THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Poway - 2024 (with Photos) - Tripadvisor
Things to Do in Poway

Things to Do in Poway, CA - Poway Attractions

Things to Do in Poway

Tours near Poway

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Top Attractions in Poway

These rankings are informed by traveler reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travelers are saying

  • k b
    San Diego, CA379 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    IRON MOUNTAIN-HIKERS WANTED
    The entire trail is wondrous with  panoramic vistas of rolling hills,  distant mountains, and boulder formations.  One of the highlights of the hike was the tree arch entry that greets you with blessings for a good hike. And that's about all the shade you will get :).

    AMENITIES
    The portopotties are a sanitary mayhem and need to be closed for hazmat. The stench reaches the parking lot. Parking & trail are free. 

    HOW FIT DO YOU HAVE TO BE FOR THIS HIKE?
    If you do cardio at least 4 hours weekly, you can manage this hike. But I also saw:

    A woman with flip flops
    A man carrying two 3 gallon jugs filled with water
    All age ranges and weight classes
    A first timer hiker and the list goes on.

    WHAT WAS YOUR OVERALL EXPERIENCE?
    I experienced the hike to be fun and interesting with the different terrain, views, switchbacks and boulders. If you can step up on a curb or do lunges then you can step on, over, or to the side of the boulders. With that being said, there are walking crevasses next to the boulders on the trail.

    I heard the hike was hard and because of my success on Saturday. I thought it was a fluke, so I went back the following next day. And it was just as enjoyable.

    Overall, this 5.8 mile hike offered a mix of natural beauty, conditioning, and satisfaction. It's a great way to connect with friends, groups, nature and obviously movement. I highly recommend Iron Mountain instead of Cowles mountain.

    HIGHLIGHTS
    Well maintained and clearly marked
    Perfect for new solo hikers
    No dog or human feces on trail

    NEED TO KNOW
    Can be done with/out trekking poles. I take mine because dogs were not leashed, although required
    San Diego temps can still reach the 80's in October.

    "A mustard seed of faith can move mountains. Have a mountainous faith to move every obstacle in your path."
    --Juken

    #JUKEN123
    #ironmountainsd
    #hikepowaysd
    #hikepanoramicviews
    Written October 28, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • LodiWineBob
    Oceanside, CA482 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We have been to this beautiful downtown park on numerous occasions. Nice walking trails, a neat little museum, lots of picnic areas, and the train ride is always fun. Plenty of on and off street parking and safe. Go during the downtown farmers market and buy a lunch and enjoy a picnic. Sit down restaurants steps from the park. We went to The Hop Place. Aptly named for a wide variety of local beers. A nice Veterans Memorial too.

    Poway was wise to create and maintain this park. Hats off to the city leaders and citizens.
    Written April 9, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • TheFarkman
    Vancouver, Canada230 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is a very good hike but be prepared for some uphill. It is a 2000 foot climb and if you are not in decent shape, you will be gassed at the top. The actual Potato Chip rock is not that great imo, but the hike itself is good. Good views. All trails said it is about 4 hours round trip. We did it in 3 hours.
    Written March 24, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Nikko Gandia
    Monterey, CA316 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    the mount woodson trail leads to the potato chip rock and i opted for the shortest trail to get there. i posted a video including a vlog, tips and suggestions for all hiking levels. you can find a link to my youtube on my profile or you can look me up “nikko gandia”.

    free parking right next to the trailhead on the southbound side of highway 67. the out and back trail is a little more than 4 miles and 1k ft of elevation gain.

    this is a moderate to hard hike, how tolerable you are with hiking in heat and how the weather is when you go. make sure to bring enough water.

    beginners can complete the hike if they go nice and slow. if you don’t believe you can handle the length/elevation gain i wouldn't suggest going because the the potato chip rock and the views at the summit make it worth it.

    there's a 3-4 foot level change to actually get onto the potato chip rock, i outline how to do so in my video.
    Written September 18, 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Toby A
    1 contribution
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    I have acted myself in several productions here, seen others and never has there been 1 show that wasn't wonderful. I wish though that they would bring back the melodramas they put on for Poway Days. Adored seeing and acting in these productions, always sold out houses and miss them something fierce. Please bring them back I am sure I am not the only one missing them.
    thank you
    Written October 26, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Curtis
    San Diego, CA25 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful, quiet, trail to get outside and enjoy the fresh air. Hike a little or a lot. Can also take trail to Lake Poway.
    Written March 2, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Oscar M
    Orange County, CA19 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great challenging golf course. I have been playing this track at least once a year for 20 years. Troon always has it in great shape - especially the greens. Played again yesterday - 36 holes and had a great time. Our clubs were on a cart by the time we got checked in and we headed to the range to warm up. Practice area has always been superb, although with all of the long putts you are likely to have, I wish the practice greens were larger - seems like they used to be. The fairways were perfect and the holes were cut nicely. We played the first round in 4.5 hours which is on pace for this course. Lunch in the grill was prompt and the beer was cold. It was a hot day, so the on course water and the complimentary lemonade at the turn was really appreciated, as was the cold face towel at the end of the day.
    What I have always loved about Maderas is the design of the holes and the bunkering. There are literally no two holes alike! I am still trying to figure out how to play number 8! (Suggest two five irons and a short iron - keep it right!!). Holes 5, 8, and 14 are worth the price of the round - so fun.
    Would give it 4.5 stars if I could. We had one issue with our second tee-time that was not handled/explained the way it should have been. That being said, can't wait to go back and play it again. Jeff on the first tee is awesome and Head Pro Corrie is a class act. Hope to see you soon.
    Written August 16, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • PJHSanDiego
    San Diego73 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Poway is a nice city with a lot of trails to hike.
    This is about 1.5 miles.
    It does have some mild elevation but is not too hard.
    When you get to the top you get some nice views.
    As with any hike skip it on rain days.
    Enjoy.
    Written October 10, 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Sandy R
    Poway, CA30 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great hike with steep finish. The ranger station has bathrooms and a bird sanctuary they will show you.
    Written March 3, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • drosenman
    Bloomfield Hills, MI144 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We did the 2.5 mile Poway Lake Trail and it was wonderful! The hills made the hike have elevations in parts but the sandy trail was well marked. The views of the lake and the surrounding mountains were beautiful!
    Written February 20, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • janoz63
    Poway, CA8 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Never been to this store, great location and have walked by many times but do not have young kids to compare.
    Written September 28, 2015
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • 10ringtraveler
    Alpine, CA668 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is a small neighborhood park right in the middle of a residential area. Nice sized jungle gym in the middle of it for kids to play on. Parking lot on site and restroom facilities.
    Written May 29, 2017
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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