Terrible Analogies

NOTE: Updated 7/13/09 with several new pics of trail entry and upgrades, and a link to MapQuest map.
NOTE: Created new post on 5/06/10 with pics of new signs along the Fry Koegel trail.  Check it out here.

Let’s hear it for three day weekends!

With nothing on my schedule I grabbed my Camelbak and sunscreen and headed for Mt. Woodson.  There’s an amazing trail loop that begins at the base of Mt. Woodson from Highway 67 that’s turned into one of my favorite San Diego trail runs.  Over the many years that I’ve run this loop I’ve seen a grand total of one other person on the Old Fry-Koegle trail.  Because of the light usage and low upkeep this section of this particular loop gets, the trail can become a bit technical, so keep your knees up and watch out for loose dirt.

I can’t begin to tell you how much I love this trail.  It’s an amazing uphill run, but every time you’re on it the pain makes you question why you wanted be there in the first place.  But you soon realize that the downhill section makes the uphill march a worthy price to pay.

I’ve been meaning to post a photo walkthrough of this particular trail, which throws everything at you in the short scope of seven miles;  you’ll encounter paved roads, steep inclines and declines, loose dirt, narrow trails, rock scrambling, poison ivy, heat, cold, and rocks that I swear jump up and try to trip you.

If you’re up to the challenge, then get yourself to Mt. Woodson and park along Highway 67 next to the other cars that mark the entrance to the path.  Look for the break in the fence that leads you down a dirt trail.  You’ll eventually come across a paved road.  Run (or walk) that road uphill for a grueling 3.6 miles of hell.  Consider yourself hard core if you make it up those 3.6 miles without stopping!  Once you crest the top, continue on down the other side and follow the Old Fry-Koegel trail back to your car.

The sign at the trail head

Follow the trail to the base of Mt. Woodson

Your first glimpse of Woodson from the trail base

Sure, it looks pretty, but after three miles you'll be cursing it

As you near the peak you'll begin to see Pine Trees

Head up and over the peak, following the right paved road as it splits.  This will lead you over to the far side of Mt. Woodson.  Follow the obvious trail down the mountain.

The view from the top of Mt. Woodson. Click to enlarge.

Potato Chip rock

Portions of the trail almost seem to want to push you over the edge...

A standout portion of the trail is running through these giant boulders. This section of the run, with its rolling hills and slopes, really pumps you up.

After the split rock, you’ll continue downhill for another five minutes or so.  What you’re looking for is an unmarked trail that branches off to your right as you descend a few switchbacks.  If you think you’ve gone too far and missed this trail, you probably haven’t.  Just keep looking to your right as you descend the short switchbacks.

Here's where the Old Fry-Koegle trail splits off to the right. It's difficult to miss. Just look for it at the switchbacks roughly 4-5 minutes after you run between the boulders (see pic above).

The Old Fry-Koegle trail split

Another picture of the Old Fry-Koegle trail split, looking down at Lake Poway. Click to enlarge.

This side trail is called the Old Fry-Koegle trail, and it will eventually lead you back to the base of Mt. Woodson near where you parked.

This trail can get a bit technical, so keep your eyes open and your feet up

Somebody has been busy these past few weeks removing weeds and building a set of stairs. Whomever did this, kudos! (7/11/09)

Self-Portrait: Pausing on Old Fry-Koegle trail

As you descend the scenery begins to change...

A section of Old Fry-Koegle trail

Poison Oak warning sign. Man, they ain't jokin' here...

You'll eventually pass this sign (I'm looking back to take this pic) where the Old and the New Fry-Koegle trail merges

Running through the soft underfoot of an oak tree forest

The infamous Poison Oak of Mt. Woodson. It's easy enough to avoid. Just pay attention.

The trail will eventually spit you onto a fenced off horse trail.  From here simply follow the trail, keeping the homes to your left.

Follow the horse trail

When you see this mailbox, you'll know your run is almost at an end

Keep behind the fence and head up towards a golf green

When you reach the golf green the trail will skirt it to the right. Follow this trail all the way to the freeway. You'll soon hear the traffic

After three switchbacks you'll want to look for a small trail on the other side of the fence. Sneak under the fence and follow the trail up and right.

You're almost done! Run roughly 200 meters along the wide shoulder next to the highway to your car. Congrats on a fine run!

Did I happen to mention that you'll get more than a bit dirty on this run?

Mountain Bike Bill has a great topo map of Mt. Woodson.  The loop I run follows the H-O-M-L-J route.  Bill also has a couple 3-D topos of Mt. Woodson, so please drop by his site and check them out.  Kudos, Bill!

Highway 67 in Ramona, California.

The map to the Mt. Woodson trailhead can be seen here.  Note: The pin is generally where I park my car, opposite side of the road from the trail head.  Just look for the cars parked along side of the road for the true location of the trail head (see first pic in this post).

And there you are.  That’s the whole Mt. Woodson loop.  I hope you’ll give this run a shot.  This particular route deserves to see more runners on it.  The challenging climb, the amazing scenery and technical terrain really makes this a special run.  If you see me out there, be sure to give a shout!