Iron Mountain #3
Peak Name
Elevation
feet
Status
Region
Range
Nearby peaks
Location
Description
Iron Mountain #3 is an easy hike from Monte Cristo Campground, but it is often combined with Rabbit Pk #1 (5307′), Granite Mountain #1 (6596’) and Round Top (6316′) for a not so easy hike of the “Little Four” via the Monte Cristo Campground (10 mile loop) or Mill Creek Summit (16.4 mile lollipop). Generous views of the many peaks and canyons of the western San Gabriels, and of the Antelope Valley, accompany this 10-mile 4500′ gain hike. Route 1 describes the fire road from Monte Cristo Campground. Route 2 describes a more direct approach using a use trail up the ridge. The loop from Monte Cristo Campground is a challenging cross country hike that includes a fire cut that may be one of the steepest “trails” in all the Angeles Forest. Prepare for route finding and bushwhacking if you embark on those loops.
Maps generated from CalTopo.com, reproduced with permission
Downloadable Maps, Files, and Guides
Driving route
From the intersection of I-210 and Angeles Crest Highway (SR 2), drive north on Angeles Crest Highway 9.5 miles to Angeles Forest Highway. Turn left (north).
Go 9.9 miles to the entrance to Monte Cristo Campground on the right. Parking is available on the highway just outside the campground. Free day use parking inside the campground is no longer available.
Hiking route
Hike immediately left inside the campground (after crossing the creek) past the locked gate on dirt road 3N23.
Go about 1.6 miles to a fork near the Black Cargo Mine.
At the fork, switchback sharply to the right (east) and up the sometimes steep road toward the ridge north of Iron Mountain.
As you approach the ridge, leave the road and gain the ridge as convenient (avoiding the brush), potentially on a use trail. Alternatively, a seldom used dirt road to the left (north) as you approach the ridge goes away from the peak, and up to the use trail on the ridge. On the ridge, follow the use trail south to the summit.
Driving route
From the intersection of I-210 and Angeles Crest Highway (SR 2), drive north on Angeles Crest Highway 9.5 miles to Angeles Forest Highway. Turn left (north).
Go 9.9 miles to the entrance to Monte Cristo Campground on the right. Parking is available on the highway just outside the campground. Free day use parking inside the campground is no longer available.
Hiking route
Enter the campground, crossing the creek and then immediately left to a locked gate on dirt road 3N23. Approximately 50 yards (+/-) past the gate, find an opening on the right that leads northeast to the top of the ridge.
Hike through minor brush up to the top of the ridge to find an old firebreak. Follow this open firebreak for 1 mile east, then southeast, then east again to meet a steep road at a sharp turn in the road.
Turn right and follow this road generally southeast for 0.3 mile to a northeast trending ridge.
Hike 0.3 mile up this open ridge to the summit.
Route Notes
Additional Peak Information
Alternate routes: Iron is often climbed as part of a loop trip with Granite Peak #1, Round Top, and Rabbit Peak #1, 9.5 miles and 4100′ gain. This loop can be done in either a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction. This is a full day trip. Caution: If hiking in a counter-clockwise direction, a one mile section just prior to Round Top involves approximately 1700′ gain.
External Links
Nearby Peaks
External Links
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Nearest ranger station
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