Los Penasquitos Creek Trail is a 6.4 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Poway, California that features a waterfall and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, running, and mountain biking and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
This trail closely follows Penasquitos Creek, looping along the northern and southern banks, starting at the baseball fields and returning by the "waterfall". The great bulk goes through riparian forest, providing a more natural atmosphere than most of the other trails in the preserve. Frequent spurs lead to the creek itself, which provide nice relaxation and picnic spots. Beautiful hike that lets you forget you are in the middle of a large metropolis. Accessibility: There are multiple designated accessible parking spaces and at least one striped access aisle in the parking lots off of Canyonside Park Driveway. Due to the rocky surface in some areas with rocks greater than two inches and creek crossings, wheelchair or stroller hikers may need all-terrain tires or motorized equipment. In other areas, the gravel is much smaller so is easier to traverse. There are also areas of packed dirt and wooden boardwalk. The width is typically between three and five feet and the estimated grade is mostly gentle (6% or less). Some of the boardwalks appear to be narrow, around three feet wide, and have lips greater than two inches. Users have reported that you can't cross the falls with a stroller/wheelchair so this adds 1.5 miles to the route to back track.
12020 Black Mountain Road San Diego, CA 92129 Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, through Friday Phone: (858) 565-3600 (locally) (877) 565-3600 (toll free)
A map of the preserve can be found at https://www.sandiego.gov/sites/default/files/legacy/park-and-recreation/pdf/penasquitoscanyon.pdf Rules and regulations: https://www.sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation/parks/osp/lospenasquitos/penasq2 General information: https://www.sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation/parks/osp/lospenasquitos/ and http://www.sdparks.org/content/sdparks/en/park-pages/LosPenasquitos.html
April 5, 2021Lovely hike with some nice shade and a surprisingly cool waterfall at the end. I really enjoyed it.
April 4, 2021Beautiful morning!
April 3, 2021ok
March 28, 2021March 27, 2021Long but the waterfall was nice
March 24, 2021Loved the waterfall
March 23, 2021Easy flat trail with creek crossing and a small waterfall. not a busy trail. only a small amount of mountain bikers, horseback, and trail runners. This trail is diverse with trees for shade, creek to cross, open fields.A very relaxing hike and dog friendly. Found a small place by the waterfall to stop at ( did not stop recording, hike is not that long) that had a small pool for the pup to splash in
March 21, 2021March 21, 2021March 17, 2021March 14, 2021A bit soggy
March 14, 2021A little wet from the rain, but super lush! Bikers and hikers courteous to each other.
March 13, 2021Beautiful, great weather! Lots of trails, will definitely be returning!
March 13, 2021Nice easy hike. lots of mud after the rain. lots of extra trails to explore too. creek is nice, stay close to it!
March 8, 2021Very easy and family friendly! It takes a few hours to finish at a steady pace, but very easy and good for a casual Saturday or Sunday hike. Good for kids, but not for strollers since the path crosses several creeks and is mostly gravel or uneven dirt.
March 7, 2021March 7, 2021March 6, 2021Parts of the trail are gravel and rocks but otherwise an easy hike to a small "waterfall". Lots of shade and side trails! There was some mud but nothing crazy. It is a flat trail so very dog and kid friendly.
March 6, 2021Great little trail that's not terribly far from everything! Pleasantly surprised by the number of features and things to looks at while on the way.
February 28, 2021Our fam of 5 did the full loop midday today. Took our time (4.5 hours) and enjoyed the different terrain. Lots of hikers but enough space to spread out. Saw horses, and on way home we saw 3 deer and a coyote at foot of mountains so that was fun. The waterfall was pretty as well to have a snack and rest. bring lots of water and snacks. Overall very flat trail but 6 miles still a serious walk with little ones.
February 26, 2021February 26, 2021Gave me the chance to climb rocks near a water source near the city (sorta?). Best time ever!
February 24, 2021February 23, 2021February 21, 2021February 21, 2021February 21, 2021Some areas of the path were non bicycle designated. It’s nice and safe.
February 20, 2021
