mount woodson trail

This was a great hike, about 8 miles round trip. 40 minute drive from PB. At a good pace it took 2 hours to get to Mt. Woodson's summit, uphill the entire time, and going down we jogged for a bit so only took an hour. The Potato Chip Rock is on the top of the mountain that has a phone tower. It was surprisingly tricky to jump unto the rock itself but the pictures come out great.I recommend going early because going up that mountain with a 12pm sun is not pleasant. I got there at 8am, and by 12 i was getting back to my car. Plus, if you are there early you probably won't have to wait in line to get on the rock. Bring food and lots of water. The view is gorgeous the entire time.

Great hike for folks who want a challenge with a pay-off. We parked at Lake Poway parking lot, which worked out to about eight miles round-trip. Perfect for us as we wanted a substantive walk, not too far from San Diego. The ascent was relentlessly steep, but the trail was well marked and well worn. The Potato Chip Rock was better than I anticipated. We went early on a weekday so we only waited for one other couple to climb the rock and get our obligatory picture. Recommend walking light, as you will be carrying your gear uphill. Bring water, hat, sun-screen, sun glasses, comfortable sneakers (preferably with good tread) and a small camera. The vistas and Potato Chip Rock and are well worth the hike.

This hike is a great workout. The route to "Potato Chip Rock" is at an incline pretty much the whole way up. 4 miles up of pure incline, 4 easy miles down. I'd recommend heading out earlier in the day (I hear lines to take photos at the rock are shorter) and it gets hot. We left around noon and it climbed into the high 80s. There's also very little shade on this trial, so be prepared. Wear hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen! I'd recommend 3L water/person on a hot day. If you're not in great shape, there will be parts that are difficult, but the trail is wide so you can stop and rest and others can go around you without running into each other. Also, this is not a flip flop hike, wear decent shoes. C'mon! As other commenters mentioned, there's a decent spot halfway up where there is a large rock formation and some trees. It's a good spot to take a break, have a snack and some water and relax. The view is pretty nice from there as well. It's a good spot to give your pup a rest if you bring your dog. I saw several, though none were tiny dogs, just as an FYI. The views along the way are all beautiful, layering of the surrounding mountains, boulders on the nearby hillsides, some views of the water when you're lower down in the hike. And then there's Potato Chip Rock.Potato Chip Rock- that's why you're here, right? It's a cool photo op. You'll either have to have someone in your group stay behind to play photographer, or trust someone to wait for the picture. We did it both ways. It worked out decently to ask the people a couple turns in front of us if they would take our picture so they didn't have to hang around for us to wait in line. Speaking of...there's usually a line. We went in November so somewhat outside of the busiest time of year, and we waited about 10 minutes. You climb onto one rock while in line. From that rock, you have to jump to the next to take your photo (small crevice between them). It's all about balance and trusting your feet. Also, people will help you if you're scared. To get off the rock, you either come back the way you came from (more of an ordeal in my opinion since you're going against traffic) or you climb/slide down the steep side of the rock. Suggestion: know what pose you want before you stand up there so you don't waste 5 minutes having an argument with yourself like a crazy person. The way down is a breeze since it's all downhill. There's also a couple other rock formations you can climb on if you wanted. The trail itself is mostly just dirt, however you'll be climbing over some rocks. And thankfully, they've created little staircases along the way as well which is helpful. Other tips, keep your eyes out for snakes, it's prime habitat though we didn't see any in November. I saw people of all age ranges, kiddos to elderly, so you can do it! It just might take others more time, but the views are worth it! Also worth noting, it does cost money to park at the bottom. I'm not entirely sure what the amount was, but I know it was under $10. Bathrooms: there are a couple porta-potties near the beginning of the trail, but not so much after- so take notice unless you plan on going behind the bushes. Also, porta-potties can be disgusting. Lastly, have fun and enjoy!

Get a good workout as you climb more than 1000 vertical feet in 1 1/2 miles on a hike up to the peak of Mount Woodson. On certain days of the week you can expect a line of people waiting to get their photos taken atop Potato Chip Rock. Go in the evening or during a full moon and you'll have less company. The view is amazing. The shortest and steepest route to the peak is from Hwy 78. Do some research for other routes.

It's a great hike about 8 miles roundtrip from the Poway Lake parking lot. (Which cost money by the way). I suggest going early before it gets too hot. Also bring lots of water, some snacks, a hat, sunscreen and proper shoes. There is a nice little area about halfway up where you can rest for a few minutes. Be prepared to wait in line to take a photo on Potato Chip rock. Everyone is really helpful and friendly. People will ask you to take photos of them and hand you their expensive cameras and phones. Once someone asked me to hold their dog which I cheerfully obliged. My hubby and I walked briskly up then ran all the way down. I saw people of all ages doing this hike, so don't be discouraged. Just do it!

It's a steep hike up..bring enough water especially when it's hot. I recommend going early morning or weekdays, otherwise (if you want to get on the "Potato Chip Rock" that is) you might actually have to stand in line and mine was quite long. Then getting up to the rock will require an actual leap/jump over a crevice. Amazing views on top though. Enjoy. .and watch out for rattlesnakes, we saw 2 on our descent.

We hiked early Sunday morning and it was great! Started about 7'ish and finished around 9:45 am. We lingered at the top for a bit and watched people take pics. It would have been around 2-2.5 hrs. Early morning before the hot sun (even in September) was a great way to go. We brought water, snacks, sunglasses and hats. It gets busy on the weekend. $5 parking fee. Worth the trip up!

What a great hike. Great views along the way. Take water. It is about a 3000ft elevation. The hard part is not that it is difficult in terms of climbing rocks. It is just a tough uphill. It is an out and back trail round trip is 7.9 miles. Make sure you end up at potato chip rock. You have to jump a crevice to get to it and you'll get some great photos. Scary to me but I did it and I'm 50 so it can be done.

About an hour for ascent, 40 mins descent. So, about 2hrs, with 20 mins at the top.The views are great, be sure to start before the sun is up, if like me you prefer less people around and to avoid the heat. A small bottle of water should suffice. Carry a hat, shades and more water if you start late in the morning.

This hike is a challenge! However it is really pretty. It is uphill but the view from potato chip rock is marvelous! When the sun is setting there are huge spiders that come out so plan your trip wisely and timely. Make sure to bring extra water and snacks but it's a must do!

Great hike with amazing views at the top. I really enjoyed this place and look forward to making the climb again someday.

A quick day trip from San Diego for a hardy hike with great views at the end. Pack a bag and bring more water than you think you will need! Proper hiking shoes are also a must for this hike. Once you make it to the photo opportunity of Potato Chip Rock, where you may have to wait in line for your personal photo moment, there is not much above it and is basically your turn around point.To make a full day of it, you must stop at Bernardo Winery on the way home. (Address: 13330 Paseo Del Verano Norte, San Diego, CA 92128). This cute little village / winery even had chocolate tastings! We took our wine, sat in the field and felt rewarded for our our hard hike. We ate at the main restaurant and felt the prices were very fair.I have recommend this day out to many of my San Diego visitors!