Hikes with Kids : Lake Poway/Potato Chip Hike

Our view was breathtaking!

Our view was breathtaking!

 

Our family is trying to go out and be active. We’ve decided that we want to go out and explore nature more often. One way that we’re doing that is by going on family hikes. I decided to start a new series, hikes with kids. To kick off our series, I wanted to start with our last hike. My daughter and I headed down south and hiked around Lake Poway. The Lake Poway Recreation Area is located just a few miles away from the 15 freway and is very easy to find. It is northeast of Poway, off Espola Road. Parking is $5 for non Poway residents on the weekends and holidays.

We worked up a sweat.

We worked up a sweat.

We took the hike around the lake, which was 3 miles round trip. I don’t think we are quite up to the famous Potato Chip hike, that you can also hike from Lake Poway. That hike is very steep and is 8 miles round trip. Since we are still fairly new to hiking, we stuck to the lower 3 mile hike. It was beautiful, serene, and with access to many restrooms(porta potties) along the way. There were also two covered lunch table areas that would make an excellent spot for a picnic.

The hike led us to some spectacular views and scenery.

The hike led us to some spectacular views and scenery.

What I love about hiking with my family is being able to get away from all the distractions and being able to just talk/relax. With school, activities, and a very busy schedule, it’s sometimes hard for families to get that time to unwind and really connect.

Slowly but surely we’re learning what we like to take our hikes. Here’s a list of what we take.

  • Good pair of walking shoes/tennis shoes(with traction)
  • Layer clothing. We take a light jacket early in the morning and wrap it around our waist mid hike.
  • Water. Plenty of it.
  • A good backpack
  • Sunscreen
  • Snacks or lunch
  • Charged phone

I can’t wait to share more of our hikes and hear about your adventures! Stay tuned for more.

For directions and to learn more about Lake Poway head here.