I have been up on this Mountain many times, but it is always a nice way to spend a day! On Feb. 17 I hike up  Hwy 69 side.  I had a late start and just felt like getting out for the day. I really is just a long road hike up a very steep hill, so it was not as fun as the Lake Poway side. So this is why I decided to hike the Lake Poway side too! I did meet a very nice young lady and we chatted the whole way up. I found out that many local people use this side as a daily workout. When I get to the “Potato Chip” rock there is a large family taking pictures. They were from Korea and I had a nice conversation with them.  I learned that they are here in the U.S. so their children can learn english and that is a valuable skill in Korea.   I chat with them for a while and they took my picture for me.

Lake Poway Hike 3/29/21

Although I has already completed this Peak Challenge on the Hwy 67 side, my boyfriend was in town and I wanted him to see this wonderful trail and use this hike as a training hike for our trip to Las Vegas next week-I am doing the Las Vegas Challenge and he has agreed to hike a few with me…and he needed some good ‘up' miles on his legs. Also he is from Wisconsin and he also could use some climate acclamation! This trail is very deceiving…but worth the effort. I alway underestimate the distance.  It was a beautiful day and the sky was blue and the sun was warm. Around 1.5 miles into the hike we came across a nice size rattlesnake!  It was crossing the trail as we were coming around a turn in the trail. It didn't seem bothered by us and it wasn't rattling its tail. But it was very intimidating and a warning to be on the watch for this serious danger on this trails this time of year. The rest of the hike was good, as I hike up ahead to wait for David.  I always enjoy watching the variety of hikers who do this hike.  There are always those who are very frightened of heights and struggle with getting up on the “Potato Chip”.  Then there are the daredevils who defy fear and make it seam so easy.  I am not afraid of heights, but I do respect it! I'm aways amazed that my body reacts more that my mind.. I always feel my heart rate go up even though I enjoy climbing and standing up on the fun rock formation!

This is a fun hike and I will be back again and again!