Granite Mountain #1, Round Top, Iron Mountain #3

18 July 1970

By: W.R.C. Shedenhelm

Leader: W.R.C. Shedenhelm

The most important fact learned in leading this basically downhill hike is that it is definitely not a summer hike. From Round Top on there is no shade. Nineteen members and six guests met at the Monte Cristo Campgrounds (ex-Mill Creek Picnic Grounds) for a car shuttle to the junction of Round Top Road and the Pacifico Road, for the start of an "easy peak bagging." True, we had bagged all three peaks by noon, but coming down the steep firebreak from Round Top in the windless noon sun had felled two of the baggers a mile north of Iron's summit. This canceled the quick and direct return down the west firebreak of Iron. As many had a blister or two from the hot downhill, we took the less steep alternate of picking up the stragglers at the Round Top-Iron Saddle, where a spur fireroad starts, heading down into Monte Cristo Canyon. A friendly chap at the Black Cargo Mine offered everyone shade and tepid water before the last two-mile drag back to the campground and cars. This is a very interesting hike, with excellent views of the San Gabriel Mountains, but save it for early spring or late fall.