Mount Woodson Trail

8/24/2015

I've wanted to climb Mt Woodson for years and I am so happy (and proud of myself!) to say that we finally got to do it this weekend!

The hike was absolutely beautiful. I have never seen a more serene landscape in San Diego. We started around 620am. There are multiple trail markers along the way to explain how far you have gone, but the total distance isn't clear and it confused me a bit.

I read that there is a clearing with a picnic table that's about halfway up. It is not halfway, but it is a nice place to sit and relax if you need a break. It's more 1/3 of the way up.

This hike is absolutely NOT for beginners. It is extremely challenging and requires a lot of mental preparedness. You gain about 2,000 feet elevation in about 3 miles. The views along the way are phenomenal, so don't hesitate to take a breather every time you approach a look-out and enjoy the scenery.

I read and was told that the line to get onto the potato chip rock is "like Disneyland" "prepare to wait at least an hour!"  Maybe it was because we started at 620 and were at the top at 820, but it wasn't bad at all. Everybody was super friendly. I'm a huge scaredy cat when it comes to jumping on rocks and climbing things, and so many people volunteered to help me get onto the potato chip rock.

In order to get on the PCR, you have to climb a first rock, then jump off of that first high rock, down onto a slope that begins the Chip. People tend ot get excited and get in the way of photos from here, but it's really not a big deal.

Stay positive throughout the hike, you'll need that positive reinforcement from yourself. It'll make interacting with everybody else on the trail that much better, too!

My boyfriend ran the whole way down because he's an animal. It took him 3 hours round trip total, including breaks and stopping at the top for 20 minutes to take a picture. I only ran a little bit down, took me 3.5 hours total.

9/8/2015

Advice: Don't underestimate this hike. Yeah, sure, you see all of your friends of all shapes and sizes posing on top of potato chip rock so you think it's a wimpy stroll in the park (i.e. Runyon Canyon). No. It was a relatively short distanced hike, but with a respectable elevation gain in that short amount of time.
Note: this is the opinion of someone who works out 5-6 times a week, but was hungover from the night before. I was also slightly sore the day after this hike.

^ 4 stars for the hike. The potato chip rock itself, NO STARS. #NotWorth to wait 2 hours to take a picture for the insta.

8/13/2015

Tough hike. Definitely not for beginners. I felt like I couldn't make it to the top.. but I did in 2 hours I think. You just have to keep pushing through the pain! I'm not very tall so my steps do not cover a lot of ground. We even saw fellow hikers walking up with their small dogs on a leash, if those cute doggies can make it up to the top, anyone can!

The view from the top is just breath-taking. Makes the struggle worth it. We went on a Saturday morning so of course there was a ton of people trying to get their "potato chip rock" pictures. Instead of wasting time waiting in line just to take a picture, we beasted through the rest of the hike and made it to the top with the weird building. I felt accomplished, making it to the top.

Mt. Woodson is a boss-level hike, please be prepared. Make sure to have water for yourself and of course your doggy companion as well. Temperatures in Poway can be quite high so be sure to check the weather. Shoes with grip will be useful. When you make it to the top, be proud of yourself, you just grinded through one of the toughest hikes in San Diego!

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  People waiting to take pictures...

  People waiting to take pictures...

8/5/2015

Potato Chip Rock has been on my bucket list for several years and I finally got the opportunity to conquer the hike last week.

For starters, this hike is no joke if you opt to take the short route! I'm an athlete and this was definitely a challenge. You will definitely need 2 liters of water as suggested. I underestimated the hike and only brought 1 liter, but luckily my friend packed extra.

We arrived at 4:30pm on a Saturday evening. I expected far more people per the reviews, but we barely saw anyone. Perhaps there are more hikers early in the morning, but the crowd was light in the evening. Once we reached the top there were only 6 people waiting to take pics on the rock and we only waited about 10 mins.

The advantage of hiking in the evening was the temperature. It was still relatively warm at 4:30-5, but not unbearably hot. In total, it took us 4 hours to hike up, take pics and hike down (including a few breaks on the way up). We left the top of the mountain at the perfect time, because it got dark as soon as we reached the bottom. I would not suggest hiking down in the dark if you aren't familiar with the area.

Other than that, enjoy the views on the way to the top. It's such a rewarding experience. I saw people of all ages on the way up, so don't be discouraged! However, know your limits. Bring snacks and a portable speaker for an extra boost!

5/4/2015

- Go EARLY to beat the heat.  We started at 8am.
- Bring lots of water (there is no water on the trail) and you WILL need water.
- Bring snacks (trail mix, Clif Bars, things that won't melt).
- Bring a hat and sunscreen.  There is minimal shade.
- Wear shoes with good traction.
- Bring cash.  It is $5 for parking.
- Go to the bathroom before you start the trail.  There are no bathrooms on the trail or at the top so use the bathrooms in the park beforehand.
- Plan for it to take around 4 hours.  Could be less if you don't take many breaks.  We stopped at the top to have snacks and gather ourselves before heading back down.

Our total mileage was 11.4 from where we parked at Lake Poway up to potato chip rock and back.  The line for pictures at potato chip was really long and we didn't want to wait.  Be prepared to wait if you want pictures.

The way up had me sweating and my heart rate was definitely elevated.  Totally do-able if you are active.  I did this hike with my boys (10 & 14) and they had no problems either. Coming down is easier on the lungs, but definitely more challenging in terms of watching your step and making sure you don't slide (this is when shoes with proper traction come in handy).   The trail is dog friendly, but definitely bring water for your dog too.  I saw one woman put her dog on her shoulders.  It's a tough climb on the doggies too.  

If you don't work out much, I would suggest taking it slowly with several breaks or not going the whole way up the first time.  This hike is no joke.  We saw several people coming up around 11am in the heat in full dark colored clothing and had no water with them.  BE PREPARED!  You will have more fun if you know your limits and bring appropriate gear (water, snacks, etc.).

It's a great way to get a workout in, see the spectacular views, and connect with the people you are hiking with on the trail.  We are planning to go back in a couple weeks.

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  Mt Woodson hike with my boys.

  Mt Woodson hike with my boys.

7/8/2015

For the love of selfies, Mount Woodson Trail aka The Potato Chip Rock is the only reason why people attempt this hike.

If you choose to do this hike, be prepared! You will sweat, be 10 shades darker, and if you finish and are willing to wait, take your well-deserved picturesque potato-y shots. It is a shadeless, uphill climb for a rock formation that resembles a potato chip.

Once you are done hiking upward, you have to either jump over a ledge or climb over to get to the actual Potato Chip. If the hike won't kill you, that little obstacle course might. jk. For the plyometric-ly deprived, there was a mini-Potato Chip Rock along the trail that required little to no athletic skills. lol.

Over the years, The Potato Chip Rock seemed to grow in popularity. Before it's current chippy form, supposedly it was just one giant boulder and a part of it just fell off over time. This "geological oddity" draws in ridiculously long lines of people waiting to take a photo on it.  Who knows how much attention this damaged stone can withhold; I'm just praying that I'm not the person on it when the rest of the rock decides to give in. The endless insecurities that would create... lol.

Anyway, bring plenty of water, sunscreen and your selfie stick. Only the lord knows what would happen if you should forget the selfie stick. lol.

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  2015 - Mini Potato Chip.

  2015 - Mini Potato Chip.

7/13/2015

I am not entirely sure where the paid parking is, but my friends and I successfully and easily parked for free. We got to the trail around 4PM, and I do not know why I expected it to be crowded, but nobody was there. I picked up a map at the ranger station in the parking lot. It was incredibly vague and did not even show the trail - basically directions to the trailhead.

The beginning of the hike was lovely as we walked around the lake. It got relatively steep, but I would not call the hike difficult, especially for people accustomed to hiking. Nevertheless there were signs warning us to carry two liters of water. I had 1.5 and finished the hike with half a liter left  (which probably put me at risk for dehydration but I felt fine). Anyways, brining two liters could never hurt. The scenery was very interesting. There were giant rounded boulders spotting the desert brush landscape. Also, you could see very far - all the way to the ocean.

The hike to Potato Chip Rock was 95% uphill, but that means the hike back was 95% downhill. It was relatively hard hiking there, but coming down took a split second compared to the way there. The trail was very sandy so I kept slipping on the way down. I really enjoyed the trek, but one of my friends ended with a migraine and had some difficulty on the way up the mountain. Walking down at dusk made it hard to see the trail, but alas, we survived.

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  overlooking the lake

  overlooking the lake

7/16/2015

WARNING: not for the faint hearted ones... and must hike before 6am during the summer.  

I am fortunate to have weekdays off and I couldn't imagine doing this hike on a weekend.

Breakdown: summer time, bring at least 2L of H2O for each person, trust me u will need it.. barely any shaded areas to rest and trust when I say u will need it, it's a tough climb uphill and it becomes steeper as u get to the top. I seriously thought about giving up numerous times... we started the hike at 10am on a Tuesday and it was a mistake... i honestly dont know what we were thinking...the sun was beaming and it felt like hell...I believe around noon, it was around 85 deg...felt like it was never ending just to get to the top, but I made it!! I got there looked at the potato chip rock and was like..."meeeh".. I was too exhausted that I took a pic from a far and refused to jump about 6 feet just to get to the rock to take pics ....lol....I don't need a pic to prove I made it to the top, my friends were evidence enough to see me...lol

Going down the hill took less time but could be dangerous, u will meet gravel, tons of rock formations from very tiny to gigantic ones and the pull of gravity and momentum can be an enemy as u try and not eat shit or sprain an ankle or 2 ..

PS...DON'T BRING UR DOGS OR OLDER/YOUNGER PEOPLE, they may not survive the heat during the summer time.....about 8 miles round trip

I am willing to hike this mountain again...in the winter time starting around 5am.....never ever in the summer....

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  Me overlooking the trails

  Me overlooking the trails
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  The girls

  The girls
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  Potato chip rock...empty.. surprise!!!

  Potato chip rock...empty.. surprise!!!

7/8/2015

Loved it and hated it. Make sure whoever you're going with is fully aware of what they're in for! Otherwise, it's going to feel like a huge struggle. Bring plenty of water, sunblock, snacks, and a cap/hat!

It took us a little less than 3.5 hrs, plus about an hour waiting at the rock for pictures. Geez it was surprisingly scary getting on that rock. You have to make a small jump onto the Potato Chip Rock and shimmy down off of the rock when you're done. If you want good pictures, you'll need to ask someone at the bottom  to take your pictures for you. Please don't be those obnoxious people who take a million poses at the rock! Come on, guys! Also, I had wanted to do some cool yoga poses and/or jumping pictures. Changed my mind as soon as I got up there! Too scary. Good for you if you were able to do those crazy poses up there!!!

6/27/2015

I have hiked Mt Woodson several times over the past 5 or 6 years. It's a great hike! It's a little challenging so I do feel it's a good work out and I'm not on a leisurely hike, but it's also not too hard where I know I can finish it and not be hurting the following day.

The reason for 4 stars and not 5, is that through the years, this hike has gained increasing popularity.  The trails are very busy and unless you have a lot of free time on your hand, the wait now to take a picture at the potatoes chip can be a bit a bit long to wait in, at least on the weekends. I've hiked this trail recently with newbies and they too do not want to wait in the long line for a picture. I'm not sure how long the wait is, but I would would say about 30 mins and that depends on how many pictures each group stays up there to take.

Also in the summer time it can get pretty hot in Poway. I try to get at least part way up before the fog layer goes away, so that's usually starting around 7am. I have seen many people start when I'm already on the way down, so it is possible, just very hot and you probably will need a lot of extra water. In terms of shade, there are a few places to stop and rest for a bit, but a lot of the actual trail will be out in the sun.

Parking now (not sure when they started) is $5, but free for military. On holidays I have seen the lot full and people have had to park a ways out. People come not just to hike, but fish, paddle boat, or have a picnic/BBQ outside.

There are a lot of great views while hiking, so plenty of photo ops. Great hike overall. I would definitely recommend!

6/24/2015

Selfie-lovers take note: if you've ever wanted an awesome photo atop a potato chip-like rock, then this is the trail for you!

What makes this trail difficult is 1) the lack of shade and 2) the constant incline.  There are few moments where the trail levels off, so if you're out of shape, it may take you extra time to make it to the top.  Once you reach the open area with the picnic tables, you're about 1/3 of the way to the top.  It may seem like farther; it really isn't. But, don't be discouraged!  If you've made it at least partway up the mountain, then you owe it to yourself to finish.  Once you see the radio tower, you'll know that you're just about done.  Most of the trail features sweeping views of the surrounding areas and some massive boulders to climb on/around if you have extra time.  Depending on your level of fitness, I would estimate anywhere from 1-2 hours to reach the top.  Or, if you're crazy, you might be able to run up and down the trail multiple times in that same period like the intense trail runner who passed us 3-4 times.  Signs along the trail recommend 2 liters of water per person, but you could probably get by with slightly less.

Potato Chip Rock itself isn't as intimidating as it looks, but it nevertheless is a sight to behold, thanks in part to everyone's efforts to pose in creative, funny ways.  Thanks to proper framing and cropping, most photos make it look narrower and higher than it actually is.  I would estimate that it is approximately 2-3 feet wide and 30-40 feet above the ground. There is usually a line at Potato Chip Rock for photos, so budget that into your travel time.  Although we had planned to arrive earlier, we ultimately made it to the top at noon.  The line for photographs was approximately 1 hour, but since I was in good company, it didn't seem too long.  Start early if you want to avoid longer lines.  It does take some time for each person to get onto the Potato Chip, as you're required to push off from one rock to another.  Some people jump, but if you aren't balanced, then your knees will slam into the rock.  Getting down from the Potato Chip requires your to wedge yourself between the two rocks and shimmy down.  NOTE: This is one place where it doesn't hurt to be friendly, as you'll need to coordinate who will take your photos.  Ask the people in front of you to take your group photo before sending a friend down to take the rest!  

According to some of the hikers we met at the summit, there are two routes to Potato Chip Rock.  Most people, like us, seemed to follow the route beginning at Lake Poway and hiking 3.75-4 miles up the mountain (7.5-8 miles roundtrip).  If you begin here, you will need to pay $5 per car to park.  There are, however, several bathrooms with running water and a snack shop to stock up on food and drink.  The lake is beautiful, and I could imagine this would be a great place to have a picnic after a long hike.  The alternative, shorter (2 mile one way?) route apparently is just off CA-67 by the fire station.

In short, this is a fun hike with ample opportunities for cool photos.  While this certainly isn't the hardest hike I've ever done, it is moderately strenuous, so come prepared!

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  Potato Chip Rock

  Potato Chip Rock

2/18/2015

Mt. Woodson Trail will take you to the Potato Chip Rock~

* YES - Approx. 7-mile roundtrip hike, majority is only INCLINES from starting point
* YES - Beautiful views of Poway and the lake from the top
* YES - Expect 20+ minute wait for pictures on the "potato chip"
* EEK - There is large space between boulder & the "chip"...may have to jump or have someone help you across
* EEK - Descent from the "chip" is pretty steep in between the rocks.  One of our hiking companions scraped some skin when slippin' down...be careful
* YES - Pet-friendly, saw lots of small & large dogs on hike (must be leashed)
* YES - Hikers are friendly...strangers are willing to help take your pic if you ask, pay-it-forward manners here
* YES - Dusty, rocky hiking trail

* WOA (words of advice):
- Recommend starting hike before 8am, it gets really hot anytime thereafter
- $5 cash large lot was about 95% full by 8am (plan accordingly)
- Bathroom on-site near parking lot, only 1 port-a-pottie near start of trail
- Bring LOTS of water, wear sunblock & hat, bring snacks

Now...for some real potato chips to replenish...

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  Tree "rest stop"

  Tree "rest stop"
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• See all photos from Sandee T. for Mount Woodson Trail

7/9/2015

Nice hike, wide trail, slow incline.  Much less crowded than Cowles... Till you get to the top and there's an hour long wait to get on the famous rock.  There are plenty of other great photo ops and rocks to stand on if you don't want to wait.   Been twice but still have yet to go early enough or on a weekday to get a picture! Apparently there's a shorter back way too, the main trail took us about 3 hrs up and back.

Just FYI, there was a parking small fee last time we went.

8/11/2015

This is one of my favorite hike in SoCal! It is a really fun hike to do with a group of friends or family members, don't get me wrong this hike is no walk in the park, I cuss like a sailor all the way up, but the view along the way is to die for. I would consider myself am amateur hiker, but I always make it to the top and back so if I can do it so can you.

Some word of advice:
- Hike early! There isn't a lot of shades around & if you come late you will have to wait in line just to take a picture next to the chip rock. Last time we hike at 9 and waited 30-40 minutes just for a picture.
- I prefer to hike this during the fall/winter/spring but not summer because you will have to be extra early to beat the early birds to the chip rock and its REALLY HOT during summer.
- wearing sunscreen or risk having an awful tan/sunburn (my friends learned it to hard way, HA!)
- BRING LOTS OF WATER! & snack, but mainly water. Trust me, you will thank me later.
- $5 parking
- most importantly, just enjoy! The view is spectacular here and that is the main reason why I always go back.

I recommend this trail to everyone.

7/6/2015

This hike was not nearly as hard as I had thought it was going to be. It may be because we started at like 9 so the full force of the sun was not out yet. But there's only one like half mile that was pretty difficult near the top but other than that this hike is totally do-able. It was great.
It said it was $5 for parking but no one was even in the booth so we didn't have to pay anything. There's a few ports-potty options in the very beginning but nothing after that until you get back down. It also takes about 3/4 a mile to get from parking to the actual trailhead.

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  But then it brightened up.

  But then it brightened up.
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  It was super cloudy this morning so you couldn't see down from the summit.

  It was super cloudy this morning so you couldn't see down from the summit.
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• See all photos from Melanie D. for Mount Woodson Trail

6/24/2015 Updated review

Update: On our first hike, we achieved our goal by reaching the Potatoe Chip Rock, but we left the hike with no evidence because of the inclimate weather. We were unable to jump on to the Potatoe Chip Rock because it was slippery.
We were determined to hike through the Woodson Trail starting at 6am with the forecast predicting 80-90 degrees. The amount of sun really changes the challenge of this hike.
The best tips to consider are simple: wear hiking shoes instead of running shoes (a very fit girl twisted her ankle on running shoes); take some hard candy like jolly ranchers or blow pops to give your body a recharge when your huffing and puffing; and take plenty of ice cold, water.
This time around we had awesome pictures of the Potatoe Chip Rock.

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  This trail and unusual rock formation captured my eye.

  This trail and unusual rock formation captured my eye.
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  Make sure to stay on the Mt. Woodson trail in order to get to the Potatoe Chip.

  Make sure to stay on the Mt. Woodson trail in order to get to the Potatoe Chip.
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  Lake Poway

  Lake Poway

1/15/2015

Location: It's relatively easy to find, northeast of Poway right off Espola Rd. Entrance will be the same as the Lake Poway entrance.

Parking: There is ample parking space inside the gates right by the lake, but there is a $5 fee for non-Poway residents on weekends and holidays.

Distance: Depending on where you start, the distance back and forth, is about 7 miles, give or take.

Difficulty: Mt. Woodson hike is one of the more difficult  hikes in San Diego, because of distance,  elevation gain, and the rocky terrain. It's definitely more difficult than both iron mountain and cowles mountain. I can say it's not for beginners, but if you're fit and active, you will be able to do it. Just know your body, your limits, and when to stop and turn around if you need to. There's no use risking your health or safety just to have the coveted picture on potato chip rock! Or is it? Jk, no it's not.

Necessities: You will need a comfortable pair of shoes that have good traction, or you will slip and hurt yourself. You will need to bring plenty of water, especially on hot summer days. It's better to bring more and have leftover, than to run out during you hike and get dehydrated. You will need to apply some sort of skin protection, since you will be under direct sunlight for most of the hike. Some things you can bring but aren't necessary: light snacks, sunglasses, hat.

Hike: During the hike, you will have plenty of nice views, including a full view of Lake Poway, panoramic views of Poway, and a good part of Ramona. Going up, about midway, you will see a big tree that gives plenty of shade over big boulders. This is a good resting area, and also provides a good view of highway 67 and it's surroundings.

Potato chip rock: There are a few ways to get up to the actual rock. You can climb up the adjacent rock and hop down to the rock that connects to the chip. Or you can scale the side of the rock and wedge yourself in between the two rocks. I found the former to be the easier of the two. As this hike grew in popularity,  so did the long lines to climb on the potato chip rock. You will have to wait 20 to 30 minutes most days, to be able to take your pictures. People are always nice here, so we usually have someone in line take our pictures once we get up there.

Overall: One of my favorite hikes in SD, and will always be coming back here.

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• See all photos from Alvin B. for Mount Woodson Trail

2/27/2015

At the end of a rainbow is a pot of gold. At the end of Mount Woodson trail is the Potato Chip rock.

I've bookmarked this trail for quite a while and was really excited to finally get a chance to visit the potato chip rock. My friend was even more excited, chanting "Potato chip! Potato chip!" at 6AM. Oh, morning people..

A group of us decided to hit the trail bright and early at 7:30AM, anticipating a large crowd since it's a popular hike. It was a good idea starting early since the trail has minimal shade and can get pretty sunny midday.

There's a $5 pass you'll need to purchase at the gate that's waived if you're a Poway resident or are currently serving. From the parking lot it's a mile trek before you reach the start of the trail. Enjoy the view of Poway Lake because it's all uphill from there on (2000 ft elevation). There are a few switchbacks and lots of steps as you near the top. It took us 2hrs to get to the potato chip rock. It's quite a workout!

Our initial reaction was, "Wait, that's it?!" The potato chip rock looks smaller than we expected but it's still a great photo op especially with the scenic backdrop. So we waited in line for 20min to snap a few pictures. People get pretty creative in some of the poses including eating potato chips while on the potato chip rock so get there early or be prepared to wait!

The return trip was much easier and took us about 1.5hrs. It was quite sunny though and the trail is rather dusty. I was thirsty but didn't want to drink too much water because other than the restrooms at the parking lot, the only port-a-potties are near the start of the trail. After completing the 8 mile hike in 3.5hrs, we sure enough worked up an appetite and feasted afterwards at Stone Brewery!

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  Lake Poway

  Lake Poway

12/26/2014

Bring plenty of water!  I made the mistake of going on this hike without enough water so learn from my mistake!

This trail, also called "potato chip rock" leads about 7 miles through hilly and rocky terrain to a thin, potato chip shaped rock. It's a perfect photo opportunity and great to finally get there after a strenuous hike!

Sun protection is also a must.... The majority of the trail is in full sun.

There are some beautiful views along this hike to enjoy. Definitely make sure you leave enough time though as the gates to the parking area do close at night.

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  View from the first 1-2 miles of the trail!

  View from the first 1-2 miles of the trail!

6/3/2015

A moderate to difficult hike that has the fun photograph opportunity at the top that makes this a worthwhile trip!

I am a pretty experienced hiker and I would have to say that this trail is an intermediate hike.  What makes this hike difficult is the fact that there is no shade and there is a consistent uphill climb for a majority of the trail.  However, that interesting potato chip rock like formation at the end of this trail as well as the view you get, makes it pretty fun.

At the address given for this hike, you will need to first pay $5 to park the car.  If you are going with a group, I highly recommend carpooling!  Ideally, you want to park as close to the visitor center as possible because you will be thankful at the end of the hike when you are tired that you don't have to walk as far.  

The beginning of the hike is starts near the visitor center with a nice view of Lake Poway.  As you continue, the trail starts to get more steep and rocky.  As I mentioned earlier, for the most part, the hike is NOT shaded.  Thankfully, the major landmark that let's you know you are a little more than halfway to the top is a nice big tree located off to the side.  You will know when you are close to the top when you see the radio towers at the top of the mountain.

Once you get to the top, you will see the line of people for pictures at the potato chip.  It does require climbing up one rock and then from there getting on to the actual rock with the potato chip.  It is not really easy getting from that one rock to the other.  Some people just jump and others go off to the side, extend their legs until they get footing, and then propel themselves up.  

The two times I have gone everyone is generally nice about taking pictures.  It is usually nice to get pictures from two angles:  one at the bottom of the rock and another from the rock itself so it is nice to be friendly with the people in front and behind you in line.  For the actual photo, people do all crazy things!  If you do not have any ideas of what to do, you can always check out the photos on yelp or instagram and the hashtag #potatochiprock or the Potato Chip Rock location.

As I mentioned several times, the hike does not have a lot of shade; therefore, I would highly recommend brining plenty of water with you or go as soon as possible.  Another reason why going earlier on in the day is best is because the line for the photos tend to get longer later on in the day.  The last time I went, I had to wait almost one hour when I got there around 11:30am.

Overall, this is a strenuous hike but at least at the end, you will get a fun picture out of it to share with your friends!

6/14/2015

Great hike level 7 ...incline :)
Need to bring tons of waters we went when was 81 degrees....we saw a rattle snake ....
Amazing views ....8 mile Roundtrip worth it
We went from Downey on a party bus and had a blast at hike n bus :)

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  Group

  Group

6/5/2015

Hardest hike I've ever done!! People who are going down from the hike are very nice, they encourage you, and let you know that you are almost at the rock. This is a tough hike, be prepared to get dark, and stay hydrated !! The hike is defiantly possible.

Ps. Don't tell someone they are almost there when in fact they are still 4 miles away from the rock...

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  Casually drinking beer at potato chip rock.

  Casually drinking beer at potato chip rock.
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  A lil pogo stick

  A lil pogo stick
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  Made it!!

  Made it!!

3/19/2015

This is a great trail ONLY if you hit it mid week right when the gates open in the morning! I was there at O' dark thirty & we beat the crowds! We saw 4 other people on the way up (@ 6am) & about 60 on our way down!!

Trail starts off on a gravel road then narrows to a regular trail in about 1.5 - 2 miles.

The trail offers gorgeous views of coastal scrub with huge boulders & low lying oak. There is some shade from tall bushes & bluffs but not forested.

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• See all photos from Dawn B. for Mount Woodson Trail

4/28/2015

I am an athlete, and sweet baby Jesus, it handed my booty back to me.

I went with a group of friends, of all levels, and here is what I recommend:
-Bring more than one bottle of water per person
-Bring snacks if you are waiting to take a picture
-Make friends that will take the picture for you (nothing is more awkward than asking people to take a picture of you when you are already at the top, so we planned ahead)
-WEAR SUNSCREEN!!!!!! I am still trying to even out this nasty tan I got that night. I went out that night to the Gaslamp, and let me tell you, my tan was not cute with the outfit I had on that night. ugh,, ,
-Don't wear flat surfaced shoes. Please wear shoes with a little more grip than free-runs. I cannot tell you how many people I saw slip coming down.

Other than that, I absolutely loved the hike. I like hikes for the challenge,  while I know that others only like hikes for a certain view. This hike gives you both.

12/24/2014

I'm an avid hiker. I can say that this is one of the more rewarding hikes that I've had. It's not for the view-which is just okay. It's more for the fun workout and steepness. It's definitely going to get you feeling like you had a proper workout.

I got there early to avoid lines and the sun, and there weren't many people on the trail, probably more so because of the holiday period. It took me two hours round trip for this 7+ mile hike, and I had no line waiting for me when I reached the top to the potato chip rock. What I didn't know was that the potato chip rock is elevated-so you may need assistance getting onto it and away from it. This especially applies if you are short like I am, 5'2. I ended up jumping because I had no way to slowly lower myself down, and I ended up doing a pullup back onto the rock. I was thanking the heavens for my arm strength or else I would've been stuck there until some other hiker came along. I also think my rock climbing skills came into play. Whew.

On the way down, I had to alternate between coming down backwards and forwards since it was too heavy on my knees-super steep!

All in all, it's a great hike for the workout but not so much for the view or for the potato chip photo. Still, I'll be back if I'm in the area!

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  12/24/14-8:02am

  12/24/14-8:02am

1/13/2015

This hike is pretty difficult especially for beginners but I love it! It's approximately 7.5 miles up and down. It usually takes me about 2-3 hours to finish the whole hike. The view of the lake before the hike is amazing. There are a lot of different activities you can do there (fishing, scenery watching, picnics, ex). The hike itself, however, has a lot of cool rocks, boulders and trees! The potato chip at the end of the hike is definitely worth it! But the line to take a picture can be extremely long sometimes.

What you should bring:
- Lots of water
- Sunscreen
- Comfortable running shoes

11/12/2014

We didn't want to do a long 6 mi hike so we started our trek up the backside here for a 4 mi hike up a paved fire road:

Mt Woodson CDF Fire Station
16200 Hwy 67
Ramona, CA

The hike is relatively steep but not unbearable. I would call it an advanced beginner/intermediate hike and there with a lot of hikers walking up in street clothes unlike me with my full hiking getup and hiking poles. There are a lot of great views and it was totally worth getting a picture on the potato chip rock even with the long line on Saturday. We could even see the coastline and downtown SD from the top. Jumping down to the rock and getting out again may be intimidating so don't hesitate to ask for help or hurt yourself.

Definitely a must do hike at least once for your picture on the Chip!!!

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  Turtle on Chip

  Turtle on Chip
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  Getting down the alternate way

  Getting down the alternate way
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  Great for groups but it vibrates

  Great for groups but it vibrates
• See all photos from Ian L. for Mount Woodson Trail

4/25/2015

Steep hike.  On a hot day wear a hat, sun block, water, water, water.  And yes there are snakes!

Hiked with my 7 year olds old, it was a struggle.  Took us almost 4 hours.

Pretty views, we got a nice breeze down.

Also 2 portable bathrooms near the lake.  Nothing after that.

Also dogs allowed.  Bring your camera for the potato chip rock! It's pretty awesome & yes if you slip off.. You'll probably break your neck!
It's a steep one!!

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• See all photos from Crystal M. for Mount Woodson Trail

5/11/2015

I usually hike for the scenery and bonding with my friends. So we challenged ourselves and made this a Girls Weekend getaway hike. First mistake...we went out the night before to the Gaslamp District. Too much fun and we paid for it during the hike. Real troopers but we had no clue this hike would be nearly 10 miles. We expected 7 and with the incline we felt all 10.Definitely bonded though because it took us about 4 hours (including photo time) to complete it.

We headed up about 8AM. Parking is $5 but on that Sunday, the booth wasn't open so the park ranger told us to just go up. Therefore no ticketing risks.

Great views. The view of Lake Poway is amazing! Plenty of photo ops and of course the infamous potatoe chip had a line with a wait time of about 30-40 mins. A great resting point so no complaints from me. Going up as you wait in line you stand on a rock and then to get across you have to jump to the next rock. Somewhat scary and if tall you can basically step down in between the rocks and push off to get across. Once you do that it's not as frightening on the actual potato chip.

Now getting down is the scary part. You literally have to slide down between rocks to get back across. The line is forming behind you so you don't go back the way you came. Waiting in line, you get so amused watching people go up that you don't focus much on watching them return. I'd definitely recommend wearing long pants to avoid any scrapes. My crew made it with no problems, but I was nervous the entire slide down.

A great experience. Everyone on the trail was nice, uplifting one another..."You're almost there!" Once in route you aspire to see the potato chip so giving up. Just be sure to take snacks, water, shoes with good tractions, and long pants. Early is better to avoid a long wait in the line for pictures plus you don't want to be up there at the peak of the heat.

I truly felt a sense of accomplishment. Now that I know what to expect I'm not sure how eager I'd be to do it again, only because the suspense of seeing and trying something new is what I look for when choosing hiking trails. Plus I'm not a local so to drive an hour and a half away and start up the trail early would require overnight provisions too.  I'd strongly recommend it for a group bonding exercise. I wouldn't recommend it for small kids. Too intense and very easy to slip along the trail. Even though it said 7 miles, we clocked it at 9.54 miles and an elevation of 2,247 feet. A great workout!

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  Beautiful view of Lake Poway as we started out on the trail.

  Beautiful view of Lake Poway as we started out on the trail.
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  We're there and now it's time to get back across.

  We're there and now it's time to get back across.
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  Waiting to get across to the potatoe chip. Great time with my girls!

  Waiting to get across to the potatoe chip. Great time with my girls!
• See all photos from Viv S. for Mount Woodson Trail

10/19/2014

Lake Poway is very easy to find and it's a straight shot; no long drives up winding roads for this awesome hike.  
There is ample parking.  
They have a snack bar with beer - a great reward post hike.

STOP!  Don't attempt if you are out of shape!
STOP!  Don't go in the middle of the day when it is scorching hot!
STOP!  If you only have 1L of water!

I finished.  I huffed and puffed my way up but I finished.  

I started my hike at noon and it was unbearably hot.  I left my camelbak at home and was only able to carry one liter of water.  I had to ration my water like it was the last drop of water with each sip.  

The views are amazing.  Totally worth almost dying (from either heat stroke/prolonged tachycardia).  A cool picture is soooo worth dying over.

This hike is no joke so come prepared.

Alltrails says this hike is 7.2 miles
Local hikes say this hike is 6.4 miles

I am leaning towards the latter.

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  Pole stand

  Pole stand
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  I'm strong...hanging on with 3 fingers

  I'm strong...hanging on with 3 fingers
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  Too hot for a hike

  Too hot for a hike
• See all photos from Jannis W. for Mount Woodson Trail

5/19/2015

Great hike. Trails are very well kept. Wasn't too crowded on a Monday afternoon in spring.

Came in from Blue Sky Reserve which makes the round trip 12 miles. The first part of the hike through the reserve is nice, flat, wooded, and shady. It's a mile or so and a great warm up.

Next you hike up to Lake Poway. This is the first incline. It's short, maybe a half mile, but steep. You walk right up beside the dam which is pretty neat. At the top it levels out and you walk half way around the lake about a mile. Here there is a fork where you can continue around the lake or begin the assent to Mt. Woodson.

Going up is pretty steep for about four miles. This is where I started to feel the burn. Incredible views of the county, rock formations, and lake below. Finally at the top and more spectacular views. Potato chip rock is all the rage. Lots of crazy huge antennas everywhere. Many great places to rest or have a picnic.

Once back at Lake Poway you finish going around the second half. This takes you back down to Blue Sky.

Took us a little over 5 hours. Really long, great hike. If you're bringing a dog don't forget water.

7/19/2015

Great hike. My first hike in some time. Probably should have taken more water because it was a hot day and it's amazing how fast your water disappears when it's hot. Up one way and it is almost 8 miles. Up the other way and it's about 4 plus. Either way you go, your butt may hurt the next day from the fabulous incline. But the views are so worth it.

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  Cool rock!

  Cool rock!
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  What a beautiful view!

  What a beautiful view!
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  These crazy kids were biking up the short side of the mountain.

  These crazy kids were biking up the short side of the mountain.
• See all photos from Jackie G. for Mount Woodson Trail

7/11/2015

I DID IT!!!! I climbed a mountain!! This trail is about 7 miles roundtrip and its not easy! Mostly incline, and not smooth. Lots of stairs made out of rocks the last mile. Look for the rest stop of the big shady tree, which marks the 2/3 of the way. Like so many other reviews said take LOTS of water. I got there at 6 30 am and walked up in the shade. I barely made it with a lot of break stops, so I can't imagine what the people on the way up were thinking at 11 am. It gets HOT!!
So why would I put myself through the misery of doing it? Because, like I said I climbed a mountain! The energy as you reach the top is contagious as you hear the crowds cheering. There is a huge comradery at the top where everyone is literally feeling on top of the world! HUGE adrenaline rush as you climb out on to the rock to take your picture.
 One more warning is going down is more dangerous then going up due to wanting to go down faster when its still gravely. Yes, my foot slid and I have a scraped knee so watch your step! Will come back later to upload MY pic of the infamous potato chip rock! Glad to be a California girl and to knock this off my bucket list.

10/18/2014

Also known as the Potato Chip Rock hike.  I really enjoyed this hike.  This is the hardest hike I've done in California so far.  Here's a couple of things I learned from my experience:

-PARKING:  Parked along a major street. Followed this dirt/sand road with the sign (HIKE).

-UPHILL: It's about 3.5-4 miles up to the potato chip rock.  It is straight uphill from the beginning.  No joke. Took us about an hour and half to get up top.  We took breaks in the shade from the rocks and trees.

-BRING WATER: I went in a group of four people.  We brought five water bottles and two gatorades.  It wasn't enough.  Sure we went at noon when it was 90 degrees out, so I guess we kind of asked for it.

-PHOTOS: Have one person stay behind to help take your photos and switch.  The area doesn't allow for a casual throw of a phone to help each other take pics. There is usually a line.  Once you're there, the potato rock itself is small.  It definitely looks more epic in pictures than in person.

-POTATO CHIP ROCK: It was pretty damn hard to get to.  I'm 5'4" and I needed help haha. To get to the rock you need to climb onto a big rock (which wasn't too hard because there was a ledge you could use to get up) and then climb down the rock you just climbed to get to the base of the potato chip's rock.  That climb down is more like a three feet drop/jump.  I climbed onto my cousin's back after he jumped.  It's really intimidating and even when you jump, your jumping INTO an incline (which you can easily hurt your ankle) not a flat ground. Going back, I stepped onto my cousins bent leg as a step to get to the rock and then I was able to climb down. I am so injury prone, so definitely feel free to ask for help.  A lot of the short people and girls needed it...glad I wasn't the only one!

-DOWNHILL: The trip down was so much faster.  Our group didn't need a break at all.  Took about 30 minutes to get down.

I'd love to do this again because it's such a great workout, but the hassle of getting on to and off the rock isn't worth it do me to do over and over.  Definitely worth at least once though!

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  Top of the Rock with Bailey.

  Top of the Rock with Bailey.

3/23/2015

Absolutely awesome hike, but I seriously suggest you don't do this hike in the height of the summer heat. It will kick your azz if you do. As it was, I was huffen and puffen a bit to say the least.

The Mt Woodson trail starts 1/4 of the way through the Poway Lake Loop. The first mile is a fairly normal ascent going up in altitude a few hundred feet with a long fairly flat stretch in it. If you go early in the day this will likely be shrouded in the mist. Just don't talk about Stephen King's book The Mist or the movie of the same name and you will be fine. This section is essentially a fireroad and thus its wide and manageable without any issues. There are also some trashcans and a picnic table in this part of the hike.

The second mile is the killer. This will take you up to the ridgeline that leads to Mt Woodson. WOW. You are rising up about 1300-1500 feet in a single mile. So expect that every step is a stairmaster step. In addition to that, factor in the lack of shade and its a recipe for HOT as HELL. There are a couple of large boulders that may give a miniature amount of shade and a single tree at about the 3/4 mile mark that you can rest under for a bit along with a ton of other weary up and downhill hikers.

Pro Tip: BRING lots of WATER for your DOGGIES! They will need it a lot and something for them to drink out of. Do not bring midget dogs either as they are numerous areas that you will need to carry them up, unless they can hop up rocks 1.5' multiple times and are in great shape. I saw one guy carrying a small dog and another guy with two weinerdogs that was constantly lifting them over parts of the trail.

The third mile is along the ridgeline. This was by far the easiest section as you got a breeze to help you kewl down since your sweat  was able to give a great cooling effect. There is also the fact that they had a great view from along the ridgeline. You can see forever in multiple directions. I always love this part. But the ridgeline was a fairly easy trail to trek along.

Then at the end you have Potato Chip Rock and a rock with a pole sticking out of it next to it. There is also a huge antennae array on top of this hill for radio, tv, or just communication towers.

The return trip is a million times easier than the way up. Definitely something wonderful to experience and I suggest you check this hike out as the endpoint is well worth it. Enjoy the hike my friends...

7/14/2015

This is a hard hike if you don't train regularly. You need to bring enough water (2 lts. minimum) sunblock, and food to refuel your energy. Try to plan your hike in a cool day, because it tends to be really hot. I climbed it yesterday and still feel sore. Dont take advice lightly, train before climbing it!!

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  Getting down the potato!

  Getting down the potato!
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  At the potato chip rock

  At the potato chip rock

7/9/2015

We made it to potatoe chip rock!  Coming from Orange County it was about an hr and 15 minute drive to make it to the location, but totally worth it.  After thinking the the hike trail head was placed right in front of us and easily accessible(by the park), we realized that it was a lot further than we had thought after making a circle around the lake.  After trying to figure it all out via my fellow Yelpers we decided to come to our senses and ask the park ranger for information at the Information center, located to the left of the park. There we were greeted and given a map of the surrounding area and snagged some candy that was laying around in the office before the trip.  Before letting us go on our way the ranger laughed at us for wanting to complete the 8 mile hike after 2pm and suggested the shorter route, which is a total of 4 miles of intense uphill action.  This trail is an uphill trail and is hardly shaded so prepare to get at least 5 to 10 shades darker.  Once you make it to the potatoe chip its such a rewarding moment that you HAVE to take a picture on the rock. Make sure to think of what you're pose will be, because you don't get more than 5 minutes on the rock.  The day that I went the line moved pretty quickly (we waited about 15 minutes), yes unfortunately there is a line, and be prepared to wait longer on weekends.  This hike welcomes all skill levels, although it can be semi-challenging.  All and all it is an exciting hike , so enjoy you adventure junkies!

Suggestions:

-Get there early!  The earlier the better so you can beat the heat, crowds, and the getting lost factor.

-H20 yourself or else no potatoe chip for you.

-Getting on the rock is a little tricky, just keep your eyes peeled.

-Think about your pose that you will do on the rock while on your hike and in line for the picture. Be creative!

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  Hanging on the edge of potatoe chip rock

  Hanging on the edge of potatoe chip rock

4/6/2015

I've been to Potato Chip Rock several times, and I've learned a few key things during my hikes.

One: Water and sunscreen. If you set out after 10am during spring-summer, the heat is going to be BRUTAL. There are sometimes warning signs that tell you to bring at least 2L of water. I usually can make do with 1L or less. There's also a certain part of the trail where

Two: The line up to the rock is long. Expect at least half an hour.

Three: Getting down from the rock might be tricky if you don't have sufficient traction on your shoes. The last time I went up the rock, I was wearing cross country shoes instead of trail shoes, and I ended up sliding my last few meters when I was getting off the rock. Scrapped up my elbow and back, and it was not a good experience.

Four: The downhill is nearly as bad as the uphill. I have bad knees, and the downhill is harder for me than the uphill. On the other hand, it's easier to run down the mountain than walk down, because you're less likely to slip if you run. I know this sounds really contradictory, but it works for me.

Five: The trail is about 2.5 miles one way, but it often feels more like 5 miles one way. Try not to get lost at the various forks near the bottom of the trail. This happened once and I ended up hiking 12 miles instead of 5. Bad business, I tell you.

That's about it.

Oh right, it takes about 1.5 hrs to go from Lake Poway to the summit, and 1 hr to go back down to the bottom.

7/18/2015

Definitely not for beginners. Hiked this yesterday. I've been dieting and exercising to lose weight. After three months of working out faithfully. That wasn't enough exercise to prepare for this hike. But I did finish it. Made a goal to hike this, I was surprised I was able to finish in about four hours and twenty minutes. We started around eleven on a Friday. It was a perfect time, wasn't crowded at all. A bit hot though. About 85-90°. I would recommend this hike to anyone that is prepared. Make sure to bring lots of water with you

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  Myself and my three nephew's

  Myself and my three nephew's

2/23/2015

If you live in or around San Diego, are visiting friends in San Diego, or just have a desire to look like you know how to defy the laws of physics, take the trek up Mt. Woodson Trail to Potato Chip rock. If I remember correctly, it was about a 6 mile round trip and was absolutely worth the thigh and butt busting hike. Bring a little lunch and a lot of water because there will be a bit of a wait before you can have your picture taken on this fantastic SD landmark. I've seen shorter lines for rides at Six Flags. For those of you who love how descents and gravity work so well together, do what my friend and I did and book it down the mountain. Just be careful not to fall off it or run into anyone else and you could end up with a 5k  PR.

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  Leave only paw prints.

  Leave only paw prints.
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  Welcome to the Rock! Of the potato chip variety of course.

  Welcome to the Rock! Of the potato chip variety of course.
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  Goofing around coming down the trail. Do not try this at home.

  Goofing around coming down the trail. Do not try this at home.