MOUNT WOODSON EAST TRAIL HIKE/PHOTOGRAPHY

IN BRIEF:

A popular area for rock climbers, runners, and hikers who enjoy an uphill workout. Be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks.

DESCRIPTION:

The trail begins moving south through oak forest parallel to CA 67, where the car sounds quickly begin dissolving, filtered away behind joyful birdsong and the gentle rustle of wind in the leaves. At approximately 0.1 mile, you'll come to the asphalt route which bears left then back to the right then left again. You'll notice a home, fenced off on the left. Pass by as the road gradually grows steeper. The road is framed with a lizard's paradise of smooth, pale-sided boulders perfect for sunning on.

About halfway up the road (0.9 miles), the view opens to the south, but curves back to afford the northeastern views. All along the road, boulders pile upon boulders. The pale granodiorite surfaces area smoothened by exposure to weather, forming curved shapes within which a good imagination can see a primitive cityscape or animals like the tortoise rock that appears to sleep in the sun near the top. Manzanita finds life within the great rocks, rising from cracks where the boulders have split apart.

When you reach the crest of the mountain, you can continue forward to a small eastern lookout point amid the shade of pines. Or, take the asphalt road as it begins to descend through a maze of towering communication antennas. Just past the last antenna tower, some big flat boulders provide the perfect picnic spot with the views of Poway to the southwest.

KEY AT-A-GLANCE INFORMATION

LENGTH: 3.6 MILES

CONFIGURATION: Out-and-back

DIFFICULTY: Moderate (uphill)

SCENERY: Huge boulders and odd rock formations

EXPOSURE: Mostly sunny

TRAIL SURFACE: Earthen path, asphalt

HIKING TIME: 2.25 hours

ACCESS: Free

SPECIAL COMMENTS: The continuous uphill cadence with a gain of close to 1,200 feet in elevation.

DIRECTIONS:

Take I-15 to the Poway Road exit and drive east until Poway Road runs into CA 67. Turn left and drive on CA 67 for approximately 3 miles. Watch for the fire station on the left. You'll also see a marker sign for Mount Woodson. When safe, make a U-turn and drive back to park on the southbound shoulder of CA 67, near the marker sign. We'll meet at 10:15 AM. If it rains, the event will be cancelled. I will email all the yes and maybe 1 day prior to the event with my contact info...if you do not have it already. Also, please print out the directions, many members have been calling me because they did not print out the directions. I get an average 10 calls in the morning. Sometimes I don't get reception either in certain areas of Poway. Carpooling in recommended.