Mount Woodson and Potato Chip Rock

Mad Potters

Explorer

Mount Woodson and Potato Chip Rock

07/15/25

Loved this hike! Started early-ish and had nice cloud cover for the first quarter of the hike. There are multiple flush toilet bathrooms before you start and a few porta pottys at the beginning of the trail. Even though the sun was in full force, there was a nice breeze to keep us cool. Potato chip is an illusion, but beware -- you still need to jump down from a boulder onto the chip rock and there's still a bit of a fall below the chip itself. To get down, you've got to slide down a very steep rock face, so it's really not as easy for the photo opp as you think. The hike is 95% up the whole way - bring plenty of water! Things to keep in mind: it costs $10 to park and there will always be a line to take your photo. It can go painfully slow with large groups wanting multiple shots and angles, so if you're not prepared to jump and slide, don't waste everyone else's time, please. There's still fantastic photo ops in front of the chip without having to get on it.

5.0

Ian Raab

Scout

Mount Woodson and Potato Chip Rock

02/24/25

Amazing day trip from San Diego. 360 views at the top of Mount Woodson, and a great photography spot atop a razor thin rock hanging over the edge of the mountains. Hike starts in Poway 30 north of San Diego. You can start the hike from multiple locations but we start at the Mt. Woodson Trail near the Cal Fire Ramona station. Its about 2 miles from the Fire Station, and almost entirely uphill. Not a ton of shade so make sure you bring lots of water!

5.0

Maryssa Fenwick

Scout

Mount Woodson and Potato Chip Rock

09/09/20

Mount Woodson is a beautiful escape right outside the city. Check out the maps and be sure you know where you're going, if you branch off to find climbing routes it is easy to get turned around. Get out early to beat the heat and the crowds!

5.0

Haley Churchill

Seeker

Mount Woodson and Potato Chip Rock

10/14/18

If you go the back route, it’s a steep paved road with twists and turns that make the hike challenging and rewarding. It’s also only 2.0 miles up to Potato Chip Rock which makes it a short, but fun morning hike. Recommended to hike as the sun is rising because this trail can get very crowded during the day.

5.0

Jack Strecker

Beginner

Mount Woodson and Potato Chip Rock

10/04/18

The description is great, but the elevation gain from Lake Poway to the top of Mt Woodson is 1,800 feet (not 900). The elevation gain from the east side (Ramona CalFire station) is 1,200 feet. Great rock climbing (boulders) on the east side. Unlike the west side, the east side is a paved access road. Same overall steepness on both sides. Want a good challenge? Start on the east side, go to the top and down the west side to the Lake Poway Loop trail. Then turn around and go back. 9.5 miles and a total of 3,000 feet up and down. Leave a second car at Lake Poway if you want the option of ending your hike at Lake Poway.

5.0

Allett Wallets

Roamer

Mount Woodson and Potato Chip Rock

12/13/16

This trail is a killer workout. You'll feel good after this one. Definitely bring water. The rocks look pretty cool at the top of the mountain.

5.0