Trails & Hiking

Hiking Safety Reminders

Poway Trails MapThe City of Poway trails system has more than 78 miles of some of the finest trails in Southern California. Our trails are excellent for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Please note that some popular trails are dangerous to hike in the heat. Be prepared. But consider staying off the trails when it's hot - both for you safety, and the safety of our first responders.

View the new online Poway trails map. 

Download a copy of the Poway Trails Guide and Map (PDF).

Hiking Safety Tips & Rules

  • Remember to hike with a buddy and carry water, a whistle, identification, and a cell phone. Avoid headphones.
  • Please stay on marked trails, wear sturdy shoes, and leash your dogs.
  • Protect yourself from the sun and don't hike during the hottest part of the day.
  • Trails are open for public use from sunrise to sunset, 7 days a week.
  • Use of tobacco products, including e-cigarette's is not allowed.
  • All natural resources are protected. Please respect all plants, wildlife, and other natural features.
  • Firearms, fires, and motorized vehicles/equipment are not permitted.
  • Bicyclists, please remember to yield the right-of-way to hikers and horseback riders. Maximum trail speed is 10 miles per hour at Lake Poway and 15 miles per hour on all other trails. (Bicycles are not allowed at Blue Sky Ecological Reserve.)
Mand Under Iron Mountain Sign

Blue Sky Ecological Reserve Trails

Blue Sky Suggested Hikes MapThese trails are designed to provide visitors a view of all habitat types. Blue Sky's primary trail occurs along the Green Valley Truck Trail (GVTT). View map of suggested hikes. Download the self-guided tour.

Creekside Trail

At 0.2 miles from the trail head, a sign is posted to the Oak Grove and Creekside Trail. The Creekside Trail is a narrow, maintained trail that runs parallel to the GVTT and winds through Blue Sky's riparian habitat for approximately 0.25 miles. Dogs and horses are not permitted on the Creekside Trail.

Ramona Dam

The GVTT stretches for approximately 1.2 level miles, but if you're looking for a great workout, turn left at the sign post to Ramona Dam and begin an uphill ascent to Lake Ramona. This tranquil setting above Blue Sky affords incredible views of Poway and beyond. Distance 2.4 miles from the trail head, round trip 4.8 miles.

Mount Woodson

The Mt. Woodson trailhead is located on the east side of Lake Poway. Beginning from the Lake Poway Staging area, the hike to the Mt. Woodson Summit is an extremely challenging 2,000 foot climb in elevation. This 8 mile round trip hike may take 3 to 4 hours on average and is only recommended for experienced hikers looking for a strenuous workout.

Raptor Breeding SignWhen Hiking Iron Mountain and Ellie Lane

The City has a long-term tradition of conserving large amounts of open space and preserving the rural character of the "City in the Country" and does so through a Habitat Conservation Plan. This plan, assists us with the effective protection, conservation, and management of our biological resources. It's important to protect raptor populations by staying on designated trails.