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Potato Chip Rock is located near the peak of Mount Woodson and can be accessed by a moderate hike.


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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

Shared By:

David Galy with improvements by Troy Avery

Trail Ratings

  4.3 from 55 votes

#1

in Lake Poway

#204

Overall
  4.3 from 55 votes
5 Star
47%
4 Star
42%
3 Star
9%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
2%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Lake Poway

#23

in California

#204

Overall
176 Views Last Month
16,697 Since May 6, 2016
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

0%
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33%
6%
58%
0%

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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Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 22 days ago
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