Lake Poway Trail — Attraction in Poway

This is a miserable hike because of the huge gotcha at the end. From the start of the trail or on a map, it looks like a simple, mostly flat loop around the lake. Then when you get 90% of the way around, all that's left is to cross a short little path by the dam and then you're done, right? Nope - the path across the dam is blocked off and they send you a mile out into the canyon, down 500 feet into a ravine and back up again. The climb back up is punishing, especially for kids and dogs, and if you weren't expecting it, you're probably already tired and out of water.

See that trail WAY over there in the distance? That's got to be some other trail, there's no way this one connects to it. They'd never just randomly send you all the way out there, no one would ever make it that stupid. Well guess what - HAHAHAHA, hope you're ready for a stupid hike, loser!

No other way to get back to the main entrance unless you walk all the way back around the lake, which actually would probably be easier. They really need to do a better job explaining what you're in for at the start, or else open the trail so you can get across the dam, which is not exactly some crazy unheard-of idea since there's already a path across it with a road leading right up to it...

Beautiful, and varied, trail-- a great escape into nature.. lots of wildlife and natural beauty to be seen! Parts of the hike are uphill and more challenging, but for the most part, the main trail is not too strenuous. There are options for taking longer and/or different difficulty levels! A great place to hike- and enjoy the view of the lake. Dog- friendly, and usually full (but not overly crowded) of friendly faces! We usually see a ranger or two along the way and they are so kind...

Too hot, too long for dogs, sharp rocks, trail was way longer with Much higher elevation gain than anticipated, almost zero shade. Took 2 hours, miserable. Views were ok on the first part and last 2/3rds is just a hike way down just to come all the way back up. Almost got divorced. Worst hike we’ve ever been on. NOT a “lake trail” as in not a quiet stroll relatively flat around the lake waters edge. Heart rate above 170 bpm for 90% of...