Location: Poway
Top Things to do in Poway
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What to do and see in Poway, California (CA): The Best Nature & Parks
Poway /ˈpaʊ.eɪ/ is a city in San Diego County, California, United States. Originally an unincorporated community in the county, Poway officially became a city on December 12, 1980. Poway's rural roots gave rise to its slogan "The City in the Country". As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 47,811. The ZIP Code is 92064.
Restaurants in Poway
1. San Diego Trail Company
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 11 reviews
Destination Trail Rides! Beaches, Scenic Mountains, or Nature Preserve! Custom Options Available. Also offers Birthday Parties and Pony Rides.
Reviewed By heatherj2772 - San Diego, United States
My daughter and two friends (10 yrs old) spent a whole day here. It was like a one-day camp (drop off in the morning & pick up in the afternoon). They had 2 instructors who taught them all about horses including, but not limited to, cleaning the stall, brushing their hair, and washing them off after the trail ride. Ashley was wonderful with the girls and did a great job matching the girls up with horses appropriate for their experience level (1st time rider; 2nd time rider; several-time rider). Ashley also took >100 photos & a video and airdropped them to the parents at pickup (we requested photos). The video during the trail ride was beautiful - very scenic. My daughter wants to go back to ride again sooner rather than later!
2. Lake Poway
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By robertcR8775XI - Scottsdale, United States
Famous landmark on the top of Mt Woodson, on a trail that starts at Lake Poway Park. Landmark is the 'Potato Chip Rock', which is a very unusual horizontal overhanging rock. Trail is 3.75 miles (6.05 km) one way from Lake Poway Park, and goes through some beautiful scenery before reaching the Potato Chip. Elevation change is 1600 ft, over a rocky path that has mostly granulated sand between the rocks. . Gr
3. Old Poway Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 124 reviews
Reviewed By PERRYMERLIN - San Diego, United States
What a great park set in the middle of a circular train track run. Beautiful surroundings with trees and the old town Poway district with all its charm. Enjoy a picnic and then take the train for a ride around the park. Great for all ages and activities.
4. Iron Mountain
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 80 reviews
Reviewed By SimeyTravels - San Diego, United States
We're slowly getting back into our hiking groove, carefully navigating a post-pandemic great outdoors. This was our first time hiking Iron Mountain, and we're now fans of this spot. The beautiful and welcoming tree tunnel really sets the mood, welcoming you in before opening up to the trails. And goodness, that tree tunnel is absolutely a blessing on your way back to the parking lot, offering respite from the sun, dropping the temperature by a good 10 degrees. We arrived a bit later than planned, as our morning started with a lot more lazing-in-bed than prepping-to-hike, but it worked out, because we were able to find parking in the dirt lot. We set out at around 11:30 am, which isn't smart on most days, but this particular Saturday in April was cool and a bit overcast, which helped a ton. There's a lot of good signage along the trails, which helps those who get lost easily...or frequently. It was also nice to see that the rescue team was on hand, buzzing the trails in the bright yellow helicopter, keeping an eye out for anyone in distress. The trails did get a bit tight - it's a popular spot - but for the most part, people were respectful and tried to keep as much distance as possible. There were a fair number of mask-less hikers out, but that's not the trail's fault. You get those people everywhere. We didn't spend as much time at the top as I would've liked - it was quite packed up there and we could see more people making their way to the summit, but it is quite pretty there. We were at least able to catch our breath and take a few pictures before making our way back down. I imagine we'll be heading back to Iron Mountain for another hike later this year, but we're also eager to explore some of our city's other trails, first. I am glad that we smothered ourselves in sunblock and had 64 ounces of water on us. There's not much shade on those open dirt trails.
5. Mount Woodson Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 56 reviews
Reviewed By Susie1028 - San Diego, United States
There are several routes up to Potato Chip Rock on Mount Woodson. There is an 8ish mile hike from Lake Poway recreational park (with a parking fee of $10 for non-resident cars, 6AM to sunset). There is a also a 4ish mile hike up the fire road on the 67 in Ramona (park on the side of the road, though they approved a 100 spot parking lot in the near future). This hike has some elevation gain (2000 feet from Poway and 1200 feet from Ramona), and is rated as challenging. This area gets extremely hot in the warmer months, and there is no shade along the trail. So brings lots of water and proper clothing. Be warned that if you start in the later morning or afternoon on a weekend, not only will the sun be beating down on you, but the line to get a picture on Potato Chip Rock will be extremely long (up to one hour).
6. Blue Sky Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 33 reviews
Reviewed By lindawU2175DY - Henderson, United States
My husband and I were looking for something fun to do on our last day of a California vacation with a lot of driving and found this place which turned out to be great for birding in addition to giving us the exercise we were lacking. We arrived a little after 8 am on a Friday and the parking lot had quite a few cars although we didn't see that many people on our walk. After a short uphill section on the overlook trail, the path turned into a shady dirt road and a fairly easy walk through the canyon. We wanted more when we got near the end of the trail and took the trail out of the reserve toward Lake Poway which was a little more challenging climbing out of the canyon and up over the altitude of the earthen dam and then down to the lake parking lot where there were restrooms and a water fountain. Along this path we came across a small stream and spotted a nutmeg mannequin, a finch that we hadn't seen before. We arrived back at our car at just about noon and there were very few cars in the lot at that hour.
7. Potato Chip Rock
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 170 reviews
Reviewed By srengl2018 - South El Monte, United States
2nd time at potato chip rock in San Diego. I woke up at 8am to summit both of my papers. Afterward, decided to drove my-self 150 miles to San Diego @ Potato chip rock. what a fun day, started off strong, however, after 30mins incline, my physical exhaustion kick in, and so I took multiple breaks in between. After 1hr 30mins I finally reach my destination. It took me 20mins just to take pictures because the line was so long and people helping each other taking pictures. The first day of summer breaks off to a great start...Next stop is unknown but will be more challenge.......#saturdayfunday #quarentineday #selfcare #potatochips #sandiego #hotaummersun #rock #tree #lake #antena #firstyeargradcompleted #timetocelebrateandgetbackinshape #timetodiscipline #timetomotivate #timeforchanged #humblelove #saturdaylived #goal #focus #nevergiveup
8. Goodan Ranch Sycamore Canyon Preserve
9. Starridge Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
10. Twin Peaks Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
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