Woodson Mountain - Peak #5
Tree arch on the Ramona side
Woodson Mountain (A.K.A. Mount Woodson, Potato Chip Rock)
Elevation: 2,896’
Mileage: ~4+
Trailhead Map
Agency: City of Poway
Dates Hiked: 02/20/2006, 07/28/2009, 01/29/2011, 01/10/2017, 10/27/2020
Peakbagger.com Page
For those interested, here is a list of my gear that I have found works well for me. This is, of course, an affiliate link and your enjoyment of these may vary:
07/28/2009
The first time I hiked it for the blog in 2009, I had a limited view due to haze, but I sure enjoyed it. I heard plenty of rattlesnakes in the brush and saw 4 turkey vultures overhead. I only saw one other party on the trail. Times have changed.
Update:
I hiked this hike several times before I heard about Potato Chip Rock. I still haven’t been on that particular feature. This hike is best done early on a weekday. The crowds on weekends lining up for pictures can make parking near this trailhead a challenge in itself.
As of 2023, there is a plan to create up to 200 parking spots on several lots (84 acres) purchased by the county to eliminate the potentially dangerous parking situation on the highway.
Last I heard, the parking lot was to be completed in late 2023. I didn’t see a parking lot my last time through there, which was October 2023, so we’ll see.
Early morning hike to Woodson Mountain in 2017
From the Ramona side, this is a simple power hike on a paved trail. From Lake Poway, it’s a nice trail up the hillside. I’ve been on both and each way has its merits.
On my first hike up in 2006, it was with family and it was after a rain. The view was amazing and we could see the Catalina Islands. That’s the large photo at the top of the post. I felt like I could reach out and touch Lake Hodges.
View of Iron Mountain from Woodson Mountain
View southeast from Woodson Mountain
Woodson Mountain Trail Map
