If you aren’t heading out of town, there’s no better place for a winter break staycation adventure than a day at Lake Poway.
Trout season is here, and the next stock is Thursday, Jan. 1. Lake Poway is open for fishing and boating Tuesday through Sunday (except Christmas Day 12/25). Fishing permits, supplies, pole rentals and even packets of duck food are available at The Lookout at Lake Poway.
Want to just hang out and enjoy the view? The Lookout is not only a one-stop shop for fishing, but also a cozy café with breakfast and lunch options, along with an espresso bar, wine and beer. The outdoor patio overlooks the lake, with patio heaters to keep you warm when the temperature dips, and a little library stocked with board games, card games, books and kids’ coloring pages for customers to enjoy.
It's a great place to take a break after exploring the popular adventure-themed playground. The playground incorporates activities inspired by the lake, with natural colors that reflect Poway’s largest regional park.
Although Lake Poway is a popular starting point to hike up Mt. Woodson, the advance hike is not for everyone. A great alternative is the nearly 3-mile loop around Lake Poway, which offers a combination of beautiful views and challenging terrain that can be hiked in just over an hour. Both the Sumac Trail (2-mile) and West Loop (1-mile) start and end at the lake for shorter excursions. Use our online trails map to choose the path that’s right for you.