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Potato Chip Rock

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate/Difficult
 4.3 (51) RECOMMENDED ROUTE
  1. Areas
  2. CA
  3. …Southern California
  4. …Poway
  5. Lake Poway
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“Potato Chip Rock is located near the peak of Mount Woodson and can be accessed by a moderate hike. ”

David Galy
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Map Key

7.1

Miles

11.5

KM

Out and Back

2,717' 828 m

High

946' 288 m

Low

1,881' 573 m

Up

1,881' 573 m

Down

10%

Avg Grade (6°)

42%

Max Grade (23°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Lake · Views · Wildflowers

Overview

The Mt. Woodson trailhead is located on the west side of Lake Poway off of Lake Poway Road. Starting from the Lake Poway Staging area, the hike to the Mt. Woodson Summit is a difficult but rewarding ~2,000' climb.

This seven-mile round trip hike may take 3-4 hours on average and is only suggested for experienced hikers looking for a good workout with beautiful views.

Need to Know

There is a $10 parking fee for automobiles (Non-Poway residents) and a $2 fee for motorcycles between March 1 and mid-November.

Description

To begin this route, head east/southeast on the Lake Poway Trail as it bends around the south shore of the lake. At a little under one mile, look for the right hand turn on to Mt. Woodson Trail. This marks the first stage of the out-and-back climb on a wide fire road.

After a mile, there will be a quick break in the uphill grade and there will be a clearing here on the south side of the trail (right).

Push on for the remaining ~1.8-mile ascent through a network of boulders. This section is very exposed to the sun so plan accordingly with water and sun protection.

Make the final climb along the switchbacks and look for the iconic Potato Chip Rock as you make your way to the top. Rest up, refuel, and explore this bizarre geologic feature before heading back the way you came.

Contacts

Land Manager: City of Poway - Community Services - Parks & Recreation

Shared By:

David Galy with improvements by Troy Avery
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.3 from 51 votes

#1

in Lake Poway

#205

Overall
  4.3 from 51 votes
5 Star
47%
4 Star
41%
3 Star
10%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
2%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Lake Poway

#23

in California

#205

Overall
166 Views Last Month
15,894 Since May 6, 2016
Intermediate/Difficult
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Photos

View from the summit of Mount Woodson
Jan 2, 2018 near Poway, CA
Lake Poway during the early morning from the lookout at the south of the lake
Jan 2, 2018 near Poway, CA
90-degree panorama from the Mt. Woodsen Trail centered SSW.
Apr 25, 2017 near Poway, CA
Split rock along Mt. Woodson Trail and the view north.
Apr 25, 2017 near Poway, CA
Beautiful morning hike around Lake Poway!
Apr 14, 2018 near Poway, CA
Lake Poway during the late afternoon from the lookout at the south of the lake
Jan 2, 2018 near Poway, CA

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Check-Ins

Mar 10, 2022
Corey Morgan
Feb 23, 2022
Mariana Castillo
Jan 2, 2022
Casey P
3h 34m
Feb 6, 2021
S K
Sep 26, 2020
Nasrin Sordi
Sep 19, 2020
Ivan Vo
Sep 11, 2020
Ariane Lucas
Not sure why it says 7.1 miles, this was well over 8 miles out and back! 8.6mi — 3h 40m
Aug 23, 2020
Nemo Wayfinder
west facing trail, morning shade! we passed everyone and no one passed us also very busy summit in 1hr 20min

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