Jul 31 2008
Lake Poway to Woodson Mountain
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
