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 Reporter |
Summary: This is a strenuous day hike via Lake Poway. Trail is very steep and narrow in some places. Well marked and maintained most of the way until the last 1/2 hour to the top. The views from the peak are worth the effort. We hiked 1st of August, be sure to take enough water, it was extremely hot and dry! The views are to the ocean and to Palomar Mountain to the East. There is an easier way to the top, via highway 67. The alternate route is paved and well maintained. We decided to take this less traveled route as it is more difficult and challenging. Upon our return we had a picnic at Lake Poway, all and all, it was a wonderful day. Trailhead: From Espola Road go to the Lake Poway entrance. The fee is $4.00 for all day. The lake and park are very clean and a well maintained. We had a picnic with our kids and had an enjoyable day at the park after our hike. Take the lake trail to the east side where the trailhead is clearly marked about .5 mile from the dock going counter clockwise around the lake. (Lat:33 Lon:-117.01) Trail Guides for Mt Woodson via Lake Poway: Afoot & Afield in San Diego County by Jerry Schad (Wilderness Press) Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Winter, User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Bikes, Horses, Ranger Contact: Lake Poway Rangers Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Kevin Vasquez, who has posted 7 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 6 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by MA on 7/31/2008 I hiked this trail for the first time last weekend and was prepared for a 5 hour hike. We made to the to peak in a little over 1.5 hours and that included a few mini stops. I actually enjoyed the hike which included a few steep inclines and a few switchbacks. When you're about 5min away from the top (radio towers) you come across the Potato Chip rock, which is really cool! we took a few photos and my coworkers thought i was nuts! if you see it you'll know what i'm talking about. I would definitely do this hike again but when it's cooler. We went on July 26th and started around 7:45am, it got really hot past 9:30am. The view was spectacular!! but just reaching that Potato Chip Rock was worth the trek up alone. 
Reviewed by kyle on 7/14/2008 i love the views and there's many places to stop and sight see. Iron Mountain is a close favorite but not near as beautiful. On a clear day you can see to the ocean
Reviewed by Justin on 7/9/2008 I just hiked this trail for the first time today and I have to say that it is much more challenging than Iron Mountain. I consider myself a better than average hiker in terms of pace/endurance and Iron Mountain usually takes me about 1 hour and 10-15 minutes to do. Mind you, I try to run the entire way down (1.5 hours without running). The Mt. Woodson trail took me nearly 2.5 hours to complete. It is certainly longer and many parts are much steeper. I didn't realize that the top was where all those radio towers are! The view was spectacular. I only saw 3 people the entire time I was on it. (Late Morning/Early afternoon on a Wednesday)
Reviewed by KH on 7/2/2008 Went today and loved every moment of it. When driving to Lake Poway, Mt Woodsen is the peak that looms above you with the radio towers on top of it. It was hot and uphill, but nothing too difficult...just be prepared to sweat. A lot. The area around most of the trail has been charred recently, leaving black skeletons of trees that once would have given you relief from the sun. Take lots of breaks and bring lots of water. I usually bring double the amount I think I will drink and I'm glad I did. There is no shade for the first half of the hike, but the summit brings some nice spots. Go at a slow pace-especially in the summer. The views are amazing and I found a boulder under a pine tree at the summit on which I ate and napped. Perfect.
Reviewed by JA on 6/29/2008 Hiked Woodson today and must say it was much tougher than I had expected. We went mid day which many would call "Genious". Yeah, it was very hot and went through a Camelback in about an hour, so take plenty of water. I'll put it to you like this, I saw a lot of postings that said it's not that tough of a trail, I'm in great shape and got my tail kicked. Felt great at the top and when we got back. No matter how tough or hot it is a great hike is well worth it physically and spiritually. Awesome hike!
Reviewed by JA on 6/29/2008 Hiked Woodson today and must say it was much tougher than I had expected. We went mid day which many would call "Genious". Yeah, it was very hot and went through a Camelback in about an hour, so take plenty of water. I'll put it to you like this, I saw a lot of postings that said it's not that tough of a trail, I'm in great shape and got my tail kicked. Felt great at the top and when we got back. No matter how tough or hot it is a great hike is well worth it physically and spiritually. Awesome hike!
Reviewed by JA on 6/29/2008 Hiked Woodson today and must say it was much tougher than I had expected. We went mid day which many would call "Genious". Yeah, it was very hot and went through a Camelback in about an hour, so take plenty of water. I'll put it to you like this, I saw a lot of postings that said it's not that tough of a trail, I'm in great shape and got my tail kicked. Felt great at the top and when we got back. No matter how tough or hot it is a great hike is well worth it physically and spiritually. Awesome hike!
Reviewed by JA on 6/29/2008 Hiked Woodson today and must say it was much tougher than I had expected. We went mid day which many would call "Genious". Yeah, it was very hot and went through a Camelback in about an hour, so take plenty of water. I'll put it to you like this, I saw a lot of postings that said it's not that tough of a trail, I'm in great shape and got my tail kicked. Felt great at the top and when we got back. No matter how tough or hot it is a great hike is well worth it physically and spiritually. Awesome hike! Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: California Hiking, California Trails, California Hikes, San Diego County Hiking, San Diego County Trails, San Diego County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||