Iron Mountain

[zona]

I'm interested in doing Iron Mountain in the next couple of weeks and am interested to know if you've done it, and if so what you can tell me about it?

Thank you in advance.

Zona

 

[zona]

Those interested in Iron Mountain to Rogers Trough:

1. Stocker friendly, not technically difficulty but if you're not careful on the switchbacks you might end up at 2,000' ft in about 10 seconds.

2. Directions: U.S. 60 to FS 357 to N. Happy Camp Rd to FS 650 to Iron Mountain to Rogers Trough out through FS 172 to , you go from 2,000' to 5,000' in about 1 hour--tight switch backs and several great places to camp or lunch.

Saw a white 80 at Rogers Trough, snapped a pic.

Zona

 

[inkpot]

Oh, you drove it. I thought you wanted to hike all the way into Iron Mountain. It is doable, but very difficult. One of the hardest in the area. My daughter has hiked all around it, but not to the top, yet.

The FR 172 to FR 650 loop is often referred to as Montana Mountain Loop. It is a popular run, as it is not too difficult and really great views. That whole area is pretty neat. There are a lot of other trails that are very scenic and a few of them have some much more difficult challenges to drive. John

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

Did you do the hike at Rogers Trough to the ruins? The same ruins can be reached from the other trail head at the end of FR172.

FWIW FR650 actually joins into FR172A not FR172. FR172 ends at JF ranch and another trail head.

 

[zona]

The Salado Indian ruins are AMAZING!!! A smaller version of Canyon de Chelly only an hour from town, a well kept secret treasure. I am referring to cliff dwellings whereby you can (carefully) come into very close contact (no touch) to the adobe and ruins. Beautiful. You can see the hand prints on the adobe made 500+ years ago!

FYI, the hike is about 45-60min from Rogers Trough and is relatively easy at a nice pace.

Thanks for the clarification Senor Phil. I have hiked to the ruins a couple of times, not this time.

Zona