Potato Chip Rock

Potato Chip Rock

Location: Ramona, California 92065, United States
Features: Hiking, nature tripping, rock climbing

About the Potato Chip Rock

Potato Chip Rock is a natural tourist attraction near San Diego, California. It is located on the Mt. Woodson summit and is famous for resembling a potato chip. It is located in an unincorporated part of San Diego County between Poway and Ramona.

Potato chip rock is located at the top of the mountain at an elevation between 2700 and 2800 ft. The rock is thin and more than 7 feet long, and it looks as if it is about to fall. Hiking to the rock takes approximately 3-4 hours. 

Trails at the Potato Chip Rock

Potato Chip Rock sits 100 yards below the summit.

One popular way to reach the rock is through a 6.6-mile round trip hike from the Lake Poway trailhead to the west.

There are two other popular routes to the top that start on the east side of Mount Woodson.

A short route begins from free parking areas along Route 67 and takes Mt. Woodson Road up to the rock. 

Top 3 Adventure Hacks

1) Important Tips

Potato chip rock is 4-hour hike round trip from the entrance to the rock and back. There is no drinking water, toilet facilities, or rangers on this four-hour hike. Make sure to pack plenty of water, hiking poles or walking stick, sunblock, and appropriate footwear. The rangers also state there are at least 400,000 visitors to the Potato chip rock each year. 

2) Best Time to Visit

Go early Morning! It is always good to get the hike down early as it could get crowded and hot, no shade, go on weekday, mostly cloudy, Not recommended on hot summer months and a wet day, Common courtesy and patience is needed since it is extremely popular hike, over 50-100 people were waiting in line for the photo of the unique rock. Best to be prepared to wait when you get to the Potato Chip Rock. 

3) The Real Highlight of the Trail

Potato Chip Rock is a great hike to explore the beauty of north San Diego County. There are a lot of unique rock formations along the trail that will make your walk enjoyable. The hike can be a challenge for some, the trail was steep, but a good workout. Every step of the way was amazing! And totally recommend for anyone that wants to push themselves.

It is like climbing mountains that have something exceptional at the end, and this one absolutely does!

The super unusual natural formation is one of a kind. as it is a unique rock, and something you had never seen before. The rock does create a fun photo and requires some scrambling to get to the top, while it looks terrifying to stand on, it does not feel that way until you get up on it. 

Pictures are a must!

If you’re on a smartphone, consider upgrading to an adventure lense.

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To your next adventure!