Iron Mountain - The Unyielding Hike

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NOT A BEGINNER (or intermediate, really) HIKE! – (STRENOUS ACTIVITY)

Sunday hike up and down Iron Mountain (8007) [34.28842, -117.71331] via Heaton Flats Trail. This is an advanced level hike. Do not join this group if you have no prior experience hiking Iron Mountain (or equivalent stat difficulty peak). This is a fast-paced hike. Expect to push to reach the summit in 4 hour 30 minutes (or less) and descend for a similar amount of time. Group participants able and willing to reach the summit earlier are encouraged to do so. Group participants unable to keep up pace will be left behind and reunited when on-pace group descends from the summit.

Meeting location: Heaton Flats Trailhead (the Parking Lot) [https://maps.app.goo.gl/6fyKzkFHxR5YpUoi8] (Parking lot fills quickly / carpool is a pretty decent idea)
Meeting time: 530am
Route: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/iron-mountain-via-heaton-flats-trail

Distance: (Only) 13-mile round trip
Elevation Gain: (Only!) 6500ft elevation gain
Duration: (Somewhere between) 8.5 and 9.5 hours
Must Bring: Water, Trail-ready footwear, headlamp (early start)
Recommend Items: Light, Map/Gpx, Walking Poles, Energy Bar, Gloves, Warm Layer, Sunscreen, Hat, Glasses

Evacuations: serious injuries will result in the group immediately returning to the nearest trail exit

Cancellation: Rain (See forecasts for >20% precipitation) (See forecast for current rainstorm [w/ Tstorm through Saturday morning], Heat (>90 fahrenheit / >32 celsius), AQI 150/500.

Disclaimer: You are responsible for your own health and safety. Know your limits and, if unsure, ask before joining. These are strenuous hikes and you will be expected to reach the summit rapidly. Previous hiking experience- especially at Iron Mountain- and ability to maintain group pace are implied (and express) prerequisites to accompany these group hikes.

Please provide at least 3 hours notice of attendance and, if cancelling, 1 hour notice of non-attendance. Attendance may be marked by joining this meetup group or by contacting Matthew Fox at (818) 484-0467.