Clear skies and lots of sunshine and “The Views”

My six pack of peaks with a new twist this year. I decided to start out the year by completing one peak from each of six different challenges. On to the San Diego Challenge as I finish my travels south back down to Southern California from Oregon.

Mount Woodson, aka Potato Chip Rock (PCR) is #4 of 6 for my fourth hike of the year and fourth peak in this challenge.

January 12 – Headed down to Lake Poway this morning from Wilderness Lakes in Menifee for my 4^th hike of the year. Mount Woodson, aka Potato Chip Rock (PCR) via Lake Poway. PCR is one of the peaks in the San Diego Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge. It was about a 1-hour 30-minute drive this morning due to some heavy traffic on the I215 and I15.

I arrived at Lake Poway right around 7:30am. There is a $10 parking fee for non-residents of Poway and non-active-duty military on weekends and holidays. Residents pay $5 and active duty with ID cards are free. Otherwise, Monday through Friday is free parking for all.

There were just a few cars in the lot when I began my hike right around 7:55am. It was a bit chilly (mid-40’s) but the temperature was expected to reach the low 70’s by noon. I wore shorts, two thin layers (a t-shirt and a mid-layer), light weight gloves and a beanie to start. By mile two, I removed my gloves and replaced my beanie with a baseball cap.

Skies today were clear and there was some wind early on but that died off quickly. Excellent views all around and throughout the hike. I could clearly see the city of San Diego, San Clemente Island and just about everything else in between. I had clear views up to the San Gabriels, including Mount Baldy and Cucamonga Peaks. And I could even see as far as Mount Baden-Powell to the Northwest and Palomar Mountain to the North. There trail was in great shape. There were only a handful of hikers that I saw on my way up, but at least a dozen more headed up as I descended.

The summit was nice and peaceful. I think it’s been several years since I had the PCR all to myself. I kept a moderate pace going up in just about 1.75-hours for 4 miles (this included some extra walking around that the actual summit. I ended the hike with 7.8-miles and 2,201 feet in total elevation gain.