Welcome to Iron Mountain Challenge Part III - 9 Peaks!
It's been several years since I created the original Iron Mountain Challenge and I know that many of you wanted a new challenge to test your mettle again (at least that is what I hear). 
The final location is not at the listed coordinates but it's an excellent place to park and start your adventure.
Did you know that there are 10 official/unofficial peaks in the Poway/Iron Mountain area among all the hills, knolls, and mounds??? Well, I didn't know that until I found my way up to Mt Ellie and opened up the peak register. In there I found a note that lists all of the peaks (see attached picture). Back at home I started googling and found quite a few links to all the peaks (here’s an overview) and then I realized that this can be a new challenge for myself, and for you: Hike to all the peaks in a single calendar day. Note that there are only 9 peaks in this challenge because Banafsheh Mountain is a mile long round-trip with some serious bushwhacking once you leave the main trail.
Here’s how to complete the challenge: Visit all the peaks/caches listed below in the waypoints (I've bookmarked them too for your convenience). Eight of those nine peak caches will have clues with coordinate numbers for the final. If you have previously found one or more of the listed caches you have to find them again. The clues were placed (with the cache owner's permission) in conjunction with this listing being published. The reason this is a Premium Member cache is because some of the existing caches are for Premium Members only.
The clues you're looking for will be written like this "IMC 3 N x.xxx" inside the caches.
The final is at N 32 5x.xxx W 116 5x.xxx and it is an ammo can.
Update 10/20/18: In case one of the challenge caches is missing you can still log this cache if you take pictures that shows what peak you are on. The picture(s) must clearly show you are in the correct area/peak. You can get the missing clue by calling me or a previous finder. If you don't have my number I'm sure a previous finder/another cacher can help you out with that. End update!
So, what do you get for completing the challenge??? Glad you asked… If you complete the challenge in one calendar day then you are a serious peak bagger and you’ll be included in the “Iron Mountain Peak Baggers” list below with major bragging rights. If it took you more than a day you’ll get the smiley.
The IMPB list is by honor system so play fair. Geocachers are among the most honest and honorable people on earth, aren't they???
Update 8/12/18: If you want a second (or third, or fourth...) chance to get on the IMPB list, just do the following steps - 1. Send me a note what day you're doing it again. 2. Go and find all the 9 caches listed plus the final and sign and date all the logbooks again. Pictures as you find and sign them are very much appreciated, but not required. It is as simple as that...
Furthermore, anybody who completes the challenge in a single calendar day (whether it takes you two or more tries) will be awarded at the 10th Annual M*A*S*H Awards in 2019 (date TBD). This will be the only time anybody on the IMPB list will be recognized for their accomplishments so now you have an extra incentive to do it. End update!
This challenge is best done in a clockwise (my route) or counter-clockwise round-trip from the main parking lot. Neither choice gives you an advantage because North Iron (highest peak) and Iron Mountain (second highest) are on the opposite sides of whatever route you take and you begin/end with either. The mileage from the parking lot to the final and back to the car is 11+ miles with plenty of elevation. Plan for a full day - most people will be able to do this challenge in about 8 hours, give or take.
Good luck and have fun, make sure to bring plenty of water and be respectful of the flora and fauna.
*** Congratulations to loookin4u for FTF ***
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Iron Mountain Peak Baggers
 I'm hardcore - I made it in one day!
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| Geocaching Name: |
Date Completed: |
| 1. loookin4u |
8/11/2018 |
| 2. PQCaching |
9/14/2018 |
| 3. HVYripper |
11/6/2018 |
| 3. Team_DV (deniel3) |
11/6/2018 |
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The waypoints below are by peak in descending order, definitely NOT the best way to approach.