteen of us in five cars started out the next morning for Iron Springs Mtn. on an exploratory trip. Before we reached the base of the peak, two cars had to be left at a bad spot in the road. The leader's oil pan received a slight puncture, but after performing an operation with chewing gum and adhesive tape, we set out for the peak at 11:00 a.m. All made the top, grabbed a bite to eat in the lee of the wind, and were back down by 2:30 p.m.

Beautiful views in all directions were the rewards for climbing these San Diego County peaks. All agreed that it was a great weekend. I would like to extend my thanks for the able assistance in leading given by Gene Andreosky and Ann Marie Murray.