Most hikers know Lake Poway as the starting point for the famous Potato Chip Rock (Mount Woodson) hike, but there are some other adventures to be had there. If you want to enjoy the scenic views and rugged landscape that surrounds Lake Poway but avoid the Mount Woodson crowds, this loop around the lake is a good choice. There is little shade and some steep hills, so an early start during warm weather is advised.
We started along the trail between the concession area and the large picnic area.
The trail wrapped around along the shore of the lake. There was little shade and the day was already warming up.
The trail continued to curve around the lake. There were a few side trails leading down to the shoreline or off to the right, but we just stuck to the main trail circling the lake.
Before long the trail began to climb.
Around .55 miles we reached the top of the incline and found a nice viewpoint with benches to enjoy views of the lake.
The trail descended a bit, and then around .85 miles we reached a 4-way junction. To the right was the turn-off for the Mount Woodson trail, and to the left was a short spur trail leading to another viewpoint. The path around the lake continued straight.
We headed up to the viewpoint where we found a secluded picnic table, and through the bushes was another nice view of the lake below.
We headed back down to the junction and resumed our trek around the lake.
Around 1.1 miles there was another little picnic area to the left of the trail.
This spot had more nice views of the lake.
Around 1.2 miles we came to a “Y” junction. The left fork was blocked off – it appeared to be a service road which led down to the dam. We continued uphill to the right.
The trail climbed up the side of a hill, giving us some nice views of the dam below.
The trail then began to descend, switchbacking down the hillside.
In the northeast, we could make out the rocky wall of the Lake Ramona dam far in the distance.
The trail descended down to a riparian strip below the Poway dam.
Around 1.9 miles we found a turn-off on the right leading to Blue Sky Ecological Reserve. We took the left fork to continue around the lake. 
We found a little side trail that led to the edge of a small stream emanating from the foot of the dam.
Then we had to regain all of the elevation we had lost, and began climbing back up towards the lake.
As we climbed, we got some nice views of the trail we had come down, and once again could see the Ramona dam in the distance.
We climbed until about the 2.3 mile point, where the trail leveled out somewhat and we found a “T” junction. The right fork led to the “West Loop Trail,” which you can take to add about .5 mile to your hike. We just took the left fork to continue around the lake.
In about .1 mile we came to another junction. You can go either way as the paths converge again further up. We took the left fork so we could continue to enjoy views of the lake.
We quickly came to yet another junction. Once again, either path will get you back to the parking lot. The left fork goes down along the shore, we took the right fork.
At 2.7 miles we found the other end of one of the previous junctions.
We turned left and walked a short distance to return to the parking lot.
Directions:
From I-15, take the Rancho Bernardo Road exit. Head east on Rancho Bernardo Road. Rancho Bernardo Road turns into Espola Road. Continue on Espola Road. Turn left onto Lake Poway Road and follow it to Lake Poway Recreation Area. map
| Total Distance: | 2.7 miles |
| Difficulty: | Moderate |
| Total Ascent: | 575 feet |
| Dog Friendly?: | Leashed dogs allowed |
| Bike Friendly?: | Bikes allowed |
| Facilities: | Restrooms and water near parking area; port-a-potties along trail |
| Fees/Permits: | Non-Poway residents must pay a $10 parking fee on weekends and holidays to park at Lake Poway. |
For more information, visit:
City of Poway: Lake Poway
View route or download GPX from CalTopo
