Iron Mountain (Los Angeles County) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Iron Mountain |
|
|---|---|
Iron Mountain seen from above the East Fork, San Gabriel River
|
|
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 8,010 ft (2,441 m) NAVD 88 |
| Prominence | 687 ft (209 m) |
| Listing | Hundred Peaks Section |
| Geography | |
| Location | Los Angeles County, California, U.S. |
| Parent range | San Gabriel Mountains |
| Topo map | USGS Mount San Antonio |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | Very strenuous hike, class 1 |
Iron Mountain is a tall mountain in the San Gabriel Mountains. It is located in Los Angeles County, California. This mountain is part of the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument. The Angeles National Forest helps manage this special area.
What's in a Name?
Iron Mountain is about 8,007 feet tall. Sometimes, people call it Iron Mountain #1 or Big Iron. But it had a different name long ago!
Early miners in the San Gabriel Canyon called it Sheep Mountain. This was because many bighorn sheep lived on its slopes.
In the 1890s, the United States Geological Survey mapped the area. They decided to call it Iron Mountain instead. Even though there was a plan in 1940 to change the name back to Sheep Mountain, it stayed Iron Mountain. Today, the area around the mountain is called the Sheep Mountain Wilderness. This name reminds us of its original name.
Climbing Iron Mountain
Iron Mountain is not the tallest mountain in Southern California. But it is known as one of the hardest to climb. There are no easy paths or trails to follow.
What Makes it Hard?
- No Water: You won't find water sources on the mountain. You might only find snow in some parts.
- No Trails: There are no clear, maintained trails. This means climbers have to find their own way.
- Steep and Loose Ground: Much of the climb is very steep. The ground can be loose soil or rocky.
- Bushy Areas: Sometimes, climbers have to push through thick bushes.
- Rock Climbing: Some parts need special rock-climbing skills.
- Hot Sun: The south side of the mountain gets a lot of sun in summer. This makes climbing even tougher.
- No Facilities: There are no restrooms or other services on the mountain.
Climbing Facts
- Distance: The round trip is about 14 miles.
- Elevation Gain: Climbers go up about 7,200 feet in total.
- Time: It usually takes 10 to 12 hours to climb up and down.
- Difficulty: It is a very tough and tiring hike.
