Talk:Iron Mountain (Los Angeles County)

Changes to Iron Mountain 8007
I don't mean to be overly nitpicky, but not a heck of a lot of rock climbing/technical skill is required for either of the two primary routes (or nearly any other route) on Iron. The trail (maintained by folks I know) from Iron to Baldy has a 3rd class section (Gunsight Notch). It being class 3, requiring no special technical skills.

Also, the Heaton Flat Trail (South Ridge, primary route, etc) IS maintained. I do not believe there is any authority that maintains it (ala San Gabriel Mountain Trailbuilders), but many of us who are up there often cut branches and move stuff around respectfully to keep the trail clear. Some years it gets a bit thick, but we always clean it up.

I would also state that this is a class 2 route, as it requires hands at some points, such as during the section north of Allison Saddle.

10-12 hours is pretty slow. A fit party should be able to make it to the summit in 3-4 hours, and back down in 3/4 of that time. Some friends of mine does it in 2:30, but that's obviously not the norm.

There are other summits, or points I should say, in the SGM that are harder to reach. Triplet Rocks is no slouch, especially from the south. Some of the peaks in the "Mermaid Massif" area (IE Pk 3702 "Little Mermaid") are arguably harder class 1-3 hikes than Iron, despite being a lower elevation.

Anywho, I felt it was more appropriate to discuss this and basically ask permission to make changes.

Cheers

TacoDelRio 08:43, 8 June 2010 (UTC) —Preceding unsigned comment added by TacoDelRio (talk • contribs)