Hiking to Mt Woodson (Potato Chip Rock) in San Diego
Last updated 1/12/2025
A San Diego Hiking Guide
Wondering how to get to the Instagram-famous potato chip rock hike in San Diego? Then this guide is for you.
We’re going all in on the Potato Chip Rock hike San Diego!
If you’re on Instagram or Pinterest there’s a good chance you’ve seen pictures of the potato chip rock hike in San Diego. This is a moderate hike located in the Lake Poway Recreation area that summits Mount Woodson and brings you to a unique rock feature called Potato Chip Rock.
I avoided this hike for a long time because I was afraid of the crowds, but if you time it right and are willing to get there early it’s worth the work, and you're likely to get some unique photo ops!
In this post I’m going to go into detail about the 2 trail options, how to get to each one, the pros and cons of each, what to expect on the way up, and what to pack for this fun hike near San Diego!
Trail Details: How to Summit Mount Woodson and Get to Potato Chip Rock
View from the summit of Mt. Woodson.
There are 2 trails to get to the summit of Mount Woodson, each offering their own unique experience. The first time I hiked to the summit I was very confused about the differences between the trails, and knowing what I know now I would have chose differently. To spare you this, I’m going to go over each option in detail so that you can decide which route is best for you.
Mount Woodson Trail via Highway 67
Mileage: 4.1 miles round trip
Trail type: Out and back
Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 2-3 hours
Dogs: Yes, on a leash
Elevation Gain: 1,220 ft
AllTrails: Mount Woodson summit via Route 67
Mount Woodson Trail via Route 67 in Ramona is the quickest way to get to the Mount Woodson summit. This is a steep and switchbacked approach from the east side of the mountain, circling the top dome to summit Mount Woodson and catch a glimpse of the famous Potato Chip Rock. This is a paved fire road that offers views of Palomar Mountain and even the Pacific ocean and Downtown San Diego on a clear day.
To get to the trailhead, enter “Mount Woodson summit via Route 67” into your map application of choice, or you can get directions directly from the AllTrails app on your phone. See link above.
Mt. Woodson Trailhead.
The parking lot is moderately sized, but may fill up on the weekend so make sure to get there early. Parking is free, and there is a sign clearly pointing toward the trail that you follow all the way to the top.
Following the path, you’ll go up, up, and up until you reach a left fork in the path that will take you to the summit of Mt. Woodson. The summit offers spectacular views of the San Diego area and the Pacific Ocean- take your time soaking up the views. To take a picture on the actual potato chip rock, you’ll have to return to the trail and go back down the mountain following the Mount Woodson Trail 0.2 of a mile until you see the rock feature on the right hand side.
On the weekends, there’s a good chance that there’s a long line to get your photo taken. Whether it’s worth the wait is entirely up to you!
While waiting in line for the famous Potato Chip Rock, don't forget to look up. You can see Iron Mountain, with cell towers marking the summit. This is another great hike that's fun in the winter.
To get back to your car, go back down the same way you came.
Rock features along Lake Poway Trail.
Mount Woodson Trail via Lake Poway Trail
Mileage: 7.3 miles round trip
Trail type: Out and back
Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 3-4 hours
Dogs: Yes, on a leash
Elevation Gain: 2,129 ft
AllTrails: Mount Woodson Summit Via Poway Rec Area
This trail to the summit of Mt. Woodson starts in Poway and circles around a portion of Lake Poway before ascending the western ridge of Mount Woodson. While this trail is longer and there is the extra cost of paid parking on the weekends (for non-Poway residents), the view of the lake and the more gentle approach may appeal to you.
To access the Mt. Woodson trailhead, enter “Mount Woodson Trail via Lake Poway Trail” in your preferred map app or you can get directions from AllTrails app using the link above.
Lake Poway Recreation Area offers public restrooms, picnic tables, and other hikes around the lake making the $10 entrance fee worth it if you want to make a day out of this journey.
Starting from the parking lot, take either the Sumac Trail or the Lake Poway trail until they join, and then take the Lake Poway Trail for 0.7 miles until the trail forks. Take the left fork, when the trail then becomes Mount Woodson Trail.
From here it’s a 3.5 hike up a sparsely shaded and steep trail until you reach Potato Chip Rock on your left.
Make sure that you avoid taking the right fork down Warren Canyon Trail. You want to follow Mt. Woodson Trail the entire way up.
While you’re putting in the work however, you’re rewarded with several interesting rock formations, views of Lake Poway and of the Pacific Ocean far in the distance. You’ll also pass some lookout points that are worths stopping for, and if you’re hungry on the way up there is a picnic area as well.
Finally, after 3.7 miles, 0.2 miles past potato chip rock, you’ll reach the summit of mt Woodson. Take your time soaking in the beautiful views until you’re ready to end your journey by going back down the way you came.
Important Tips:
Both of these trails are very exposed and offer little to no shade. Make sure you bring LOTS of water and SUN PROTECTION, and we suggest that you do this hike in the winter, or early in the morning or late at night so that you aren’t exposed during the hottest time of the day.
This is a very steep hike. Don’t feel like you need to run up this trail, take your time and take a rest as you go.
Make sure you’re prepared with the essential 10 of any hike. We go into detail in this article:
Solo Hiking Mount Woodson to Potato Chip Rock
This is a GREAT hike to take on solo. Even if you’re never hiked solo, this is the perfect trail to get started. There are plenty of people, you aren’t far from help, and you’re unlikely to be alone.
Summit of Mt. Woodson.
Choosing Your Route
Deciding which trail to take to Potato Chip Rock will depend on what your goals for the hike and what your preferences are. Both trails will get you there, both trails are fun, but which way should you go?
Lake Poway Trail Pros:
Access to other trails around the lake- make a whole day of it!
Feels more like a “hike” with a dirt path instead of a paved road
Views of the lake as you hike
Cool rock shapes and lookouts as you hike
Lake Poway Trail Cons:
Parking costs $10 for non-Poway residents on weekends
More miles, which takes more time
Tends to be a bit busier
Parking lot gets packed
Mount Woodson Trail (Highway 67) Pros:
Short and direct route to the summit
Less crowded
Free parking
Mount Woodson Trail (Highway 67) Cons:
Not as nice a view on the way up
More challenging option
Need to hike beyond the Mount Woodson summit to see the actual Potato Chip Rock
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Based on the pros and cons listed above I suggest taking the Mount Woodson Trail if you’re in good shape and want a quick way to take a picture on Potato Chip Rock.
If you’re looking for a more relaxed hiking experience that might take half the day or more and want to enjoy Lake Poway as well as Potato Chip Rock and Mount Woodson I suggest taking Lake Poway Trail.
What to Expect on the Hike
You can expect similar hiking conditions on both trails, with some minor differences worth noting. On both trails there will be steep terrain with little to no shade, and you can expect to be in direct sun for the vast majority of both hikes.
While the winter and fall does provide lower temperatures, it’s still better to do both of these trails in the morning or late afternoon so you can enjoy some relief.
Lake Poway Trail Conditions:
You can expect this trail to be fairly dusty and rocky, with many switchbacks and a fairly steep grade most of the way up.
Mount Woodson Trail (Highway 67) Conditions:
This trail is actually an access road, so expect an old and bumpy paved road with many switchbacks and few shade. This trail also has a fairly steep grade with few flat spots.
Paved access road up Mt. Woodson trail.
What You Need to Know about Potato Chip Rock
As mentioned earlier in this blog, Potato Chip Rock is a rock formation that looks like a potato chip from the side. It’s a very thin rock and you can feel the vibrations run along it as you step up to take your picture. While the drop off isn’t as dramatic as the pictures look, it’s still a little scary to be up there!
While the pictures can make it seem like it’s super high up, it’s actually not as bad as it looks. It’s mostly perspective shots that make it look intense.
Photo Etiquette and Safety
There will most likely be a line to take a picture, so make sure you’re not cutting in front of anyone. Simply ask others if they’re in line, and by asking others you’ll find the end of the line.
To stay safe while taking this memorable photo, make sure you’re not jumping on the rock, not getting too close to the edge, and there should definitely be NO rough housing or play fighting!
What to Pack and How to Prepare
While this hike isn’t long or isolated and therefore fairly safe, you still need to do your due diligence by packing the proper safety and hiking gear.
Here’s what you need to pack:
Essentials: water, sunscreen, sturdy shoes, and snacks.
Layers for Summer: sun hat, UV proof clothing, sweat wicking clothing.
Layers for Fall, Winter and Spring: beanie, sun hat, warm layer for top, sweat wicking clothing.
WATER, WATER, WATER.
Make sure that you have at least a liter of water per person. That may seem like a lot, but you need to make sure that you have extra water in case you’re out there for longer than anticipated.
Always make sure you come prepared for your hike with the essential ten:
Navigation – Map, compass, and GPS system
Sun Protection – Sunglasses, sunscreen, and hat
Insulation – Jacket, hat, gloves, rain shell, and thermal underwear
Illumination – Flashlight, lanterns, and headlamp
First Aid Kit
Fire – Matches, lighter and fire starters
Repair Kit and Tools – Duct tape, knife, screwdriver, and scissors
Nutrition - Food
Hydration – Water and water treatment supplies
Emergency Shelter – Tent, space blanket, tarp, and bivy
Source: NPS.com
That’s everything you need to know about hiking Potato Chip Rock. I hope that you’re able to get out there and enjoy some time in nature, and hopefully get a really cool and memorable photo on Potato Chip Rock.
Did you do this hike yet? Are you planning on doing it soon? Let us know in the comments, and don’t forget to join the newsletter to follow along the journey and get hiking tips and trail reviews sent right to your inbox!
Not sure what to pack on a hiking trip? We’ve got you covered with our FREE hiking packing checklist! Get yours below.
Other blog posts you may like:
Best Walking Trails in Balboa Park San Diego
Best Winter Hikes in San Diego County: Beaches and Mountains
Best Lunches and Snacks to Pack for Hiking
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