I grew up in Ramona and worked for CDF (now Cal Fire) and have even covered at the fire station near the trailhead. Needless to say, I’ve done this hike more than once. This was by far my favorite time. The rains for the several preceding days refreshed the entire trail.  The sweet scent of the native sage carried on the soft breeze the entire time is something I wish I could bottle. We got an early start to beat the crowds and were rewarded with a parking spot on the same side of the freeway so we didn’t have to play Feiffer running across a VERY busy road. This is the shortest route to get to the top of Woodson but it is a burner the entire way. The view from the top was incredible we could see the Coronado’s islands and San Clemente peeking through the marine layer.  We will be back, likely via Lake Poway next time to see the other side.