Woodson Mountain and Potato Chip Rock in Cleveland National Forest, CA

Hike Woodson Mountain and Potato Chip Rock Cleveland National Forest, CA

Class 1 7.5 miles 2300 gain 3-5 hrs Out + Back Feb 1, 2016
Effort
Beauty
Personality
Solitude

Woodson Mountain and Potato Chip Rock GPX Track

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This is pretty much San Diego's Instagram go-to spot for outdoor "adventure". Potato Chip Rock has a line to take pictures on weekends. During the week, however, it's not nearly as crowded and does offer some nice views of the hillside and cool little white boulders typical to the area. Follow the well-graded and worn trail from Lake Poway to the cool rock feature, passing by plenty of picturesque SoCal views, and then continue on a dirt road to Woodson Mountain's summit.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)
Peaks on hike
Elevation
Prominence
1
Woodson Mountain
2894 ft
1454 rise

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Looking up toward Mt. Woodson. You can't see the summit from here because it's blocked by that other hill.
Looking up toward Mt. Woodson. You can't see the summit from here because it's blocked by that other hill.
After circling Lake Poway, looking back toward the trailhead.
After circling Lake Poway, looking back toward the trailhead.
The first couple of miles have super wide trails, almost wide enough for two cars. Soon, it narrows at least a little bit but supports high traffic.
The first couple of miles have super wide trails, almost wide enough for two cars. Soon, it narrows at least a little bit but supports high traffic.
I love the little white boulders all over the place.
I love the little white boulders all over the place.
Just follow the super easy-to-follow trail.
Just follow the super easy-to-follow trail.
Some nice views of the San Diego hills.
Some nice views of the San Diego hills.
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A first view of Mt. Woodson. Yes, it's covered with antennas.
A first view of Mt. Woodson. Yes, it's covered with antennas.
highway 67 in the distance to the south.
highway 67 in the distance to the south.
Image 13 from gallery
Potato Chip Rock to the left, and the Mt. Woodson summit 0.2 miles past the rock formation.
Potato Chip Rock to the left, and the Mt. Woodson summit 0.2 miles past the rock formation.
It's a cool formation when there isn't a line to stand on it.
It's a cool formation when there isn't a line to stand on it.
Views of the north from the top of Potato Chip Rock.
Views of the north from the top of Potato Chip Rock.
Summit of Mt. Wilson.
Summit of Mt. Wilson.

Hire me or show me some love!

Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!