Mount Woodson Trail
Poway ·

Mount Woodson Trail

Poway ·

Hike to Potato Chip Rock for panoramic San Diego views

challenging hike
steep hike
lake poway
ramona side
heart rate up
uphill pavement road
shade
blue sky preserve
Mount Woodson Trail by null
Mount Woodson Trail by Photo by Luis Garcia
Mount Woodson Trail by null
Mount Woodson Trail by null
Mount Woodson Trail by null
Mount Woodson Trail by null
Mount Woodson Trail by null
Mount Woodson Trail by null
Mount Woodson Trail by null
Mount Woodson Trail by null
Mount Woodson Trail by null
Mount Woodson Trail by null
Mount Woodson Trail by null
Mount Woodson Trail by null
Mount Woodson Trail by null
Mount Woodson Trail by null
Mount Woodson Trail by null
Mount Woodson Trail by null
Mount Woodson Trail by null
Mount Woodson Trail by null
Mount Woodson Trail by null

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Last updated

Jan 26, 2026

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"This steep hike is about eight miles out and back, but many are willing to make the trek because of the photo opportunity that waits near the summit. Potato Chip Rock is a sliver of granite that protrudes from a boulder. Since it’s sturdy enough to stand on, hikers often head to the edge and strike creative poses to post on Instagram. Located in Poway, the trailhead is 27 miles from downtown San Diego , but well worth the drive—the panoramic vista from the top offers a great perspective of San Diego County’s canyons and hilly topography. In addition to Potato Chip Rock, be sure to check out the other large boulders and rock formations that litter Mount Woodson."

The Best Things to See and Do in San Diego
Photo by Luis Garcia
Mount Woodson Trail

Bridget S.

Google
It’s tough! If you’re up for a challenge it’s a beautiful hike. Will definitely get your heart rate up but won’t take all day. Going up from Lake Poway is harder, going up from Ramona side is a bit easier. Famous potato chip rock photo opp. You have to make a bit of a jump to get on the rock for the photo and be adventurous to slide down a boulder to get down. If you’re in decent shape you can do it!

Tom D.

Google
One of the best hikes in San Diego. The trail is a paved access road but do NOT be fooled by that fact. Sections are very challenging, but so worth the effort. For those who can’t take the sun, begin two hours before sunset. The majority of the hike is in the shade that way. Morning sun can be intense. Potato Chip rock is good for a look, but not the best part of this hike. I hike this 3-4 times a week. Just beautiful.

Juan Z.

Google
great experience tuff uphill pavement road

Shaan H.

Google
Mount Woodson is the place where you can find the famous Potato Chip Rock in San Diego. The hiking trail willl take you to the top to enjoy the view... Talking about the The Potato Chip Rock - As the name suggests, it is a rock that looks like a potato chip 🤷‍♂️ The hike to the spot is nice with lots of nice panoramic viewpoints to look over the city of San Diego. If you go from the Ramona side, there is a nice parking spot available as well. You won't get lost in this hike, so no maps needed.

Nan Y

Google
It is a beautiful trail starting from Lake Poway and all the way up to Potato Chip Rock. Magnificent views!

Tri T.

Google
Great hiking from Blue Sky Preserve to Mount Woodson and back. 11mi total

Q STUDIO SAN D.

Google
Such a tremendous hike! You can see for miles and miles. Take your time and see every angle as the road winds.

K T.

Google
I have been on this trail so many times but it was light rain and the whole mountain covered with low cloud this morning. It was a wonderful experience how a little rain could change the view and all the plants and flowers on this trail, even the ordinary spider webs. It seemed so unreal for a typical dry weather in Southern California.