1.8 hr
Overview
This hike connects two peaks above Tombstone Pass, Cone Peak and Iron Mountain, which host sprawling, colorful wildflower meadows. Over 300 species, along with some 17 tree species, have been recorded. The best time to visit is the first half of July, but the views are gorgeous on any clear day. At peak bloom, the trails become quite crowded, so consider starting early in the morning if it's a weekend. From the trailhead, walk south on the dirt road just past the informational signs. Drop off to the left of the road on an unsigned single track trail that can be hidden in grass late in the summer. This first turnoff has been missed by more than one group. It's just scant feet from the lot. The first half mile is a gradual descent below Highway 20. There's a junction with the Tombstone Pass Nature Trail at mile 0.3 and another at mile 0.4. Turn right and walk the quarter mile loop if you like. It passes through an interesting meadow filled with flowers in July. Either path will bring you to the same second trail junction. From there, head up the hill to a highway crossing. Cross the highway, and walk 50 feet to the left to pick up the main trail, which heads up into the forest. The trail is well graded with numerous switchbacks, passing by several species of tree. At the sixth switchback, you will catch your first glimpse of the wildflower meadows. Keep going and your patience shall be amply rewarded! After several more switchbacks, you will find yourself in open meadows littered with penstemon, larkspur, paintbrush, and stonecrop. Cone Peak will be directly ahead of you, with Iron Mountain to the west (left) and Echo Mountain to the right. Proceed on the trail through the wildflower meadows. You will walk downhill across a swale, and then angle left (west) toward Iron Mountain. The loop continues through forest, and then circles around the west side of Iron Mountain. Turn left, and head uphill at the junction with the Iron Mountain Trail. It's almost a mile to a new observation platform at the top. Look f
Trail Stats
0.0 km
530 m
1658 m
0 m
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Photos
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