At The Backroads

Lake Poway

There are several approaches to the summit of Woodson Mountain, and one of them is the West Approach through Lake Poway. The approximate distance of the hike is 7 miles round trip with an approximate elevation gain of 2300 ft. Parking is at Lake Poway, which from April - October, the park charges a day use fee of $5.00 for non-Poway residents during the weekends and holidays from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Wildflower Lined Trail of Lake Poway

The trailhead to Woodson Mountain is at Lake Poway, there is a trail map near the ranger station. Facing Lake Poway, you take the right trail going South East. Lake Poway was scorched by the wildfire last October 2007 but by spring it showed recovery with the greening of its slopes and the fire follower wildflowers swaying on its slopes.

Wildlfowers on the Slopes of Lake Poway

At the day we hiked the wildflowers were already past their peak, but we were still able to see patches of wildflowers along the trail. The list of wildflowers include:

Owls Clover and California Poppies

Goldfield

Blue Dicks

Phacelia

Lupines

From Lake Poway, the ascent is gradual for the first 2 miles probably. The trail in the last mile to the peak is less maintained, steeper and more crooked curving around boulders and twisting amid the low growing chaparrals.

Here are some pictures from the hike:

Trail To Woodson Mountain from Lake Poway

With the Ramona Dam below

Near the Summit

Nearby the Summit, is the amazing potato chip rock, which is the result of exfoliation and weathering.

Potato Chip Rock (1), Woodson Mountain

Potato Chip Rock (2), Woodson Mountain

Potato Chip Rock (3), Woodson Mountain

The chip rock may look thin, but it is actually very strong. I saw some pictures of several people lining up on this rock. It is not hard to climb and it is not actually intimidating to sit on the flake, it is scarier looking at it. However, we do not guarantee the safeness of climbing the chip as accidents can happen anytime. We take no responsibility should there be an untoward incident.

Best Season To Hike: Fall - Spring

For more information:  1. We usually refer to Jerry Schad’s A Foot and a Field in San Diego County. It is a very good hiking book.

2. in the web: http://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/2008/feb/06/woodson-mountain/

Lake Poway Park Address: 14656 Lake Poway Rd, Poway, CA

Guy Fleming Trail

This is dubbed as the easiest trail in Torrey Pines State Reserve. A nice warm-up trail to do the other hikes in the park. The Guy Fleming trail is a short 0.7 mile loop trail, with very little change in elevation. This trail meanders among the largest and thickest groves of the rare and beautiful Torrey Pines.

Grove of Torrey Pines, Guy Fleming Trail

I usually start my walk on the South part of the trail going clockwise. It is because the Northern part, by the interesting Torrey Sandstone formation, has drinking fountain for me to refill my bottled water.

Torrey Sandstone, Guy Fleming Trail

The Torrey Sandstone is too close to the trailhead that I know I will not be needing water yet when I pass it too early of my walk. Whereas if I walk in the clockwise direction, I may have a need for water when I reach it, and the presence of drinking fountain there is really helpful. The South part of the trail has less Torrey Pines, instead yuccas scatter in its slopes.

Southern Slopes of Guy Fleming Trail

The Guy Fleming trail has two overlooks, the South Overlook and the North Overlook. Hiking in the clockwise direction, you will pass the South overlook first.

South Overlook

Looking South at the overlook, it is hard to miss the interesting carved sandstone cliffs and the badlands afar. So interesting how wind and erosion had shaped the bluffs here at Torrey Pines. Nature’s work of art, that can not be equaled by man. My favorite are the badlands and the exposed colored layers of the earth when I walk down the beach, looking up on the face of the hills.

Sun-Exposed Slope of Guy Fleming Trail

In spring, the sunny slopes of Guy Fleming Trail, and actually, of all the Torrey Pines State Reserve become a paradise of colors. Wildflowers grace the hills and sway with the wind, their presence sends a nice scent into the air.

Almost Paradise, Guy Fleming Trail

Walking in the midst of these wildflowers overlooking the ocean below felt like a walk in heaven. And probably, in heaven, we do not keep on walking but sit once a while just to enjoy the wonderful gifts given to us.

Bench and Wildlfowers on the Sunny Slope of Guy Fleming Trail

And that is how I see the purpose of the benches that scatter along the west slope of Guy Fleming Trail. To take in the wonderful gift of nature, the fantastic display of wildflowers wavering with the sea breeze. And on a lucky day, to see the pods of dolphins jumping in the Pacific Ocean. It felt like they too, are celebrating the wonderful gift of nature with you. Continuing your walk North of the Guy Fleming Trail, you start to see more Torrey Pines scattered on its slope. With the sea dahlias and the white wildflowers dotting the hills, the sound of the ocean waves, and the unique beauty of Torrey Pines make the walk very rewarding. A short trail, but filled with sights.

Wildflowers and Torrey Pines Fluttering with the Sea Breeze

As you round the North section of the Guy Fleming trail, you will get a glimpse of the North Overlook which faces the North Torrey Pines Beach and the Penaquitos Lagoon and Salt Marsh. If you get confused with what to do at Torrey Pines, well, just sit down and enjoy watching the beach goers, and the beautiful surrounding around you.

(Us) at North Overlook, Guy Fleming Trail

But, just remember there are many more trails that await you, the views to all other trails at Torrey Pines are gorgeous, and different. They are all worth exploring, again and again. The sandstone cliffs, the sea, the sand and dirt trail, and if you can wait for sunset, it is breathtaking.

Sunset at Torrey Pines

More Basic Info on Guy Fleming Trail

Parking:

Choice 1: There is a small parking lot a few steps from the trailhead. You pay for day use fee which is $8.00

Choice 2: Parking lot at the Visitor Center, and you just walk downhill maybe about 5 – 10 minutes to the trailhead. You pay for day use fee which is $8.00

Choice 3: Parking lot at the entrance of the park, you also pay day use fee of $8.00. Then you hike uphill, maybe half a mile rising 200+ feet.

Choice 4: Parking for FREE at Old Coast Highway 101 (North Torrey Pines Road), on the shoulder facing the beach. Depends on where you park, this will add up to 1 mile or more to your hike, elevation gain of maybe more than 200 feet.

Choice 5: Parking for FREE at Carmel Valley Road. This will add more than one mile to your hike and an uphill hike of 200+ feet to Guy Fleming trailhead. But you won’t feel the distance with the scenery around you. In spring, this area is filled with wildflowers, and you walk past the Marsh Salt and Lagoon which is rich in wildlife.

Wildflowers along Carmel Valley Road

Best Season To Hike: Weather is pleasant all year round. The sights are also great all year. But the phantasmagoric display of wildflowers is during spring. Winter you may get lucky to see the migrating grey whales, but the dolphins can be seen any time of the year if you are lucky enough.

Where to find Torrey Pines State Reserve: 12600 North Torrey Pines Road, San Diego CA 92037