Iron Mountain Trailhead (Poway)
It's free — the challenge is arriving early enough. The Iron Mountain trailhead at 14847 CA-67, Poway (CA-67 and Poway Road) has a free gravel/dirt lot with restrooms, open 24 hours, no pass or fee — no Adventure Pass applies here. The catch is popularity: this is one of San Diego County's most-hiked trails, and the lot runs 75–85% full by around 8am on weekends. There's a signed overflow lot about 0.2 mile east and free street parking along CA-67 when the main lot fills.
The facts
- Trail served
- Iron Mountain Trail to the summit — ~5.8–6 mi round trip, moderate, mostly shadeless; dogs on leash and mountain bikes allowed (10 mph)
- Cost / pass
- Free — no Adventure Pass, no parking fee; free main lot, free signed overflow, and free CA-67 street parking
- Lot size
- Decent-sized gravel/dirt lot at the trailhead, plus a signed overflow lot ~0.2 mi east and roadside space on CA-67
- When it fills
- Weekends reach 75–85% capacity by about 8am; arrive by 7–7:30am or hike a weekday to be safe
- Overflow option
- Signed overflow lot about 0.2 mile east of the main trailhead; hikers are asked to use it when the main lot is full, plus free CA-67 street parking
- Tow / citation risk
- Low in the lots; along CA-67 park fully off the travel lane and heed any posted no-parking signs
- Restrooms
- Restrooms (pit toilets) at the main trailhead; no reliable drinking water — bring plenty, the trail is almost entirely shadeless
- Road to the lot
- Paved access right off CA-67 near Poway Road; the lot is signed and easy to reach year-round
- Busy season
- Fall through spring, and early mornings in summer — there's almost no shade and it gets very hot midday
Getting there
14847 CA-67, Poway, CA 92064
Get directions →No pass, no fee — but plan around the crowd
Iron Mountain is regularly called San Diego's most popular hike, and the parking is refreshingly simple: the main gravel/dirt lot at 14847 CA-67 is free, open 24 hours, and needs no pass. No Adventure Pass applies — this is a City of Poway trailhead, not a national forest fee site. The real constraint is timing. On weekends the lot hits roughly 75–85% capacity by 8am, so the difference between a five-second park and circling for a spot is showing up before 7:30. Weekday mornings are wide open by comparison.
When the main lot fills: overflow and CA-67 street parking
The trailhead has a signed overflow lot about 0.2 mile east of the main parking, and hikers are specifically asked to use it once the main lot is full rather than jam the entrance. Beyond that, free street parking along CA-67 is common — pull fully off the travel lane, don't block driveways or gates, and honor any posted no-parking stretches. It adds a short walk but keeps the trailhead approach clear.
What to expect on the trail
The Iron Mountain Trail is a ~6-mile round-trip, moderate climb to a summit with picnic tables and big views. It's dog-friendly (leashed) and open to mountain bikes (10 mph limit), so mornings mix hikers, runners, and riders. The single most important prep note is water and sun: the route is almost entirely shadeless, so carry more water than you think you need and start early in summer. Restrooms are at the trailhead, not on the trail.
Frequently asked questions
Is parking free at the Iron Mountain trailhead in Poway?
Yes. The main gravel lot at 14847 CA-67 is completely free, open 24 hours, and requires no pass or fee. There's also a free signed overflow lot about 0.2 mile east and free street parking along CA-67.
Do you need an Adventure Pass for Iron Mountain in Poway?
No. This is a City of Poway trailhead, not a national forest fee site, so no Adventure Pass is required. Parking is free.
What time does the Iron Mountain parking lot fill up?
On weekends the main lot reaches about 75–85% capacity by 8am. Arrive by 7–7:30am for an easy spot, or hike on a weekday when the lot stays open.
Is there overflow parking at Iron Mountain?
Yes — a signed overflow lot sits about 0.2 mile east of the main trailhead, and hikers are asked to use it when the main lot is full. Free street parking along CA-67 is also available.
Facts on this page last verified August 2, 2026. Fees, hours, and access rules change seasonally — confirm with the official source before a long drive.