Potato Chip Rock: The Ultimate Guide to San Diego’s Most Instagrammabl
📍 Trailhead: Mt. Woodson Trail via CA-67, Ramona, CA 92065 (Park along highway) Why It’s Famous This paper-thin granite slab jutting over a 1,000ft drop is Mount Woodson’s crown jewel—a geological wonder + daredevil photo op rolled into one. Hike Stats 🥾 Route: Woodson Trail (paved, 2-3m wide) → Potato Chip Rock → Lake Poway loop ⏱️ Time: 4-5 hours total 📏 Distance: 7.5 miles RT ⬆️ Elevation Gain: 2,000ft 🐕 Dog-Friendly: Yes (on leash) Geology Nerd Alert! ⛰️ Formed 100 million years ago during the Cretaceous period 🔨 Granite Exfoliation: Erosion peels layers like an onion, creating smooth boulders 💦 Key Forces: Water seepage + temperature swings Pro Tips 📸 Photo Hack: Go weekday mornings to avoid 1hr+ photo lines 🏃 Trail Variation: Descend via Lake Poway’s shady creek trails (unofficial but scenic) 🥪 Post-Hike Bite: Grab the legendary veggie sandwich at Lake Poway’s concession stand #PotatoChipRock #SanDiegoHikes #GeologyRocks #SoCalAdventures