Potato Chip Rock Hiking Adventure near San Diego

San Diego•moderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

3–5 hours

Fitness Level

Requires a good level of fitness due to steady elevation gain and uneven terrain.

Overview

Take on the thrilling 6.6-mile hike to Potato Chip Rock, an incredible natural formation near San Diego offering stunning views and unforgettable photo ops. Get ready for an adventure that combines challenge and beauty.

San Diego, California

Potato Chip Rock Hiking

6.6 Miles • 3-4 Hours

Attraction

Transportation

Select participants and date

Date

Sat, Nov 1

Travelers

Adventure Photos

About This Adventure

Experience the thrill of Potato Chip Rock, a unique natural wonder near San Diego that resembles a giant potato chip perched on a mountain edge. Hike 6.6 miles round trip with an elevation gain of up to 2000 feet, and enjoy breathtaking views while standing on this iconic rock formation.

Potato Chip Rock is a tourist attraction near San Diego, California. It is located on the Mt. Woodson summit and is famous for resembling a potato chip. You can stand, sit, or jump on the rock which is on the edge of the mountain. It is located in an unincorporated part of San Diego County between Poway and Ramona. The rock is thin and more than 7 feet long, and it looks as if it is about to fall.

Length: 6.6 miles round trip Elevation Gain: 1800-2000 ft Time: 3-4 hours

Included:

Round trip transportation (10AM-4PM)

What to Bring: Water Sunscreen Lunch / Trail snacks

Pick Up Location:

Five Star Tours, 1050 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA at 10:00 AM
EF School, 3455 Kenyon St, San Diego, CA 92110 at 10:10 AM

Adventure Tips

Start Early to Avoid Crowds

Begin your hike early in the morning to enjoy a quieter trail and cooler temperatures before the midday heat.

Bring Plenty of Water

Carry at least two liters per person, as the trail offers limited shade and no water sources.

Wear Proper Footwear

Trail shoes with good grip are recommended to navigate the rocky and sometimes slippery sections safely.

Watch Your Step on the Rock

Potato Chip Rock’s edge is narrow—take care when stepping out for photos and avoid overcrowding the rock.

Local Insights

Wildlife

California quail
Western scrub-jay

History

Mount Woodson is a historic landmark in San Diego County, popular since the early 1900s and named after Lt. George A. Woodson, a pioneer of the region.

Conservation

Visitors are encouraged to stay on marked trails to protect native plants and minimize erosion, preserving the area’s natural beauty for future hikers.