If you’re from Southern California you know about about the Potato Chip Rock hike in San Diego, Poway to be more exact. It’s a local favorite and one helluva hike up that’s for sure.
I’ve actually hiked up to this ‘Potato Chip Rock’ three times. While I’m by no means an expert, I’d like to think if I’ve hiked this more than once in my life that I can give at least any newcomers a bit of a guide on how to survive this uphill climb of hell to reach that wonderful photo op at the top.
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I guess the first question for anyone not from So-Cal is what does Potato Chip Rock mean?
It’s basically a thin rock formation that is supposed to resemble a potato chip at the top of a trail called the Mt. Woodson Trail at Lake Poway. In other words it’s an instagram worthy shot for anyone willing to risk their lives for a bit.
So I’m thinking your next question will probably be: Is it safe?
And my answer to you is, yes and no. Yes, the hike itself is very safe. But you just need to be smart about the hike itself since it is a total of almost 7 miles round trip. And the first part of the hike is straight uphill and by uphill I mean UPHILL. And it’s California so you need to be wary of heat, animals, other people.
Then when it comes to the actual potato chip rock part it is safe and dangerous at the same time. Usually there are enough people there to help you and make sure you’re okay, but PLEASE be smart about getting on that rock and what kind of photos you take. Because while it may seem like an optical illusion, it is also VERY dangerous to do some stupid stunt on that rock.
I got really close to edge and I have to admit my shot was pretty damn cool, but I can tell you right now I was definitely scared shitless taking that photo. Because you are high up and it can be very windy, if you slip on that tiny slab of rock, there is nothing but down for you and I don’t mean it’s a slide.
What should YOU bring on the hike?
Water
Lots and lots of water. I brought my Camelbak with me on this hike all three times that I went. Here is the actual one that I have here. And it’s not an easy hike by any means. The very first time I went on this hike I was probably in the best shape of my life and I still struggled hard getting up there. Water was literally my lifesaver.
Snacks and/or a lunch
It is definitely a hike that will take some time unless you’re a superhuman. Bring a light lunch like some sandwiches or some snacks like fruits, trail mix, protein bars. It will definitely help your hike up. There is some shaded spots on the trail, so take advantage of those times and take a breather, look at the scenery and have a little snack before trekking up or down.
Proper shoes and workout attire
Did I mention it’s not an easy hike? Uphill one part of it, switchbacks, stairs and then straight downhill on the next part. So correct shoes and workout gear is best for this part because you can lose toenails if you don’t wear proper shoes with downhill hikes (I know from experience, I lost TWO toenails after a hike in Yosemite, it was awful).
And to get on the actual rock you do have to do a little rock climbing, not much, but still enough that stretchy workout clothes will help.
When is the best time to hike Potato Chip Rock?
Morning time on a weekday is the BEST time.
And since it is San Diego, you can hike this all year long, but the summertime does still get HOT. Poway is inland so-cal, meaning desert climates, so I’d recommend you go first thing in the morning if you’re going in the summer.
But morning time in general is the best time to go because you’ll beat the long crowds that end up getting there later. It is easy to find a long line to get a picture on Potato Chip Rock. I heard of people waiting over an hour just to get a few minute picture on the rock.
The reason for that is mostly because there really should only be one person, or a few people on the rock at all times. Because while yes, it is a rock, it is a thin rock and too much weight can mean catastrophe. The third time I went to Potato Chip Rock I didn’t even take a picture on the rock because the line was too long and I was tired.
I did still take a top of mountain picture on a different rock because it was still very pretty up there and I was happy to just have made it to the top.
Other Tips?
–Take Breaks. Again it’s an easy and hard hike all at the same time. If you’re not accustomed to walking uphill for 20 minutes straight, take it easy and take breaks. There is no shame in taking breaks. Yes, it may slow down your time to get to the top and back down again, but listen to your body and take the breaks you need.
–Take your camera/phone. It is pretty out there, even if you decide to not go all the way to the top to take the iconic Potato Chip Rock picture, there is still so many places as you hike up that you can take some pretty fire pictures. I mean Lake Poway is just below you and you can see the lake from just the first 10 minutes of your hike.
–Be mindful of people around you. There are times where the path is small. So just like any type of hiking etiquette, if you feel like you’re going slower than a herd of people behind you, it’s okay to stop and find a spot on the side to let them pass. Same goes for people going downhill when you’re going uphill. Just be mindful.
–Bring friends! Every time I went I brought friends, not only for safety reasons, but because it makes the hike that more enjoyable. Since it does take a bit to get up to Potato Chip Rock it’s the perfect time to catch up with friends and help encourage each other.
–Make a game to help speed up going uphill. If you feel like the hike is a never-ending uphill battle (trust me there were times I thought the hills were never going to stop). Then make a game out of it. Push yourself a little, and say if I make it to that point I can treat myself to a snack and pretty shaded spot to take some photos. It definitely helped me push through.
-There is a $10 fee for parking and get there early to get a parking spot if you’re going on the weekends. If you get there and the parking lot if full, you’ll have to find some parking outside of the park and have to add more walking to and from your car.
-There are bathrooms at the park and Porta-Potties on the hike itself.
–Keep on the trails. But do take advantage of the cool boulders throughout the hike because they can be lovely to sit and relax on and enjoy the scenery.
–WATER. Did I mention water is important? Because even if you go on a non-sunny day early in the morning, it is still a hike uphill and you’ll want to keep replenishing your body.
–HAVE FUN. I had fun, not only with my friends, but with myself as well. I had to at least like the hike enough to hike it three times within a 6 month period. Granted I told myself I wouldn’t hike it a fourth time, but who knows, it may happen a fourth time. And I’ll probably enjoy it just as I had in the past. It is a pretty hike and you can enjoy the park at the finish if you’re not already sore.
I will say this last thing about the Potato Chip Rock Hike. I had never felt so accomplished than finishing the hike the first time. It’s not an easy hike for sure, but then after finishing the hike a third time I felt like superwoman.
Even if you don’t get that Instagram worthy Potato Chip Rock picture. Just be proud you made it to the top and that you’re strong enough to make it through all the hills and stairs and all that a good hike gives you.
Have fun hiking folks. I hope these tips help you before your next hike to Potato Chip Rock. If you have any extra tips or have actually hiked it and want to share your story, comment down below. Because take it from a girl who actually grew up in San Diego, it may be an overrated hike to some, but it is still a beautiful, challenging and fun hike to do in San Diego.
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