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January 2024 by Mark Sturdivant
I've hiked up and down Mt Woodsen 504 times & always from lake poway never the 67. So been there done that. Oh a little FYI that's me as SAM KINISON on potato chip rock OHHHHHHHParking: Best arrive early at 6am when they openRestrooms: Clean and sanitaryDog-friendliness: Dog friendly 4 walking
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December 2023 by Mehran Ghamaty
Iconic hike.
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November 2023 by Shane Hackworth
This trail is a very popular hike because of the photo opp for IG. The trail from Lake Poway is a moderate to hard hike on a traditional trail. There is another route on the other side of the mountain that is basically a paved fire road and makes it easily accessible to more inexperienced hikers with their blue tooth radios only looking for a photo opp.The Mt Woodson trail is a nice little workout. I would definitely recommend it.Parking: I was a little surprised to be charged $10 for parking. Last time I was here I wasn't charged. But it is a nice little park on the lake if you wanted to spend the day with the family or something. I was just there for the hike.
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August 2023 by Theresa Sprague
Dual trail for Mt Woodsen and lake Poway. I’m sure Mt Woodsen is great, but Lake Poway trail was a horrible experience for us and our dog. It was only 70 degrees out and our dog ended up with over $5000 in vet bills for his paws, bc of the hot, dry and rocky 3 miles around the lake. We thought this was an easy flat hike but realized our mistake after halfway when we had no idea the multiple elevation changes on the backside of the hike. Suspiciously fun the first 1/4 mile, after that we should have turned around.
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April 2023 by Alicia De La Luz
An amazing hike! Worth the wait for an amazing pictureParking: There is a $10 non resident parking fee.
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March 2023 by Mark Caskey
get their early to avoid a wait at this scenic spot. Otherwise you will be , erm, hanging around. The walk up from the Lake Poway side may be longer but is less of a grind than the walk up from the other side, plus the parking is way better. The last few feet are the challenge, getting on/off the potato chip itself involves some scrambling. Great hike and destination.
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March 2023 by Dan H.
Good. Crowded on weekends. Potato chip rock still draws an amazing crowd. Try to be at the summit by 7-8 if you want to enjoy a peaceful day in nature.
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March 2023 by Donna G.
Beautiful views, pretty wild flowers and Aton of elevation. Today was in the 60's so very pleasant temperatures. Bring a lot of water and I would not recommend when it is very hot as there is not a lot of shade.
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January 2023 by Shayla B.
A killer hike but worth the trek for the outstanding views! Chances are if you're hiking this trail, you're on your way to the all too popular Potato Chip Rock. This is the trail that will get you there. Since Potato Chip Rock is located somewhat in the middle of this trailhead, you will have to decide how long that you want your hike to be to get there. The most popular way to get there (and also the longest and most difficult way) is to begin your hike from Lake Poway Park. Depending on where you're located, this route may be the fastest and easiest way to get to the trail. If beginning from Lake Poway Park, the hike to and from Potato Chip Rock will be about 7 miles roundtrip through a mostly sandy and rocky path and a higher elevation gain. The second way to reach Potato Chip Rock is to begin the trail from highway 67 near the Romona Cal Fire Station. This hike will be shorter (about 4.5 miles roundtrip) with less overall elevation gain, but much steeper and way less crowded. This part of the trail is mainly a fire road until you Potato Chip Rock. I took this trail to the rock, and it was peaceful and challenging without being overwhelming.There are a couple of things to be mentioned here. For one, this hike is completely exposed and should be avoided during hot, dry spells. Bring plenty of water even if it appears to not be super hot or sunny outside. The constant uphill climb will tire you pretty quickly. The obvious: lather up on the sunscreen and wear a hat and sunglasses. I was burning up once I starting reaching the top. There's not much of a breeze on the way up, so be prepared to sweat. If beginning your hike from highway 67, look for the Romona Cal Fire Station and then make a U-turn AFTER you pass it. You cannot park at the Fire Station, but you can park on the road in front of it. Depending on what time you start (which should definitely be as early as possible when it hot out), you will probably see a line of cars parked on the side of the road. There's a small handmade sign that will say Potato Chip Rock and it will guide you the start of the fire road trail. This highway 67 side of the trail doesn't start off with the best views. However, once you start ascending up the hill, you'll have some scenic views of the city on your way up. There's no sign or anything telling you that you've reached Potato Chip Rock. The only way that you'll really know is if and when you see other people lining up for a picture, or if you're really looking for it. When I made it up there, I saw a few people standing in the shade who were trying to figure out if that was the rock. Indeed it was, and I certainly would have passed it had I not stopped with them. If you want to get a picture with or on the rock, you will have to wait your turn. I made the mistake of resting and not taking pictures right away before more people started to arrive. I was also pretty freaked out trying to climb to the top. If you have any fear of heights, they will be activated while you're standing on the rock. It's pretty damn scary and I felt like the wind was going to blow me to the ground, but I was able to take a few pictures before my fears really started kicking in. But it's WORTH IT! Get that picture while you can! Also, the weekend is probably the worst time to come here. I was visiting so I had the luxury of coming here on a weekday morning when it was pleasantly uncrowded. If you don't have that option, you really need to strive to start your hike at the butt crack of dawn, otherwise you'll be enjoying Potato Chip Rock with half of the city right there with you! But yeah... definitely a killer hike with a neat landmark. Would definitely come back to do this hike again in the future, but I think i'll try the longer route next time.
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January 2023 by Lisa C.
Mount Woodson Trail to Potato Chip Rock was a pleasant 2 hour leisurely roundtrip trek (w/ another 0.5 hours spent at the rock formation). I liked it for the gradual incline (1,281 feet) and cardio that this trail offered, as well as the beautiful scenery of boulders, mountains, greenery and even saw a snow capped mountain from afar! (Anyone know what mountain this is? ) Went during mid afternoon on a weekday and there was ample street parking available. Getting to the potato chip platform can be challenging, make sure to wear hiking shoes with good grip. And bring a friend or two to help assist you down/ up . It's perfect to hike during San Diego's winter season, as it wasn't too hot, about high 50's to low 60's when I went. Limited areas with shade so bring a hat and sunscreen! Also, don't forget your water! Saw a family make hot coco at the summit with their thermos and though that was a clever idea!
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December 2022 by Justin bauer
Great hike. Much better to hike from this side than the highway side. It's a decent hike with a lot of incline. Recommend to bring plenty of water. There are picnic tables half way up to rest and eat a sandwich.
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October 2022 by Jose Contreras
Plenty of parking & many picnic areas to choose from. Take a nice & challenging hike around the lake or a real challenge (bring water, etc) climb Mt Woodson to the summit & famous "Potato Chip Rock". Great for all, dogs are allowed on leash. Check the weather as it does get very warm. A small store for fishing accessories & boat rentals, snacks & drinks.Playground: Small playgrounds in different locationsRestrooms: Many restroomsDog-friendliness: Dogs allowed on leash onlyPicnic area: Multiple picnic areas in grassy shade & around the lake. Plenty of trash cans & a small store.
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September 2022 by Alexandra H.
a heads up to all people that are planning on taking this hike. Drink lots of water And pack a lot of extra you won't regret bringing snacks in a packed lunch, and prepare for a strenuous uphill hike to potato Chip rock. I highly recommend that you bring a hat and wear some zinc on your face to protect from the sun :) it took half a day or at least 3 to 4 hours for us to get to the top, it's definitely a long hike but well worth it once you get up there the views are insane . Fantastic day hike.
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August 2022 by Jean-Claude B.
Super well maintained trail and much easier on your knees Vs other local trails. Did not see too many people (President day) and super easy to park at lake Poway.Went on cloudy day so bring layers as it was very windy at moment. Not very scenic per say (beside the small lake) and pretty much a 4 miles up and 4 miles down. The potato chip rock was so small compared to the illusion we saw from other photos.While this is a nice way to get your cardio, we still prefer iron mountain and especially via the Ellie lane trail which increased the r/t to 7.4 miles.All in all, a little disappointed a but still worth a visit.
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August 2022 by Mike Foster
First, if you are not a Poway resident there is a $10 access fee to park near the lake. Just an FYI. Otherwise beautiful trails in the hills and nice rec area.
