Allison Mine

Please read the description before signing up, as this is a long and streneous hike!

Stats:

14 miles round trip, 3,000 ft elevation gain.

Description:

Allison Mine sits on the flank of Iron Mountain overlooking the East Fork of the San Gabriel River. The mine was in operation from 1914-1942, and was founded by John James Allison. Today, As of my visit last year, the shafts are still open and there are some interesting structures to explore.

Hike Description:

The route we will be taking follows the Heaton Flats trail 5 miles to an unnamed saddle. This portion of the route is on good trail, however; it is all uphill on exposed slopes and will give us most of our elevation gain.

From the saddle, the trail traverses along the slopes of Iron Mountain, brushy in some places, washed out in others, and ranges from sun exposed chapparel to shady forest. The mines occupy a shaded bench on the flanks of Iron Mountain.

Requirements:

This is an advanced hike, please do not sign up if you are not used to strenuous, long day hikes! We do not have a designated return time, so if you cannot commit your whole day, please dont sign up. Also, If you think you need tp run ahead of the group, Again, dont sign up. Due to the nature of this hike, as a group we would be best off staying together, the slowest person will set the pace on this hike, but also that being said, we cant afford to go super slowpoke on this hike. Hopefully Im the slowest so you will have to keep my pace!

What to bring:

Given that our route is uphill on sun exposed trails, there is one item that is the most important to carry, and that is water! For those who like to travel light, dont skimp on this most important item! A full camelback will be almost gone by the time you reach the saddle, especially if it is hot out, so please count on carrying double that, since there is no water on our route and the stream at the mines is unreliable. A good idea would be to freeze some electrolyte drinks so that you have something cold to drink. Also be sure you have cold weather clothes and rain gear, as well as plenty of food.

Weather restrictions:

Rain cancels. Also, extreme heatwave cancels.