Iron Mountains High Point
Posted: Tue Jan 21, 2025 10:59 am
There are about 14 "Iron Mountains" in CA. One of my side projects is to climb all of them. These are strictly named "Iron Mountain", not including variations like Old Iron, Ironspring, North Iron, etc. I haven't researched all of them, but I doubt even the ones in the Sierra will be as difficult as our local hero, Iron #1.
This was one of two small Iron Mountain ranges in San Bernardino County. This range was unique in that a 7+ mile tunnel runs under it as part of the Colorado Aqueduct system. It delivers water from the Colorado river to Lake Mathews in the Inland Empire. A pumping station on the east side pushes water up and through the mountains. The tunnel runs just north of the high point and exits at the West Portal. I started at the end of the dirt road alongside the aqueduct on the west side. The road was signed as private, but open to use. It was very smooth and I was able to cruise at 30-40 mph to the end.
West portal where the water comes out
The first couple of miles were flat, open desert, as I passed the outstretched arms of jagged ridges. Then, it got rockier with bowling ball sized rocks and many deep washes (10-30') to cross. I started up the main gully, then climbed up to the ridge where the going was easier. I dropped off the ridge to avoid some obstacles but nothing was more than class 2.
Summit in view
East portal reservoir visible below
It was a shorter distance to approach from the east side, but I've read a couple of reports of people being chased away by Aqueduct employees. I didn't want to roll the dice. 9.7 miles, 2700' gain.
West portal where the water comes out
The first couple of miles were flat, open desert, as I passed the outstretched arms of jagged ridges. Then, it got rockier with bowling ball sized rocks and many deep washes (10-30') to cross. I started up the main gully, then climbed up to the ridge where the going was easier. I dropped off the ridge to avoid some obstacles but nothing was more than class 2.
Summit in view
East portal reservoir visible below
It was a shorter distance to approach from the east side, but I've read a couple of reports of people being chased away by Aqueduct employees. I didn't want to roll the dice. 9.7 miles, 2700' gain.