Lake Poway “Dam to Dam hike”

NOTE: THIS HIKE HAS BEEN MOVED TO SUNDAY DUE TO THE WEATHER FORECAST!!!

This is a bit of a different take on the Blue Sky / Mt Woodson / Lake Poway area. We won’t be going up Mt Woodson – but that doesn’t mean we won’t be climbing! We’ll be starting at Lake Poway (free parking Nov – Mar). We’ll be on a lollipop-shaped route. We’ll completely circumnavigate Lake Poway and its dam. The trail around the lake is about 3.2 miles. Halfway around the lake we’ll take a long out-and-back detour into Blue Sky Ecological Reserve and up a fireroad to visit the Ramona Dam. The out-and-back section to Ramona Dam is about 2 miles each way with about 600’ gain (and a real steep little snot at the very end).

This is a very exposed hike that offers lots of views but little shade. The dams and views of the two lakes add interest and variety. We start at 900’ elevation at the lake, go down to 700’ and get up to 1300’ at the Ramona Dam. But there’s lots of other up and downs around the lake, some steep (but not long). Total elevation gain over the course of the hike looks to be about 1300’ - 1500’ on the topo map. But other than the climb up to the Ramona Dam most of the gain and loss is roller coaster so you get some breathing room in between the huffs and puffs.
I’d rate this a moderate-hard hike, not for beginners. Plan on about 3 to 4 hours for this trek depending on the speed of the group. We’ll take a snack break at Ramona Dam.

MISC:
1. Pets allowed on leash (they’re allowed in BSER and Lake Poway)
2. The Reserve closes on rainy days so rain will cancel
3. This is a wilderness hike. Hiking shoes, plenty of water and a light snack or lunch is a must. The “ten essentials” and a backpack are recommended.
4. I will bring trail maps for anyone who needs to turn around early, but doing so will leave you on your own (naturally, injuries and illness are exceptions).

PHOTOS:
Here's a blog entry with pictures about the first time I did this hike.

AVA Stamp:
There is no AVA stamp for this walk.

TO MEET AT THE WALK START
Exit I-15 at Rancho Bernardo Exit. Turn LEFT on Rancho Bernardo Rd if coming from the north, RIGHT if coming from the south. Drive 1.7 miles on Rancho Bernardo Rd. After crossing Pomerado the road changes name to Espola Rd/S5. Continue on for 2.4 miles. LEFT at Lake Poway Rd for half a mile. This road ends at parking for the lake near Lake Poway Park. We’ll hook up near the boat pier.

Here's a mapquest map.

TIME: We will start walking at 9am so plan to be there 10-15 minutes early.

TO MEET AT THE CARPOOLING FROM CARLSBAD:
Calavera Hills Park
2997 Glasgow Dr
Carlsbad, CA, 92010 (760) 448-5769
And here's a mapquest to the carpool location

Here's a map to the carpool location

TIME: We’ll leave at 8am so be there 5-10 minutes early.

Park in the corner closest to Glasgow & Carlsbad Village Drive (near basketball court). I'm driving an orange Saturn Vue hybrid.

CONTACT:
My cell is (760) 496-8610 if you have any problems.