Mount Woodson Trail (Potato Chip Rock)
Poway, CA
Free weekdays; $10 non-resident parking at Lake Poway weekends
By Simir Shah
★★★★★4.7(831 Google reviews)
What parents say
AI summary of 5 Google reviews — not a first-hand visit. How we write these
A long, steep hike. Reviewers put it around seven miles round trip and several hours, with boulder steps near the top and almost no shade, so it is not one for young children. Start early with plenty of water. The main trailhead is at Lake Poway, where non-residents pay to park at weekends.
Home to San Diego's most Instagrammed photo op — the thin sliver of granite you pose on for that floating-in-air shot. The full route from Lake Poway is a strenuous 7+ mile round trip with real elevation, so it's best for fit older kids and teens; start early to beat heat and crowds. Watch the clock — the Lake Poway gates close in late afternoon.
Happening near here
- San Diego Zoo Safari Park Autumn FestivalEscondido · 7 mi
- Poway Farmers MarketPoway · 4 mi · 8am–1pmFree
- Ramona Farmers' MarketRamona · 7 mi · 9am–1pmFree
- Welk Resort Certified Farmers' MarketEscondido · 10 mi · 3pm–7pmFree
Mount Woodson Trail, Poway, CA 92064, USA
Map
What visitors say
- Jim H★★★★★
Great trail up to mount Woodson and potato chip Rock. Start early, it gets hot. Take lots of water. Mid-week best for no lines at the chip. Lots of rock stairs.
7 months ago
- Casey M★★★★★
I love this trail. It's super scenic, has so many activities you can enjoy, is hard enough to get your blood pumping, and leave you sore the next day. To potato chip rock it's 8 miles round trip, takes about 2+ hours depending on your speed, but has many other trails if your looking for something more mellow, and less intense. 5 stars 🌟 but remember the main entrance is at Lake Poway.
a year ago
Showing 2 of 5 Google reviews · Read them all on Google Maps