Maura Fox: Skip the crowds at California's Iron Mountain and opt for this nearby Poway loop
SAN DIEGO - I've been writing this weekly hiking column for close to three years now, so I feel qualified to say what makes a good hike.
The weather is a key factor, followed by the clothes I wear and the amount of water and snacks I bring. Then there's the terrain; I won't be happy on a flat fire road, preferring something more dynamic and scenic. If I can hear a freeway, the trail loses some points. If there are towering shade trees, it gains a few.
My hike this week checked all the boxes. In fact, I'd go so far as to say that the roughly 3-mile loop in Poway was a categorically grade A experience. I had a good start to my day, waking up to a rainy morning and grabbing coffee and donuts before heading east to the trailhead on Ellie Lane, located off state Route 67.
The route - just north of Iron Mountain - was a little muddy and the air was brisk, but I quickly warmed as I climbed the rocky trail, surrounded by huge boulders and green mountains. To the west, a blue sky over San Diego gradually pushed through the clouds, but it was overcast in Poway, even sprinkling halfway through the hike. The dew-covered plants were happy and bright.
This trail may be less enjoyable in the summer; I got lucky with a rainy morning, which kept the dust down and the sun obscured. But if you hike it early, the route is a fun one. Plus, it connects to the Iron Mountain Trail for a much longer hike, and this trailhead isn't nearly as popular as Iron Mountain's.
To begin, park at the Ellie Lane Trailhead, just 0.8 miles north from the Iron Mountain Trailhead on state Route 67. The trail heads east, passing by a few homes, including one with horses, goats and a couple dogs.
At 0.4 miles, hikers reach an intersection. I chose to go left, or north, to continue on the Ellie Lane Trail. It steadily climbs up the hillside, and along the way there are some truly immense boulders to admire or rest under for a spot of shade, if you need it.
Just before the 1-mile point, you'll meet another intersection. Here I went right to follow the Equestrian Bypass Trail. Around this intersection, you can see the Table Rock - an aptly named rock structure that really does resemble a table.
Keep following the Equestrian Bypass Trail as it descends into a valley. The trail felt remote and quiet - a highlight of the trip.
At 1.7 miles, I veered onto the Old Miner's Trail to head southwest. I didn't immediately see any marked trail signs, but it made sense to head southwest since I was completing a loop. I'd consider reviewing the Poway trails map here before heading out.
I walked on the Old Miner's Trail - a wide, easy path - for half a mile before coming to another intersection with the Wild Horse Trail. Here, I went north to meet back up with Ellie Lane Trail that I started on. Once there, I proceeded west back to the parking lot.
Copyright 2026 Tribune Content Agency. All Rights Reserved.
This story was originally published May 14, 2026 at 5:49 AM.