I have done this hike before however this time we started from Lake Poway parking lot via Mt. Woodson trail.  We started around 5:30 p.m. (it had rained a little bit so the air was a bit muggy).  If you do this hike and think that you might not make it back before the gates close, I highly recommend parking across the street on the main road.  The gates do close at exactly 8 p.m. and you will not be able to get your car out.  The restrooms are very clean at the trail head.  The first 3.5 miles are mostly climbing and quite rocky in some areas so you have to be mindful.   We went all the way to the radio towers which is essentially the peak.  We did not see a sign to hold up but took pictures on the famous Potato Chip rock.  We did not carry lights (although we should have) because it was dark when we finished at 8 p.m.  The 3.5 miles down was fairly easy (except for the rock section).   If you do this hike with dogs, please do it early in the morning or late in evening as it is exposed and can get very hot.