-
November 2023 by Aiko Duenas
If you visit San Diego, check out this hike! The views at the top of Mt. Woodson alone are worth the effort, but Potato Chip Rock is super unique and a great photo opportunity.We took the back road up (the address is 16310 CA-67, Ramona, CA 92065).The landmark is the Cal Fire sign. There is a small Potato Chip Rock sign next to it, then enter that pathway following the arrows. The road was mostly paved but very steep more than I thought. Hard but doable, especially if you go slowly. There is very little shade on the trail, so wearing a hat and sunscreen is highly recommended.We started our hike at about 7:30AM on saturday. We reached the summit around 8:30 am. There were already few other groups taking pictures, so we had to wait a bit, but it wasn't too bad.
-
October 2023 by Tatsuya Yoshida
The super thin rock is here, enabling people to stand up stably ?
-
October 2023 by Falguni Hridaynath B
Awesome hike. It was around 4.4 miles round trip. Will visit again sometime for sure. Loved it.
-
September 2023 by Selina (Sphynxee)
This hike was quite lovely and peaceful. We went on a day where we didn't have a view, so I can't say much on that. It was fogged over completely and quiet.We did Mt. Woodson to Potato Chips Rock, took our time and slowly walked it. Some definite incline overall.Stats are: 11.2kms (just over 6.5 miles) and 597 m elevation gain. Took us 2.4 hours.Terrain is slightly technical, but easy to manage, and it's easy to pass people as the trail feels wider than most.Lots of birds in the area and along the trail. Trailhead and trails are visibly marked so it's also easy to follow, well maintained. I would do this one again easily and might even try some of the connecting ones next time too.Restrooms: Restrooms are available in the Mt. Woodson trailhead parking lot.Picnic area: Picnic areas are in the Mt. Woodson trailhead park.
-
September 2023 by Bertha Johnson
We started our hike from Lake Poway to MT. Woodson submits a moderate hike and beautiful views. We are definitely going back pretty soon. ?
-
August 2023 by duc ngominh
fun hike but not recommend for newbie i think , have to worry about elder last time i go have a family have a grandma and they have to call helicopter.
-
August 2023 by marmar Crazy
A preety fun hike that's not too long. Just be prepared to walk uphill for almost the whole time. The view is worth the hike, and I would recommend going up there to get photos on the potato chip rock
-
May 2023 by Brijida Prano
8 mile hike up Mt Woodson. 2,000 foot climb in elevation with steep incline. Highly exposed with minimum shade. Take minimum 2 liters of water per person, food, sun protection, and a friend to take your picture on the rock. I was very happy that I brought my trekking poles. Trails are clearly marked. Vistas are stunning. Views of Lake Poway, California Poppies, and the Potato Chip Rock. Flowers in bloom are gorgeous.
-
April 2023 by 黒Karimm Rajj
This is a very challenging hike especially if you start from Lake Poway.I highly recommend being at least 2-3 liters of water and protein bars because will need them!Round trip for the hike from Lake Poway is just over 7.2 miles with a 2,200 feet elevation gain.
-
March 2023 by Kai Dwd
This is a rather difficult course to just hike without preparation.It's about 4.4 miles round trip, and considering the time you have to wait for a picture on the rock, I think 4 hours round trip will be the best.It's an asphalt road paved, but only the first entry section is flat and it's all uphill, so I recommend you to take a break at least 4 to 5 times while getting enough water.The running shoes move a lot in the shoes, so you have to wear shoes that are not slippery as a trail shoe, so it's easy to get on the rock later.Fortunately, there is an antenna base at the top of the mountain, so the Internet continues to maintain 5G 4-5 bar.Since there is no official parking lot, you can park on the shoulder on the road and follow the signs to start the trail.As soon as you start, it will continue to go uphill, so it will be important to stretch enough before the trail starts so that you don't get injured by the calf or hamstring.
-
March 2023 by Leon Clarke
This is an awesome hiking trail, the views are beautiful and air quality is amazing. It’s definitely a moderate hike, but you get what you put in. It’s pretty steep at the beginning with multiple “switch backs). It’s kids and stroller friendly IF you start at the Ramona (67) trail head but be prepared to a lot of breaks. As for hiking gear, not much needed, most people hike it with running shoes, unless you are hiking from Poway, you need hiking boots. The trail is pretty busy on the weekend’s starting at noon, so if you intend to take photos on the the Potato Chip go a lot earlier, the first time I went there was a line.
-
February 2023 by A V (globetrotter)
A popular destination; primary goal up the Woodson Trail from CA-67. It’s an easy climb up a paved path, “difficulty” is more to do with individual fitness.It’s a 2-mile uphill climb to a gain of 2,000 ft elevation. It takes 50-65 min. The return downhill walk takes 25-35 min.It’s an enjoyable hike. Great views of Ramona Valley. Lovely vegetation as well.Great appreciation of the rocky hills, rocks protruding to the sky as if they wish to fly out from the ground. Some of the rocks have “carved-in” shallow crevices so ornately arranged that they could not be vandalisms. They look more like those created by sea urchins in rocky tide pools. Could these “carved” rocks have been strewn from the sea from a tectonic past?Just before the destination, look for the Tepee Rock, nature’s creation!At destination, enjoy the victory climb on Potato Chip Rock. But, take time to appreciate the vista from it.TIP: Wear sensible shoes, padded orthotic support. Best to hike at a 60-deg weather. Plan early as the roadside parking on CA-67 can be tight, weekdays are better to avoid crowds.
-
February 2023 by Krajicek
Went in 2021 and again this month. Both times were fun and rewarding!The keys for a good hike is to be well prepared with adequate amount of liquid, a pair of good hiking shoes, and hike on a comfortable weekday. It was about 60F on a February Friday afternoon. Parking at Lake Poway was free on weekdays. Tail wasn't crowded. Line to take pictures at the potato chip rock was short. We waited probably 5 mins. But do be careful jumping onto the rock. If you need help, ask. People up there were helpful!Interesting boulders, scenic hike, and again impressed by Mother Nature’s work!A good workout.
-
January 2023 by Shawn Zamperini
This is as medium difficulty hike, 7.4 miles out and back with an elevation gain of 2,100 feet. Make sure you bring plenty of water. For reference, this trail is akin to doing Cowles Mountain 2.5 times. Potato Chip offers awesome views though, and if you continue going up a little bit past the rock you can find some great rocks to sit on and enjoy lunch at. Other than that it was a very tame hike and well maintained trail.
-
December 2022 by Selina Young
Started from HWY 67. Around 6KM I guess? Steep hike all the way up but fun. It's a light challenge to climb up to the potato chip rock. Lots of people. We waited about 20 minutes to take the photos.
