Potato Chip Rock by Full Moon

In August, a group of us met at the trailhead at 6:45 pm. We started climbing as the sky turned orange, watched the sun go down from the top, and then the full moon came up over the boulders.

We walked back down by moonlight. Quiet, cool air, and the whole valley glowing below us.

If you’ve only done Potato Chip Rock on a busy weekend morning, this is a completely different hike. No line for the photo, no heat, and a sky you’ll remember.

What to expect

The trail starts along Highway 67, then climbs Mt. Woodson Road all the way up. It’s steady and steep, so take it at your own pace. Near the top you’ll pass huge granite boulders, and Potato Chip Rock sits just past the crest, on the west side.

The west side is the best place to watch the sunset. Take your photo on the chip while there’s still light, then stay for the moonrise.

Tips

• Bring a headlamp. You’ll need it in the shadows of the boulders. But where you can, turn it off. Let your eyes get used to the dark and enjoy the moon!
• Bring a layer. It cools down fast once the sun is gone.
• Water and a snack. You’ll want both at the top.
• Be careful on the chip. Climbing on and getting down are tricky in the dark.
• Check the moonrise time. The moon rises a little later each night after full moon.
• Go with others. Night hikes are more fun (and safer) with a group.
• Skip the official lot. It’s closed at night, so park along Highway 67, south of Mt. Woodson Road.