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blueBlack Potato Chip Rock

FEATURED
  4.4 ( 34 )
FEATURED
  1. Areas
  2. CA
  3. …Southern California
  4. …Poway
  5. Lake Poway
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Trail

7.1 mile 11.5 kilometer out and back
Singletrack
Intermediate/Difficult

Elevation

Ascent: 1,881' 573 m
Descent: -1,881' -573 m
High: 2,717' 828 m
Low: 946' 288 m

Grade

Avg Grade: 10% (6°)
Max Grade: 42% (23°)

Dogs

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All Clear 64 days ago See History
Some Mud

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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
GPX File

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

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Check-Ins

Mar 30, 2019
Cailin Jensen
Really wonderful hike! Plenty of places to stop and take a nice break and enjoy the view on the way up!
Mar 16, 2019
Ferdinand Santiago
Feb 24, 2019
Keekee Winslow
Feb 18, 2019
Nicholas Walker
Jan 26, 2019
Laura Hayes
Jan 25, 2019
Josh Kinsley
Jan 21, 2019
Ryan Vanderbur
Jan 20, 2019
Jon Steurer
7.1mi
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.4 from 34 votes

#1

in Lake Poway

#176

Overall
  4.4 from 34 votes
5 Star
44%
4 Star
47%
3 Star
9%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Rankings

#1

in Lake Poway

#25

in California

#176

Overall
224 Views Last Month
9,230 Since May 6, 2016
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
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26%
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Photos

90-degree panorama from the Mt. Woodsen Trail centered SSW.
90-degree panorama from the Mt. Woodsen Trail c…
 4
Split rock along Mt. Woodson Trail and the view north.
Split rock along Mt. Woodson Trail and the view…
 4
Beautiful morning hike around Lake Poway!
Beautiful morning hike around Lake Poway!
 3
Lake Poway during the late afternoon from the lookout at the south of the lake
Lake Poway during the late afternoon from the l…
 3
View from the summit of Mount Woodson
View from the summit of Mount Woodson
 3
Exploring Potato Chip Rock.
Exploring Potato Chip Rock.
 4

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