Potato Chip Rock in San Diego is one of the most popular hiking trails in the area. The infamous chip shaped rock at the summit attracts tons of locals and visitors. There’s a lot to love about hiking potato chip rock in San Diego besides the photo op. The scenic views on the way up are amazing. On a clear day, you’ll get views of the ocean and surrounding mountains. It’s breathtaking at sunrise and sunset.
This post will tell you everything you need to know about hiking potato chip rock in San Diego. There are three different routes you can take, the most popular being the 7.4 mile hike starting from Lake Poway. I’ve personally hiked all three routes multiple times, and the number one piece of advice I can give you is to start early and pack extra water.
Table of Contents
Quick Facts: Potato Chip Rock in San Diego
- Trailhead: Google Maps Link
- 7.4 miles out and back
- 2,100 ft of elevation gain
- Moderate to challenging hike
- Dog friendly but not recommended
- AllTrails Link
- Parking fees (read below)
Things to note:
During late spring/ summer, temperatures rise rapidly! There is no shade on this hike. Be sure to pack plenty of water, sunscreen, a hat, and snacks for an enjoyable day on the mountain. Always take breaks as needed. This is not a beginner hike.
There is an easier hiking trail that loops around Lake Poway itself. Read about Lake Poway Loop Trail here.
Potato Chip Rock Parking Fees
If you’re planning to hike potato chip rock in San Diego via the 7.4 mile hiking trail, expect to pay for parking on the weekends and holidays. During the week parking is free.
Lake Poway charges a $10 entrance/ parking fee Friday- Sunday. If you are a Poway resident (ID required) then parking is free.
What To Expect on The Trail
Potato Chip Rock in San Diego is a very scenic hike. The hiking trail starts by the lake and then heads into the mountains. Part of the hiking trail by the lake is paved but eventually turns into packed dirt.
There are trail markers with distances to help guide you along the way. It’s a fairly easy trail to follow. With plenty of other people hiking, you can always ask for directions if you’re concerned.
About 1.5 miles into the hike you’ll come across a great viewpoint with benches. The perfect area to stop and take a break. After reaching this resting point, you’ll start hiking up some switchbacks. The views as you increase in elevation get better and better. From this resting area it’s 1.9 miles to the summit.
The Potato Chip Rock is just before the actual summit. I had difficulty finding the summit myself. There’s tons of radio/ cell towers at the top. The views were great. I walked around a bit and found my own boulder to enjoy my lunch before heading down.
It’s an out and back trail so the same way you hiked up, is the same route you’ll take back to your car.
How Much Water Do You Need for Potato Chip Rock?
Lake Poway has a sign posted at the start of the hiking trail recommending at least 2 liters of water for every person and every dog! The summer heat is no joke. One water bottle is not enough! Heat exhaustion and dehydration is a serious problem when hiking in the heat. Do your due diligence, and pack extra water and snacks.
I personally packed 3 liters in my hydration bladder plus an extra frozen water bottle. The frozen water bottle served as ice at the summit. It was so refreshing!
Check out the hydration bladder I use on Amazon. Perfect for longer hikes!
Best Time to Hike Potato Chip Rock in San Diego
The best time to hike Potato Chip Rock in San Diego is during winter, early spring, and fall. This is when temperatures are the coolest. Early spring/ late winter is my personal favorite time to hike potato chip rock because the surrounding mountains are green and lush after the rain.
If you are hiking potato chip rock in the summer or on a warmer day, start early! Avoid the heat and crowds by getting an early start. Always check the weather forecast before hiking.
Shortest Route: Hike Potato Chip Rock via Paved Fire Road
If a 7.4 mile hike is too much for you, there is a shorter hike to Potato Chip Rock in San Diego. It involves taking an entirely paved road up to the summit. Paved roads are my least favorite type of hiking trail, because it’s hard on your joints. But this is a great option if you’re on a time crunch. Just because it’s a shorter hike, doesn’t mean it’s an easier hike! Don’t underestimate the 1,200 ft of elevation gain on this route. It’s STEEP!
Trail Snapshot
- Trailhead: Google Maps Link
- 4.1 miles out and back
- 1,200 ft elevation gain
- AllTrails Link
- Paved road
- Parking is free/ limited on the side of the highway
Parking is limited here, since there is no parking lot for this trail. The trailhead is right next to the Ramona fire station. There’s signage all over the place to help you out. Be careful opening your door on the side of the highway and don’t leave valuables in your car. Unfortunately, car break-ins are not uncommon.
Longest Route: Hike Potato Chip Rock via Blue Sky Reserve
After personally hiking all three routes to Potato Chip Rock in San Diego, I can confidently say the route from Blue Sky Reserve is my personal favorite. It’s the longest route with the most elevation gain. I love a good challenge!
I started the Potato Chip Rock hike before sunrise and the solitude at Blue Sky Reserve was my favorite part of the trail. The owls, birds, and the sound of the creek first thing in the morning was so peaceful. Granted, I was the first car in the lot at 5:30 am on a Sunday morning.
Trail Snapshot
- Trailhead: Google Maps Link
- 10.9 miles
- 2,450 ft elevation gain
- AllTrails Link
- No parking fees
- Est time: 5-6 hours
Blue Sky Reserve does not have parking fees (woo hoo). But keep in mind the parking lot hours:
- November – May: Parking lot is open Sunrise – Sunset
- June – October: Parking lot is open 6:30 AM – Sunset
This route will take you up the backside of Lake Poway, by the dam and meets with the main hiking trail that starts at Lake Poway about 2.5 miles in. This is also where you’ll start to run into more hikers. Enjoy the solitude while you have it! Plan for this hike to take half a day at least.
If you like challenging hikes, check out El Cajon Mountain (“El Cap”)– San Diego’s toughest hike!
5 Tips for Hiking Potato Chip Rock in San Diego
- Start early! The heat is no fun, and you’ll come across less crowds with an early start. I got to the summit at 8:00 am on a Sunday morning and there were 2 groups already ahead of me, and more coming down.
- Be patient. There’s usually a line for your photo opportunity on Potato Chip Rock in San Diego. Getting onto the actual rock takes a few minutes, and careful foot placement.
- Pack extra water. 2 liters is the minimum amount of water per person and per dog recommended by Lake Poway. Some electrolytes are a bonus!
- Trekking poles are optional. It would help with the larger steps on the switchbacks and the steep decline on the way back.
- Leave your dog at home. Unless your pup is in good hiking shape (i.e. has comfortably completed hikes of similar distance/ elevation gain) I highly recommend leaving your dog at home. Dogs overheating and burnt paws are a common problem when hiking in the heat.
- Have a pose in mind. Once you get to the rock, it’ll help if you already have a pose in mind. You’ll also need someone else to take the photo for you. There’s usually a line and most people are more than willing to take your picture if you ask 🙂
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