Hiking Mt Woodson

Mt Woodson is another local hike in San Diego that is easily accessible, yet hiking its trail feels like an escape from civilization.

Potato Chip Rock, Mt Woodson

It is littered by giant boulder outcrops, and from the summit, one can enjoy the ocean-to-mountain views. Near the summit is the now famous Potato Chip Rock, which is the result of exfoliation and weathering. There are many ways to reach Potato Chip rock or the summit of Mt Woodson. The three different trailheads for this hike is what I will be sharing in this post. source: Afoot and Afield: San Diego County: A Comprehensive Hiking Guide

Best Time to Hike:  During the cooler months, November to May. If hiking in the summer, start early of the day, or choose the cooler days of summer, because most part of the hike is on exposed trail.

Option 1: Mt. Woodson from Lake Poway

Lake Poway from Mt. Woodson Trail

Mileage: approximately 7.2 miles roundtrip

Change in Elevation: 2300 ft gain and loss

Parking: Lake Poway Recreation Area Parking, there is parking fee of $5.00 for non-Poway residents during the peak months April- October.

Rolling Foothills, Mt Woodson Trail

Option 2(shortest route): Mt Woodson from Highway 67

@ the trailhead, from Highway 67

Mileage: 3.6 miles round trip

Change in Elevation: approximately 1200 ft

Parking: free parking Along Highway 67, 3 miles North of Poway Road, near the Ramona Fire Station

This is the best trail for those who wanted a shorter hike and less climb. 

Because of more boulders littering in this side of Mt Woodson, this trail is more popular for rock climbers. 

Yucca Flower and Boulders ( can you find the little girl rock climbing?)

The boulders here in Mt Woodson are pretty stable, 

nature always find its way to rest on its center of gravity. The boulders are remnants of rocks that has cooled below the Earth's surface. The cooling process contracted these rocks and produced cracks. Uplifting brought the rocks above the Earth's surface.

Spheroidal Rock Cleaved in Two

The larger boulders have a tendency to cleave apart, leaving a vertical, almost seamless face in one side of the rock. These type of rocks have become the delight of rock climbers. Mt Woodson has become the local San Diegan's popular place to practice bouldering, and other forms of rock climbing. 

Natural Rock Garden in Mt Woodson

Option 3(longest route): Mt. Woodson From Blue Sky Ecological Reserve

Oak and Wildflowers @ Blue Sky Ecological Reserve

Mileage: approximately 10 miles round trip

Change in Elevation: approximately 2500 ft gain and loss

Parking: free parking on Blue Sky Ecological Reserve Parking, on Espola Rd 

This is the best trail for those who wanted a longer hike to Mt Woodson and would want to avoid the parking fee at Lake Poway during the peak months April- October.

Nature has so much to offer. A lot of times, we do not even have to travel far to seek its wonderful gifts and experience its power, we just take a closer look at what is around us. 

Come, let us move our feet, enjoy our trails, and discover the priceless joys of simple life.

Let me end by quoting John Muir,

“ Everyone needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where Nature may heal and cheer and give strength to body and soul alike.” –John Muir, 1838- 1914.

♥♥