Bryan W - Jul 10, 2020 11:54 am Date Climbed: Jun 28, 2020
Into the clouds
After getting too late of a start the previous day on another hike, I learned my lesson and was on the trail by 6:20. It was a nice easy hike and about halfway up, I found myself entering the clouds. The overcast continued even though the clouds lifted a bit later, but that at least helped keep things cool. I arrived at Potato Chip rock early and only had to wait about 2 minutes for my turn at making the leap of faith onto the rock. After that, it was about 4 minutes to the summit. Great day.
johnm - Sep 9, 2018 6:05 am Date Climbed: Sep 8, 2018
From Lake Poway
Enjoyable hike and very nice views. The fog meanders into the canyons beautifully. An early start (6:00 A.M.) avoids the weekend crowds. As many have stated , plenty of bouldering to be had.
Rockawilliam - Jan 18, 2018 12:14 am Date Climbed: Dec 22, 2017
From Lake Poway
I appreciated the open expanses and variety of places to veer off the trail for exploration. One drawback was the insane amount of dog poop, especially on the lower trail, despite the fact there are extra bag stations along the way. I picked up a few extra piles when my dogs did there business, but the place was a mess. I'll return, but maybe a different route next time.
Lenny72 - Dec 5, 2016 10:41 pm Date Climbed: Dec 4, 2016
Nice Little Workout
I had never hiked here before and Google Maps took me to the fire road side. No problem; the road is pretty direct so it provided a good workout. Lots of cool, huge boulders along the way. Potato Chip Rock was fun and I enjoyed great views all the way out to downtown San Diego and the sunset over the Pacific Ocean. Met several people from Brazil, France and South Korea. Fun!
IronHiker - Jul 23, 2015 1:17 pm Date Climbed: Dec 7, 2012
From Lake Poway
Climbed it a second time this year to get the class 3 summit block, which is somewhat hidden behind a building. Hit some nice boulders along the way, and Potato Chip Rock is always fun. Very busy on weekends.
gimpilator - Dec 21, 2014 5:12 pm Date Climbed: Dec 21, 2014
Winter Solstice Hike
Hiked up with Heather and Robbin from Lake Poway. It was crowded near potato chip rock and someone had a red wagon with a stereo playing Christmas music. We were pleased to find that the highest boulder had a make shift ladder leading up a short class 3 scramble. There were 4 bench markers.
I have completed this hike numerous times. It serves as a great training climb if you start from the Blue Sky Reserve and go up the Lake Poway route. It can also be ran if you don't feel like carrying a pack.
We hiked beginning from Lake Poway, which allows free admission with military ID. It was in the high 70's and the trail was very dusty. There were some really nice views once you start getting towards the top. We went on the weekend and the trail was very crowded. I wouldn't do this hike again unless I was going during the week. There was a line of at least 80 people waiting to get on the "Potato Chip" once we got to that point, to give you an idea. Overall it was a decent workout and I got some good pictures.
cab - Jan 2, 2013 1:44 pm Date Climbed: Dec 27, 2012
Road
I really dislike hiking on roads (especially paved ones), but had to tag the summit. Cool, huge boulders to look at along the way, though.
elianestar12 - Jan 28, 2012 12:40 am Date Climbed: Oct 14, 2011
Boulder City
Great hike if you like to relax on giant boulders.
Przemek - Dec 21, 2011 8:42 pm Date Climbed: Dec 21, 2011
Not technical
This one is not so hard....If you go on the asphalt road it goes straight up, no breaks, but it's not technical, just good pair of running shoes. Lots of sight seeing and photo oportunities. Summit is OK, gotta look for a good boulder to sit on and enjoy the view. Next time will try the climb from the lake.
I've done this several times. It's a good way to get in shape, and the scenery's not bad to look at either. From the top you can see downtown San Diego...on a clear day.
harryquach - May 23, 2011 7:24 pm Date Climbed: Jan 9, 2011
Bryan W - Jul 10, 2020 11:54 am Date Climbed: Jun 28, 2020
Into the cloudsAfter getting too late of a start the previous day on another hike, I learned my lesson and was on the trail by 6:20. It was a nice easy hike and about halfway up, I found myself entering the clouds. The overcast continued even though the clouds lifted a bit later, but that at least helped keep things cool. I arrived at Potato Chip rock early and only had to wait about 2 minutes for my turn at making the leap of faith onto the rock. After that, it was about 4 minutes to the summit. Great day.
johnm - Sep 9, 2018 6:05 am Date Climbed: Sep 8, 2018
From Lake PowayEnjoyable hike and very nice views. The fog meanders into the canyons beautifully. An early start (6:00 A.M.) avoids the weekend crowds. As many have stated , plenty of bouldering to be had.
Rockawilliam - Jan 18, 2018 12:14 am Date Climbed: Dec 22, 2017
From Lake PowayI appreciated the open expanses and variety of places to veer off the trail for exploration. One drawback was the insane amount of dog poop, especially on the lower trail, despite the fact there are extra bag stations along the way. I picked up a few extra piles when my dogs did there business, but the place was a mess. I'll return, but maybe a different route next time.
Lenny72 - Dec 5, 2016 10:41 pm Date Climbed: Dec 4, 2016
Nice Little WorkoutI had never hiked here before and Google Maps took me to the fire road side. No problem; the road is pretty direct so it provided a good workout. Lots of cool, huge boulders along the way. Potato Chip Rock was fun and I enjoyed great views all the way out to downtown San Diego and the sunset over the Pacific Ocean. Met several people from Brazil, France and South Korea. Fun!
IronHiker - Jul 23, 2015 1:17 pm Date Climbed: Dec 7, 2012
From Lake PowayClimbed it a second time this year to get the class 3 summit block, which is somewhat hidden behind a building. Hit some nice boulders along the way, and Potato Chip Rock is always fun. Very busy on weekends.
gimpilator - Dec 21, 2014 5:12 pm Date Climbed: Dec 21, 2014
Winter Solstice HikeHiked up with Heather and Robbin from Lake Poway. It was crowded near potato chip rock and someone had a red wagon with a stereo playing Christmas music. We were pleased to find that the highest boulder had a make shift ladder leading up a short class 3 scramble. There were 4 bench markers.
Ted Bauer - Dec 3, 2013 7:30 pm
Good Training HikeI have completed this hike numerous times. It serves as a great training climb if you start from the Blue Sky Reserve and go up the Lake Poway route. It can also be ran if you don't feel like carrying a pack.
DonutPig - Aug 4, 2013 7:34 pm
BouldersHiked a few years ago. Really easy hike, lots of fun boulders up top.
MavrickCJH - Jul 9, 2013 10:11 pm Date Climbed: Apr 23, 2012
Good ViewsWe hiked beginning from Lake Poway, which allows free admission with military ID. It was in the high 70's and the trail was very dusty. There were some really nice views once you start getting towards the top. We went on the weekend and the trail was very crowded. I wouldn't do this hike again unless I was going during the week. There was a line of at least 80 people waiting to get on the "Potato Chip" once we got to that point, to give you an idea. Overall it was a decent workout and I got some good pictures.
Kristin5berry - Apr 30, 2013 10:59 pm Date Climbed: Apr 29, 2013
My fav quick workoutClimb it weekly
Kristin5berry - Apr 30, 2013 10:59 pm Date Climbed: Apr 29, 2013
My fav quick workoutClimb it weekly
cab - Jan 2, 2013 1:44 pm Date Climbed: Dec 27, 2012
RoadI really dislike hiking on roads (especially paved ones), but had to tag the summit. Cool, huge boulders to look at along the way, though.
elianestar12 - Jan 28, 2012 12:40 am Date Climbed: Oct 14, 2011
Boulder CityGreat hike if you like to relax on giant boulders.
Przemek - Dec 21, 2011 8:42 pm Date Climbed: Dec 21, 2011
Not technicalThis one is not so hard....If you go on the asphalt road it goes straight up, no breaks, but it's not technical, just good pair of running shoes. Lots of sight seeing and photo oportunities. Summit is OK, gotta look for a good boulder to sit on and enjoy the view. Next time will try the climb from the lake.
SurfinPeakScience - Oct 16, 2011 3:14 am Date Climbed: Oct 15, 2011
FunTrail run from Lake Poway...Marine Layer blanketed the coast...beauty...fun switchbacks
twigasaurus - Sep 22, 2011 11:30 pm
Great ViewsI've done this several times. It's a good way to get in shape, and the scenery's not bad to look at either. From the top you can see downtown San Diego...on a clear day.
harryquach - May 23, 2011 7:24 pm Date Climbed: Jan 9, 2011
Nice Training HikePictures
Denjem - May 4, 2011 1:55 pm
ClimbedNice hike. Good climbing. Fun for a couple hours out in the hills.
Sgonzalez - Mar 22, 2011 8:03 pm Date Climbed: Nov 11, 2010
Mount WoodsonNice Bouldering possibilities on way to summit. The summit is a little dissapointing however.
Wild - Oct 28, 2010 12:49 am Date Climbed: Dec 2, 2007
Mountain BikingClimbed the back side from Highway 67 and mountain biked down to Poway Lake. Lots of fun.