Potato Chip Rock facts for kids
Potato Chip Rock is a cool natural rock formation near San Diego, California. It's found at the top of Mt. Woodson and is super famous because it looks just like a giant, thin potato chip! This unique rock is located in an area of San Diego County that's not part of a city, between the towns of Poway and Ramona. Many people visit this spot every year to see the rock and enjoy the hike.
Discovering Potato Chip Rock
Potato Chip Rock sits high up on Mt. Woodson, about 2,700 to 2,800 feet above sea level. The rock itself is about 100 yards below the very top of the mountain. It's quite thin and over 7 feet long, making it look like it could snap off at any moment! But don't worry, it's strong enough for visitors to stand on for fun photos.
How to Hike to the Rock
Getting to Potato Chip Rock usually involves a hike. There are a few popular paths you can take:
- Lake Poway Trail: This is a common way to reach the rock. It's a 6.6-mile round trip hike that starts from the Lake Poway trailhead.
- Route 67 Trail: A shorter, but steeper, path starts from parking areas along Highway 67. This route is about 3.75 miles round trip and is paved.
- Fry-Kogel Trail: This third option is about 4 miles each way.
No matter which path you choose, the hike to the rock and back can take about three to four hours. It's important to remember that there are no places to get drinking water or use restrooms along the trails, so be sure to bring everything you need!
A Fun Prank and Another Rock
In 2017, the mayor of Poway, Steve Vaus, played an April Fools' Day prank about Potato Chip Rock. He tweeted that part of the rock had broken off and even shared a picture as "proof"! Of course, it was just a joke for April Fools'.
As you hike from Lake Poway towards Potato Chip Rock, you might also spot another interesting formation called Sandcrawler Rock. It's named because it looks like the large Sandcrawler vehicles from the Star Wars movies!
