Learn about current park closures and updates.
16286 Highway 67, Ramona, CA. 92065
Phone: (858) 513-4737
Hours: Sunrise to sunset, daily
Public vehicle access and
restrooms are open sunrise to sunset.
Day-use parking is $5 and
opens March 18, 2026.
The Mount Woodson Gateway County Preserve is an 84-acre property that is currently a part of the County’s Multiple Species Conservation Program to protect native chamise chaparral, oak woodland, coastal sage scrub habitats and a variety of dependent wildlife. There are currently no formal trails within this preserve.
The parking area at Mount Woodson Gateway County Preserve is a safe, off-street parking area for visitors accessing the nearby Mount Woodson trail system. The Mount Woodson trail system spans land managed by the City of San Diego, the City of Poway and the unincorporated community of Ramona.
The lot provides approximately 200 public parking spaces, 7 ADA parking spaces, portable restrooms and emergency vehicle access.
Join the County of San Diego Department of Parks and Recreation as we officially open the new parking area at Mt. Woodson Gateway County Preserve! The parking area, located at the south end of the preserve, will offer East County residents and visitors safe, off-street parking for accessing the nearby Mount Woodson trail system, including Potato Chip Rock.
County executives and community representatives will celebrate with a ribbon cutting followed by an interpretive talk featuring some Mt. Woodson history and live raptors. This event takes place at the south end of the parking area in Lot A. Parking is free for the event.
The Mount Woodson Gateway County Preserve Parking Lot Project is a County-led effort to build a safe, off-street parking lot for visitors accessing the nearby Mount Woodson trail system. The Mount Woodson trail system spans land managed by the City of San Diego, the City of Poway and the unincorporated community of Ramona. The Parking Lot Project is located off State Route 67.
The design of the new parking lot will provide approximately 200 public parking spaces and 7 accessible parking spaces and emergency vehicle access. It will also include portable restrooms, solar-powered bollard lighting and entry gate, decomposed granite trails, directional and informational signage, chain link fencing and gates.
Construction on the project began in Fall of 2024 and is expected to be completed in early 2026.
Project Documents:
