Let’s be real – if you’re a San Diegan, you’ve seen THE photo a thousand times on your feed. Yes, the one where someone’s standing on a thin silver of granite, looking like they just managed to defy gravity, somewhere above the clouds. Have you made the hike there yourself? It’s close-by, and actually, a pretty good workout, hence perfect if you’re looking for a healthy start to 2026.
Potato Chip Rock – the climb
Potato Chip Rock is an iconic, sliiiiightly terrifying, and – undeniably – a San Diego rite of passage. If you still haven’t ticked this one off your local bucket list, it’s time to lace up your boots and head out to Ramona.
But let’s be clear – this isn’t a hike for the ‘Gram. Sure, the cool pic is a bonus, but going up Mount Woodson is a legitimate nature escape right in our backyard. It’s the perfect antidote to a week spent at the office or in traffic. It’s called balance, right?
Here’s the lowdown: it’s not a casual stroll through Balboa Park. Whether you start from the Lake Poway side (the scenic but longer route) or the Route 67 side (the steeper, paved route), your calves are going to feel it. It’s a solid climb! Since there is basically zero shade, these early months of the year are the perfect time to explore this gem. ‘May Gray’ is also a good choice. Just make sure you don’t put this hike on your summer to-do list.
The views
Hopefully we didn’t scare you off, because the payoff is huge. As you climb, you get incredible, sweeping views of the county and the reservoir. On a clear day, you can also see the beautiful ocean.
When you finally reach the summit, you’ll see it: the potato chip. Most probably, there’ll be a line of people waiting to step onto the ledge. Standing out there is actually pretty thrilling, and honestly, you earned that photo after hauling yourself up the mountain.
Know before you go
As with every decent hike, be prepared. Bring enough water (probably more than you think you need), put on sunscreen, and wear appropriate clothes and shoes. Pro tip? Go really early. That way, you’ll beat the heat, score parking at Lake Poway, and minimize waiting time for that iconic photo op.