Iron Mountain II

1/1/14  A return trip to Iron Mountain. This time on New Year's day with almost no snow. The 7 hour pace was considerably slower than my previous 5:34 run/hike time, but not bad for hiking a 15 mile trail with over 7,000' of gain. With a 2,000'/mile section along the way, it's still unquestionably the toughest downhill in SoCal.
DSC02028 I didn't take too many pictures on this trip since I had pretty good coverage on my previous visit here. It isn't always the most scenic trail, but you do this...
I didn't take too many pictures on this trip since I had pretty good coverage on my previous visit here. It isn't always the most scenic trail, but you do this…
DSC02029 A look a the ridge the trail follows out to Allison Gulch and then up to Iron Mountain. You add up a lot of total elevation gain with all of the ups and downs...
A look a the ridge the trail follows out to Allison Gulch and then up to Iron Mountain. You add up a lot of total elevation gain with all of the ups and downs…
DSC02030 Much different view of Mt. Baldy than last time I was here. But a great view nonetheless. It's New Year's morning, and hiking is becoming a New Year's day...
Much different view of Mt. Baldy than last time I was here. But a great view nonetheless. It's New Year's morning, and hiking is becoming a New Year's day…
DSC02031 The helicopter rescue pad on the way up the trail. I can never decide whether or not it's reassuing that it's here.
The helicopter rescue pad on the way up the trail. I can never decide whether or not it's reassuing that it's here.
DSC02032 I nice view down one of the canyons in the area.
I nice view down one of the canyons in the area.
DSC02033 Getting closer to Mt. Baldy.
Getting closer to Mt. Baldy.
DSC02034 Looking down the trail in an attempt to capture just how steep it is in places. Unlike Cactus to Clouds, it's loose dirt and scree here, which makes for an...
Looking down the trail in an attempt to capture just how steep it is in places. Unlike Cactus to Clouds, it's loose dirt and scree here, which makes for an…
DSC02035 Another look at the trail. Here an almost 45 degree incline in the middle of a 2,000' mile. Possibly the steepest mile of trail in SoCal.
Another look at the trail. Here an almost 45 degree incline in the middle of a 2,000' mile. Possibly the steepest mile of trail in SoCal.
DSC02036 There are some great views of Mt. Baldy on the way up.
There are some great views of Mt. Baldy on the way up.
DSC02040 My Suunto Ambit 2 and bloody hands from Yucca stabbings. Perfect ingredients for a great day on the trail!
My Suunto Ambit 2 and bloody hands from Yucca stabbings. Perfect ingredients for a great day on the trail!
DSC02043 More crazy steep trail. As hard as it is cardio-wise going up, it's unquestionably physically harder going down.
More crazy steep trail. As hard as it is cardio-wise going up, it's unquestionably physically harder going down.
DSC02044 A long ways up from the ridge trail below.
A long ways up from the ridge trail below.
DSC02045 First signs of snow at around 6,000'.
First signs of snow at around 6,000'.
DSC02046 A shot of Mt. Baldy from very close to where I took one of my favorite snow capped pictures last time I was here.
A shot of Mt. Baldy from very close to where I took one of my favorite snow capped pictures last time I was here.
DSC02050 Made it to the top of Iron Mountain at 8,007'.
Made it to the top of Iron Mountain at 8,007'.
DSC02052 View from the top looking across the LA basin all the way out to the ocean, which you could probably see on a really clear day.
View from the top looking across the LA basin all the way out to the ocean, which you could probably see on a really clear day.
DSC02053 Looking out towards Mt. Jacinto from the summit.
Looking out towards Mt. Jacinto from the summit.
DSC02056 A look down into San Gabriel canyon. It's deeper than the Grand Canyon!
A look down into San Gabriel canyon. It's deeper than the Grand Canyon!
DSC02054 View of Mt. Baldy from the top. Unlike last time, there were actually a few people on the trail today. But judging by the sign-in box, I was still one of only a...
View of Mt. Baldy from the top. Unlike last time, there were actually a few people on the trail today. But judging by the sign-in box, I was still one of only a…