OFFT San Diego NOVEMBER EPIC HIKE - Iron Mountain (Poway)

Join us for a sunrise hike up Iron Mountain—a blend of endurance, mindfulness, and community.

Led by James Foster, a former Navy Rescue Swimmer and emergency responder turned philosopher-writer, wellness coach, and lifelong student of movement and mind. After decades of training, teaching, and leading others in environments that demand adaptability and calm under pressure—that’s exactly what we bring into this space for you.

These hikes aren’t just workouts; they’re opportunities to practice reconnecting—with your breath, your body, and the people around you. We move at a steady, conversational pace (zone 2 target), take a breather at the summit for a short guided mindfulness session, and head down easy, talking about what we’re working on—in training or in life.

If you’re looking to build capacity, endurance, and awareness — and connect with others doing the same — this is the perfect place to start. 🜂

Meetup Spot: Iron Mountain Trailhead, 14847 CA-67, Poway, CA 92064 (32.978263, -116.972909). Parking lot on the east side of Hwy 67 — the trail connects directly from the lot.

Meetup Time: 0645 (we have to be there early to beat the heat and crowds, and to avoid the parking lot filling up!)
Distance: Hike: 5.2 (10.5 mi round-trip) from Hwy 67 trailhead — includes the Ramona Overlook spur

Elevation Gain: ~1,102 ft
Drive From: South Bay ~45 min • Downtown ~40 min • Mission Valley ~35 min • Mira Mesa ~25 min
Dogs: Allowed on leash
Kid-Friendly: Yes
Level: Moderate
Why it’s perfect for us:

Classic San Diego endurance hike — well-maintained trail, steady climb but not too brutal. Panoramic 360° summit view from the ocean to the mountains. Excellent testing ground for pack weight, pacing, and team endurance.


Conditioning Target: HR Zone 2–3 for most of the climb; light ruck (10–20 lb optional).


Iron Mountain is one of the most rewarding “gateway” summits in the county. It’s long enough to challenge you, short enough to stay fun, and scenic enough to remind you why we go uphill in the first place.
We’ll move at a steady, conversational pace. Expect about 3.5–4 hours total, including summit rest and a short mindfulness practice at the top.
This hike embodies the Ouroboros Wellness ethos: longevity, adaptability, survivability—the capacity to move well, breathe deeply, and recover fully.


What to Bring
2–3L water minimum

Electrolytes / light snacks
Hat, SPF, sunglasses
Sturdy shoes or trail runners
Optional light ruck (10–20 lb)
Positive attitude and curiosity
Optional post-hike coffee/brunch stop nearby in Poway for anyone who wants to hang out and decompress.


Intent
We're focusing on building zone 2 aerobic base and/or expanding zone 3 threshold; we build endurance not to grind harder, but to stay in the game longer—steady, adaptable, and alive. Longevity and sustainability are the focus, so autoregulate and push yourself as much as you want on this hike and try to stay in your zone (2 or 3). Once everyone is at the top, we will do a grounding exercise, I'll share some thoughts and ask the group a thought-provoking question, and we will take it easy and talk on the way.
“Longevity isn’t just about how long you live or how long you can move—it’s about how well you can keep performing, staying strong, capable, and adaptable, year after year.”