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Poway, California

Poway, California is a great spot for outdoor activities and attractions! From scenic hiking trails to fishing and obstacle courses, the area is a true paradise. Visit Lake Poway for a picturesque view and some serene fishing. For a more thrilling experience, try hiking Iron Mountain or tackling the obstacle course at the Poway Fun Bowl. For a more relaxed activity, take a stroll through the Old Poway Park and explore its captivating historic buildings. Don't forget to check out the Poway Skate Park and the Twin Peaks Golf Course for some fun. Whether you're a die-hard adventurer or simply looking for a peaceful day outdoors, Poway has something for everyone.

Top Spots in and near Poway

  • Poway, California

    Catch a Sunset at Twin Peaks Mountain

    2 mi
    Start by parking at Silverset Park. You will see the trail head for Twin Peaks just behind the park. Park outside of the park if you think you'll be staying past sunset, as the park gates close at dark! Once you spot the trail head, veer left to the path heading up towards the peaks. You will eve...
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  • Poway, California

    Mount Woodson and Potato Chip Rock

    4.6
    6.45 mi / 900 ft gain
    Mt. Woodson is located in Poway's most eastern region and is one of San Diego's most popular and most iconic hiking trails. Known for its grand photo opportunistic "Potato Chip Rock", Mt. Woodson is a 7.5mi out-and-back trail with amazing vistas, convenient rest stops and breathtaking views. The...
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  • Poway, California

    Relax at Lake Poway

    4.0
    It costs $5 to enter the park and they are open 6am to sunset everyday. There is plenty of parking and this park is huge! This place has so many outdoor recreational activities such as fishing, hiking, running, archery, feeding ducks, or just having a picnic. With so many possibilities in this on...
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  • Poway, California

    Hike around Goodan Ranch

    5.0
    3 mi
    Starting at the Sycamore Canyon Trail head, you will see the sign and gate that leads to Goodan Ranch. Head down the gravel road for 1.1 miles, until you reach a 3-way directional split. Heading straight for another .5 miles will take you directly to the ruins of the old Goodan house. Here you wi...
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  • San Diego, California

    Explore Chambers Hidden Dam and Waterfall

    3.2
    0.5 mi
    Once you get off on Poway road, turn right onto Sabre Springs Parkway. Take your immediate left onto Creekbridge Road and park right there on the hill. Walk straight down towards the black gate and go down the hill. Turn right on the trail and walk down 1/4 mile to the dam, and another 500 yards ...
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  • Ramona, California

    Iron Mountain Peak Trail

    4.1
    5.67 mi / 1030 ft gain
    Iron Mountain is the longest wilderness trail in Poway, CA. The parking lot is free and provides bathroom and water fountain amenities. The distance from the parking area to the summit is approximately 3.2 miles. Beginning with a wide smooth trail, slowly transitioning into semi-technical incline...
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  • Poway, California

    Blue Sky Ecological Reserve to Ramona Dam

    3.0
    5.3 mi / 984 ft gain
    Starting at the trail head where you park your car, head south along the Green Valley Truck Trail. After less than a mile, you will notice the city and noise start to fade behind you, and a beautiful sight of towering oaks, willows, and sycamores appear as you walk along the Creekside Trail. You ...
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  • San Diego, California

    Black Mountain via Nighthawk Trail

    5.0
    4.05 mi / 764 ft gain
    Starting at the trail head at the end of Oviedo way, you will see a power line on top of the small hill across from the rec center, which is the start of the South Point View Trail. Follow this trail about a mile until you see a sign for the 'Little Black Mountain Loop' . This is a 4.1 mile loop ...
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  • San Diego, California

    Black Mountain Peak via Miner's Ridge Loop Trail

    2.5
    4.3 mi / 951 ft gain
    The Miner's Ridge Loop Trail is a relatively mild 4.3-mile loop that takes you to the 1554-foot summit of Black Mountain Peak. Even from the parking lot, the views to the east are stunning. Get there early in the morning on a clear day, or arrive just before sunset to get the full experience. T...
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  • Ramona, California

    Mount Woodson's East Approach

    3.0
    3.96 mi / 1385 ft gain
    Mount Woodson is a well-known hiking trail in San Diego County. It is known for its breathtaking views and the famous potato chip rock. The Trail on the east side of the Mountain is fairly steep but is about half the distance of the trail on the west side of the mountain. To get to the trail on ...
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  • San Diego, California

    Los Penasquitos Canyon Loop

    3.3
    6.77 mi / 131 ft gain
    Los Penasquitos Canyon Loop After about a five minute hike on the trail you will start to enter into Los Penasquitos Canyon. Every section of the trail is different, one minute you are walking next to a stream with trees arching over the trail and another minute you are walking through an open f...
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  • San Diego, California

    Battle Mountain's Cross

    5.0
    0.45 mi / 256 ft gain
    This is a quick and easy hike for everyday explorers desiring a 20-minute sweat-inducing power walk leading to incredible views of urban development, Iron Mountain, Mt. Woodson, Mule Hill, and The 15. Come enjoy the views while sitting under the beautiful 20ft cross you've been admiring from the ...
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  • San Diego, California

    Los Penasquitos Waterfall via Los Penasquitos Canyon Trailhead

    4.3
    4.15 mi / 115 ft gain
    The Los Penasquitos Preserve waterfall is a hidden gem of San Diego and a popular spot for locals within the area. The hike to the waterfall lies within a preserve of approximately 4,000 acres. There are many different trailheads that lead to the waterfall all offering a unique experience. I alwa...
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  • Escondido, California

    Bernardo Mountain Summit Trail

    5.0
    7.15 mi / 1060 ft gain
    Bernardo Mountain is located on the Coast to Crest Trail in San Dieguito River Park. The 7.15-mile out-and-back trail to the 1060 ft. summit starts on the east side of I-15. It's a relatively easy hike all the way to the top. It picks up a little once you make it to the Summit Trail junction, wh...
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  • Santee, California

    Kwaay Paay Trail

    2.4 mi / 846 ft gain
    Park your car in the small gravel parking lot at the southwest corner of Father Junipero Serra Trail and Bushy Hill Drive (this is especially important if you plan to take the sunset hike, so you'll be outside the locked park gate when you descend). There will be other hikers parked there, but I'...
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  • Santee, California

    Oak Canyon in Mission Trails Regional Park

    5.0
    3.22 mi / 249 ft gain
    Starting on Father Junipero Serra Trail, drive 0.7 miles west to the Old Mission Dam parking lot on the left. The park closes the gates at 7pm, so make sure to park early, or plan your hike in such a way that you don't get locked in! If you think you'll need longer, you can park out on the main r...
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Camping and Lodging in Poway

San Diego Metro KOA Resort
Chula Vista, California

San Diego Metro KOA Resort

Fry Creek Campground
Palomar Mountain, California

Fry Creek Campground

Observatory Campground
Palomar Mountain, California

Observatory Campground

Oak Grove Campground
Warner Springs, California

Oak Grove Campground

El Prado Group
Laguna Meadow Road

El Prado Group

Laguna
Mount Laguna, California

Laguna

Guides, Insights and Stories from Poway

The 5 Best Photography Spots in San Diego

The 5 Best Photography Spots in San Diego

Dustin Kahia

The Adventure-side of Oceanside - 4 Days of Sending it in the Heart of SoCal

The Adventure-side of Oceanside - 4 Days of Sending it in the Heart of SoCal

William Woodward

The Adventure-side of Oceanside Essential Gear

The Adventure-side of Oceanside Essential Gear

Josiah Roe