Hiking the Potato Chip Rock Trail (Mt. Woodson) via Highway 67 in San Diego, California
Distance: 4.2 miles / 6.8 km
The Potato Chip Rock Trail, also known as the Mt. Woodson Trail, is one of San Diego’s most popular day hikes because of the unique and seemingly implausible Potato Chip Rock, located near the summit of Mt. Woodson.
That said, there are a number of ways to hike up Mt. Woodson, with one of the most common being Mt. Woodson Road, as it’s the shortest and most direct of all the varying routes to Potato Chip Rock.
This is all to say, I’ve been fortunate to hike up Mt. Woodson and Potato Chip Rock a number of times, and Mt. Woodson Road has always been my preferred route to the summit because it’s so much quicker than the routes from the north and east sides of the mountain.
Mt. Woodson Trailhead Parking (Hwy 67)
Parking for the Potato Chip Rock Trail, via Highway 67 and Mt. Woodson Road, is located directly alongside the busy four-lane Hwy 67.
For this reason, the Hwy 67 Mt. Woodson Trailhead is easily the most dangerous trailhead for Potato Chip Rock, which is why it’s important to keep a close eye on any young kids or pets that you may have along with you.
Google Maps Directions: Mt. Woodson Trailhead (Hwy 67)
Hiking Checklist - Southern California
Here is a complete list of must-have things that you will want for any hike in Southern California.
Osprey 3L Water Bladder - The Osprey 3L water bladder is the most universal hiking and backpacking water bladder on the market, and it’s my go-to because of the slide-off seal that allows it to be quickly filled from the top. Additionally, individual parts are easily replaceable, such as the bite valve.
Blister / Heel Protectors - I swear by these cheap, amazing heel protectors to prevent blisters for nearly every kind of hiking and backpacking that I do!
Black Diamond Headlamp - Personally, I recommend the Black Diamond Storm because it is one of the brightest, lightest, and longest-lasting headlamps on the market—and trust me, the weight-to-battery-life ratio really does matter!
Hiking / Trail Running Shoes - Depending on the type of trail, I prefer to use either the Keen Targhee for longer, more rugged hiking or the HOKA Zinal Trail-Running Shoe for lighter, less intense trails. In either case, both have been amazing to me for many years across countless environments, and both can be found in men’s and women’s sizes. - (Men’s Keen / Women’s Keen) (Men’s HOKA / Women’s HOKA)
Waterproof Rain Shell - You never know when it may rain, and I’ve learned over the years that a rain shell is far better than a rain jacket. By this, I mean that it’s best to have something that the water will roll right off of, which is why I recommend the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L available in both men’s and women’s sizes.
Sun Shirt w/ Hood - A quality sun shirt can be your best friend on a trail with minimal shade, which can be found in both men’s and women’s sizes.
High SPF Sunscreen - Packing high-SPF sunscreen is a must for long days outside!
Hiking the Potato Chip Rock Trail (Mt. Woodson) via Hwy 67
The Potato Chip Rock Trail starts at the very beginning of Mt. Woodson Road just outside of the Ramona Fire Station.
It is here that the Potato Chip Rock Trail parallels Hwy 67 before reaching the public access for Mt. Woodson Road, located shortly ahead.
This lower section of the hike to Potato Chip Rock will be the only section following a true trail, as the rest of the hike to the top ascends Mt. Woodson Road.
Mt. Woodson Road
After only 0.2 miles (0.3 km), go right to continue up Mt. Woodson Road to Potato Chip Rock.
With the exception of the very early and late times of the day, there isn’t a lot of shade along Mt. Woodson Road, which is why I recommend hiking with a long-sleeved hooded sun shirt, like the ones shown below.
Following the water tank, Mt. Woodson Road climbs a series of about 9 switchbacks up to the summit, depending on how you count.
Some of these rock formations on the middle portions of the Potato Chip Rock Trail were my favorite parts of Mt. Woodson Road.
Mt. Woodson Summit
If you’re interested in reaching the true summit of Mt. Woodson, you’ll have to leave Mt. Woodson Road to the south (left) a little before the road’s crest, which is near the first set of buildings that you can see in the photo below.
That being said, Mt. Woodson Road will split twice near the top, continuing to the right at both, to reach Potato Chip Rock.
After the summit of Mt. Woodson, the Potato Chip Rock Trail continues for another 0.2 miles (0.3 km) past the road’s crest to reach Potato Chip Rock, located slightly downhill on the west side of the mountain.
Potato Chip Rock
Whether coming up the Mt. Woodson Trail from the west or Mt. Woodson Road from the east, Potato Chip Rock is typically the end of the hike for most visitors.
That being said, most of the typical photos that you see atop the seemingly razor-thin Potato Chip Rock require at least some scrambling to get out toward the edge, and lines have been known to form on busy days, with hikers all waiting to get a similar photo.
Mt. Woodson Sunrise & Sunset
Both sunrise and sunset are amazing to watch from the summit of Mt. Woodson, but if you’re interested in getting the best photos from Potato Chip Rock, know that the best light is truly a sunset-only activity.
By this, I mean that all of the photos of the trail above were taken shortly after sunrise, but as Mt. Woodson Road passes beyond the summit, the hike, including Potato Chip Rock, is left in the shade until a bit later in the day.
All this to say, sunrise is best just prior to reaching the summit of Mt. Woodson, and sunset is best observed from Potato Chip Rock.
More Nearby Adventures
If you’re interested in reading about some more amazing adventures nearby, check out my separate posts below!
Best Way to Find Places to Stay!
Wherever I travel, I love to start my search for places to stay on VRBO.
Even if I don’t end up booking through them, I think it’s one of the best ways to see what’s in the area!
Washington
Best Way to Book Rental Cars!
I travel quite a bit, and I know firsthand that finding a good rental car deal can be a challenge, but that’s why I recommend comparing all of your options with Discover Cars.
In short, Discover Cars is a well-known, reputable business that allows you to search for the best deal across companies, and they have the best full-refund cancellation policy I’ve ever seen, valid up to 72, or sometimes even 48, hours prior to your reservation!
Book Here: Discover Cars
Discover Cars!
Safety
Across Southern California, most dangers associated with hiking are commonly related to summer heat/ dehydration, poison oak, as well as a number of venomous snakes that can be found across the region.
Therefore, it is important to hike with plenty of water, avoid hiking during the hottest parts of the day come summer, and learn how to identify Poison Oak, as it can be found on any number of Southern California trails, extending far up the state, including the Oregon Coast and into Washington.
Finally, to learn more about what venomous snakes can be found across California, I recommend learning more about the subject in this separate article.
Disclaimer
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