Overlooking the landscape like a granite giant, Woodson Mountain has watched centuries unfold. The Kumeyaay, the original inhabitants of this land, called it Ewiiy Hellyaa, “Mountain of the Moonlit Rocks.” They believed it was a place of power, where the moon rested. They also linked it to Toyapai, a mythical giant who left his mark on the mountain’s south side on his journey to the coast. Woodson Mountain, also known as Mount Woodson, stands as a testament to time and change.
Woodson Mountain’s modern fame comes from Potato Chip Rock, a thin, precarious sliver of rock that seems to defy gravity. This geological marvel, over seven feet long, sits west of the summit, around 2,900 feet above sea level. The journey to this iconic spot is a popular hike, a 6.6-mile round trip from Lake Poway, taking three to four hours. Other routes ascend from the east, including a steep, paved 3.75-mile trek along Mt. Woodson Road. The Fry-Kogel trail, a longer four-mile climb, also leads to the summit. The panoramic view from the summit region offers breathtaking views of the western half of the county.
Woodson Mountain isn’t just about Potato Chip Rock. The mountain also boasts a fascinating collection of granite boulders. Formed deep within the earth as a single massive block, the granite cooled and fractured. Water and wind, over time, eroded the soil and exposed these remarkable formations. Chemical erosion further sculpted the rocks, creating the rounded boulders we see today. The most famous of these is, of course, Potato Chip Rock.
The mountain’s history is as intriguing as its geology. Originally called Cobbleback Peak by pioneers, it was later renamed after Marshall Clay Woodson, a Confederate dentist who settled in the area in 1895. A fire lookout tower once stood on the summit from the 1930s to the 1980s. Today, a complex of communication towers occupies the true summit. In 2017, Poway’s mayor, Steve Vaus, orchestrated a playful April Fool’s Day prank, claiming that a piece of Potato Chip Rock had broken off.
A visit to Woodson Mountain offers more than just a photo opportunity. It’s a journey through time, a testament to natural forces, and a place where myth and reality intertwine. From the Kumeyaay legends to the modern-day hikers, Woodson Mountain continues to capture our imagination.