15 Lake Poway Loop

OVERVIEW

LENGTH: 2.6 miles

CONFIGURATION: Loop

SCENERY: Lake and waterfowl, picturesque views of boats atop the glistening water, chaparral, wildflowers

EXPOSURE: Open to sunlight

TRAFFIC: Moderately heavy

TRAIL SURFACE: Well-packed dirt, some areas of slippery loose dirt

HIKING TIME: 1.5 hours

ACCESS: Parking always free to Poway residents, and free to visitors November–March; April–October, weekends, and holidays, non-Poway residents pay a parking fee: $5 for auto, RV, bus, or $2 for motorcycle.

MAPS: Available from the city of Poway online at www.ci.poway.ca.us/lake_poway/index.html

FACILITIES: Public restrooms near parking lot; chemical toilets along the trail

SPECIAL COMMENTS: Open 7 a.m.–sunset. The trails are shared by equestrians and bicycle riders. Children under 10 may need a hand on the few steeper areas, especially in summer when the dry soil is loose. Call (858) 668-4770 for more information.

SNAPSHOT

The Lake Poway Recreation Area offers boat rentals and fishing, a walk-in campground, and a grassy picnic area. For day hikers, even busy weekends in this spacious area let you feel close to nature and far from the city.

CLOSE-UP

A sense of pride pervades the city of Poway and spills over into its countryside and public recreation areas. With its pristine picnic areas and lake views reminiscent of a European vacation spot, hikers can immerse themselves in the relaxation of a long holiday, if only for an hour or two.

From the parking area, walk north past the office building on the left and look for the trail entrance to the left of the snack bar. You’ll head north for several yards and get a view of the boat dock and the lake on your right, to the east. The wide trail, flanked by smallish pine trees that smell like Christmas all year, bends west and leads up a short, steep section before gradually descending northwest. Look for skullcap with purple blooms in spring and summer and wild cucumber and curly dock—all growing among sparse laurel sumac and sage scrub, which are regenerating since the 2007 wildfires. Since those fires, this already spring bloom–heavy lake loop is all but carpeted with flowers. Zillions of golden poppies intersperse with spring’s rich color palette. Watch for fleabane (a natural flea repellent); its lavender daisies with yellow centers grow on spindly stems. Blue dicks—a member of the lily family—bloom as early as January, with showy yet delicate clusters that sway atop one- to two-foot, grasslike stems.

At about 0.5 miles, the trail gets steeper and a series of short switchbacks lead you down to the base of the dam. Smaller children might need a helping hand here, especially in dry months when loose ground gets slippery. Look to the northwest for a triangle of rocks peeking between the hills. It’s the dam for Lake Ramona, about 4 miles away. When you get to the bottom of the downhill slope, you’ll see a water trough for horses, and perhaps a few dragonflies hovering nearby. A creek runs here at the base of the dam, too, and you’ll likely notice the creamy yellow flowers of Hooker’s evening primrose during spring and summer. The festive blooms that grow on hairy stalks may be “dressed to kill,” but the name doesn’t refer to anything tawdry. They were named for a 19-century botanist. At about 1 mile from the trailhead, a path on the left leads off to the campground area, which is still closed as of this writing due to losses during the 2007 Witch Creek Fire.

The trail continues to the right, climbing gradually upward from the dam. At about 1.5 miles, you’ll start to see the dam again. A little farther and the lake is back in view as the trail gradually descends. On weekends, the glistening water is dotted with picturesque rowboats, and you make your way down to the water. You’ll likely hear laughter drifting across the lake from the picnic park near your car. As you get closer to the water, you’ll hear the clicking and squabbling of the American coot, which gathers in groups on the lake. My family has nicknamed this ever-present bird the American “toot,” because its voice is so similar to a child’s bicycle horn.

As the trail levels out, you’ll see portable toilets. A short path leads down to a beaching area for boats. Pine trees used to shade this area, making it a comfortable resting spot to sit and watch the water lap at the shore. In fact, several yards forward a shaded lake overlook bench was marked “Pine Point.” It is unclear yet whether or how this favorite picnic spot will be recreated.

The trail meanders around the northernmost inlet, then comes to a fork. Keep heading to the right around the lake and bypass the Mount Woodson Trail opening to the left. You’ll start to climb again, but at just more than 2 miles, the trail slopes downward and heads past a side trail that leads to the lake’s southern shore and the boat dock. Take this trail if you choose, or head up the trail, at times lined with milk thistle. The spiny plants sprout purple blooms in the summer. When you reach the picnic park, head across the grassy knolls to your car. In the spring, my daughters like to pluck the clover blooms that grow profusely in the lawn, tying them together for a natural chain that brings back childhood memories for me. Press the chains into a book to hold onto the memory of a pleasant day at Lake Poway.

MORE FUN

Old Poway Park is a historical gem with a museum, an operating steam train, and a Saturday farmer’s market. From Lake Poway, turn left onto Espola Road. Drive just over 3 miles to Twin Peaks and turn right. At about 0.8 miles, turn left on Midland. The 4.75-acre park is about 0.5 miles on the right at 14134 Midland Road. Call (858) 679-4313 for more information.

TO THE TRAILHEAD

From I-15, take Rancho Bernardo Road and head east. Rancho Bernardo Road becomes Espola Road after about 2 miles. Travel a total of just under 5 miles and turn left on Lake Poway Road. Proceed to the entrance booth and park in the lot.