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Mount Woodson Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 831 Google reviews · Running trail in Poway, California · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Mount Woodson Trailhead's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Challenging 6.4-mile roundtrip hike offers unusual rock formations & views of downtown & the ocean.
What runners say about Mount Woodson Trailhead
“It's super scenic, has so many activities you can enjoy, is hard enough to get your blood pumping, and leave you sore the next day.”
“The trail is pretty open with little shade, so I highly recommend bringing plenty of water, especially in the summer.”
Left San Jose, driving down to San Diego hiking for and come back in the same day is not good idea but I did. I went 4 different places, Potato Chip Rock,Torrey Pines Beach,Annie Canyon, Devil’s Punchbowl, Glad I made back safe. The highlight of my trip is Potato Chip Rock.
Ok. Don’t be a dummy. Here’s what you need to know. Park at the State park. Yes, it’s $10 on the weekend. It’s worth it- bathrooms, park, loads of parking, tons of grass, beautiful lake full of ducks. Next, plan on hiking about 1.5-2 hours uphill. Bring enough water.
Nice hike to go out and do on regular day. Carry lots of water if it's scorching outside. It's got lot of rocky sections, so watch your step. It's dog permitted trail, so you can have your pet for company. Overall a good hike with great views along the way and at the summit.
Incredible trail, with lots of steep climbs, incredible vistas, and a nice little geologic wonder near the end. The trail is very well maintained by the city of Poway and this particular starting point is located at a beautiful park and lake.
Trail conditions & character
“It's super scenic, has so many activities you can enjoy, is hard enough to get your blood pumping, and leave you sore the next day.”
“Each step revealed a tapestry of natural wonders – rolling hills, vibrant foliage, and glimpses of the world below that seemed to stretch to the horizon.”
“The parking lot is in outstanding condition, and the available services cater to a multitude of activities.”
“The trail is pretty open with little shade, so I highly recommend bringing plenty of water, especially in the summer.”
“It's dog permitted trail, so you can have your pet for company.”
“It starts with a steep climb and gets rocky near the top, but the view at Potato Chip Rock makes it all worth it!”
Plan your run at Mount Woodson Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
Running trails near Poway
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Lake Poway Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 421 reviews
Park offering boating, hiking and playgrounds, plus a store selling food, snacks and fishing supplies, and boat rentals.
Blue Sky Ecological Reserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 868 reviews
Wild 700-acre canyon habitat for myriad flora & fauna, with hiking trails & guided tours.
Twin Peaks Trail Summit
4.8 ★★★★★ 46 reviews
Popular hiking area with well-maintained trails leading to a summit with panoramic views.
Potato Chip Rock
4.7 ★★★★★ 3,081 reviews
Hikers flock to this unique, thin rock at the peak of the Mount Woodson for dramatic photographs.