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Poway is a city of about 48,000 people in the inland hills of San Diego County, California, about 20 miles north of downtown San Diego. Its name comes from the Kumeyaay word Pauwai, and the valley was ranch and farm country until suburban growth in the 1970s and incorporation in 1980. It calls itself the City in the Country, and large lots, horse trails and rugged hills keep that feeling alive.
Poway is best known for hiking. From Lake Poway, a popular trail climbs Mount Woodson to Potato Chip Rock, a thin slab of granite that has become one of San Diego's most photographed spots. Iron Mountain is another favorite summit, and Blue Sky Ecological Reserve offers a shaded oak canyon walk.
Old Poway Park recreates the town's past with historic buildings, a Saturday farmers market and rides on the Poway-Midland Railroad. The Kumeyaay-Ipai Interpretive Center preserves an ancient village site, and the Poway Center for the Performing Arts hosts concerts and shows.
A city reservoir set among granite hills, with rental boats, fishing for trout and bass, a loop trail around the water, picnic areas, playgrounds and a campground. It is also the trailhead for the Mount Woodson hike. Non-residents pay a small parking fee on weekends, and swimming is not allowed.
A protected reserve of oak woodland, chaparral and a shaded creek, with an easy, mostly flat trail that follows an old road and continues up to Lake Ramona for great views. It is good for families and birders. Dogs are not allowed, and rangers sometimes lead nature walks on weekends.
A thin, overhanging flake of granite near the summit of Mount Woodson, famous for daring photos. The usual route from Lake Poway is about seven miles round trip with a steep climb and little shade. Start at dawn, bring plenty of water, and expect a line for photos on weekends.
One of San Diego County's most popular summit hikes, about six miles round trip from the trailhead on Highway 67 to the 2,696-foot peak of Iron Mountain, with views to the ocean on clear days. The trail is wide and well graded. Go early to avoid heat, and bring water, as there is none on the trail.
A park that recreates old Poway with historic buildings, including the Nelson House, a museum and a train barn, plus lawns and a gazebo. A farmers market runs on Saturday mornings, and the park hosts seasonal events. It is especially fun for kids when the railroad is running on weekends.
A small preserve on the site of an ancient Kumeyaay village, with grinding rocks, native plant gardens and a museum about the people who lived in the Poway valley for thousands of years. Volunteers lead tours on open days. It is a quiet, short visit, and opening hours are limited.
A volunteer-run heritage railroad in Old Poway Park with short rides on a small steam locomotive, a vintage trolley and other historic cars on a loop around the park. Rides are inexpensive and run mostly on weekends. Kids also love the restored railcars and equipment on display in the train barn.
A community performing arts center with a theater of about 800 seats that hosts touring musicians, dance, comedy, plays and local productions. It is next to Poway High School, and parking is easy. Ticket prices are often lower than in San Diego, and shows are listed on the city website.
The trail up Mount Woodson climbs through chaparral and giant granite boulders to a summit crowned with radio towers and wide views over Poway, Ramona and the coast. Most hikers start at Lake Poway, but a shorter, paved route starts on Highway 67. Avoid midday in summer, as there is almost no shade.
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California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
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