Put a Potato Chip on Your Bucket List

For all my fellow boomers here is a healthy fitness challenge for you, put a potato chip on you bucket list! Hike up to Potato Chip Rock at the top of Mt. Woodson and get a picture of your triumph on this iconic rock.

A Challenging Hike

Hiking San Diego's high points can be a great fitness activity to compliment your gym workouts, runs, bikes and walks. In 2014, I started taking on local peak hikes with my first climb up Cowles Mtn.  That is a popular hike with a great view, a good way to start.  Then we did Black Mountain, another good challenge with even better views of San Diego's coastline. Both of these hikes are moderately challenging and take about 3-4 hours up and down.

But the Mount Woodson Trail up to Potato Chip Rock is a tougher challenge. The trail from Lake Poway to the top is 4 miles and a 2,300 ft elevation gain. The  length of this hike is dependent on the number and length of rest breaks you take in the way up. We took several breaks to catch our breath after the many long uphill stretches and switch backs, so it took us nearly three hours to do the 4 miles up.

Hike Overview

The first third of the hike takes you around and up from Lake Poway in long gradual uphill grinds on a wide level trail. The middle third of the hike is tough, taking on the elevation with a series of switch back segments. And the last third takes you through another series of more gradual uphill stretches past some great rock formations. At the end there is one more set of switch backs that takes you to the top and the vista of Potato Chip Rock.

This has become a very popular trail so if possible do an early morning hike or hike midweek to avoid the crowd waiting for the rock photo.

But it is worth the effort to get your own (cropped) photo on this unique rock formation.  Your photo will be a trophy that you will treasure after conquering this tough hike.

We arrived at the top very hot and tired. We were glad that we brought plenty of water ( 2 bottles each) and a snack to help us recover for the walk down. Stay a while at the top and enjoy the view of San Diego, all the way to Point Loma and the coast. 

Enjoy the Walk Down

After a rest break and getting your photo, the walk down is long but much easier and faster, but it still took about 2 hours. On the way down you will be more able to enjoy the rock formations and views than you can on the huff and puff way up.

Here are a couple of my favorite rocks, But Rock and Hawk Rock!

Go For It!

Potato Chip Rock should be on your San Diego bucket list. If you are in shape go for it, if you aren't, train for it with some trips up Cowles or Black Mountain first. It's a tough hike but really worth the effort. I thought I was in pretty good shape for this hike and handled it pretty well, but I was exhausted that night and my calf muscles hurt for several days after.

I will do this hike again but first I have a few more local hills to climb. Next I want to conquer Stonewall Peak in Cuyamaca. Let me know any other suggestions you have for San Diego Peak hikes?

Enjoy the hike and take in the views!