Things to do |

Take in Lake Poway’s sparkling water and surrounding peaks

Hikers can admire the 700-acre Blue Sky Ecological Reserve and the nearby Lake Poway Recreation Area on this moderate hike.

The roughly 5.3-mile loop begins at the reserve’s entrance and loops around Lake Poway, offering pleasant views of the water and the area’s peaks, including Mount Woodson. There’s also a chance to see a variety of wildlife, such as red-tailed hawks and California kingsnakes, and plants like the blue elderberry, willow and sugar bush.

Hikers should also be on alert for mountain lions, which — though elusive — live in this area and can be dangerous.

It’s also recommended to consult a trail map before setting out on the hike.

To begin, park at the Blue Sky Ecological Reserve on Espola Road. Start walking on the Torretto Trail, a 0.2-mile path that passes by an amphitheater and offers views of Mount Woodson in the distance.

The trail then connects with the Green Valley Truck Trail, a flat and wide path that offers shade from coast live oak in several sections. This can be an ideal path to see fall foliage at the right time of year.

After walking for about a mile, hikers will arrive at a turn off for the Lake Poway Trail. Take this to head in the direction of the water.

The hike becomes more difficult as the trail winds up the hillside. Note that there are also some steeper declines as well, and the dirt can be slick.

At about 1.8 miles, Lake Poway comes into view.

Hikers will want to remain on the path that skirts the perimeter of the lake. For the most part, it’s straightforward, though there is one intersection around the 2-mile mark where hikers should veer to the left to stay on the correct path.

From there, the trail goes around Lake Poway, at one point turning from dirt to concrete near the entrance to the recreation area. Find bathrooms and picnic tables here.

On the southern side of the lake, the Lake Poway Trail continues up and above the water.

At the 3-mile mark, hikers will pass the turn for the Mount Woodson Trail, but they should remain on the Lake Poway Trail.

The trail eventually descends down the mountain on the northern side of the lake, and soon hikers will be able to see the section of the Lake Poway Trail that they started on.

It continues all the way to the Green Valley Truck Trail, which hikers will follow back to the Blue Sky Ecological Reserve entrance.