Near Penasquitos Creek Loop
Waimea drops into Los Peñasquitos Canyon and gets serious.
Near Penasquitos Creek Loop
Los Peñasquitos Canyon on a very clear winter day. Mt. Woodson is visible 15 miles away slightly right of center.
Near Penasquitos Creek Loop
Side Hill - Connector to Del Mar Mesa Preserve.
Near Penasquitos Creek Loop
Waiting for spring in Los Peñasquitos Canyon on a very clear winter day. Mt. Woodson (center) and Iron Mountain (center right) are visible 15 miles away.
Near Penasquitos Creek Loop
Taking a quick break at the waterfall.

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Driving Directions
Hike Route

Penasquitos Creek Loop

3.9 (20 Ratings)
An east-west trail that provides access to the majority of Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve trails.
13.2
mi
Distance
404
ft
Gain
easy
Difficulty
River/CreekViewsWaterfallWildflowersWildlife
Access Issues
Open all year. Parking areas are open from 8AM - 6PM.

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
13.22mi
Distance
404ft
Elevation Gain
404ft
Elevation Loss
40%
Max Grade
251ft
High Point
30ft
Low Point
Path Type
Loop
Description
This route provides access to the majority of the Preserve's trails.Start at the Penasquitos Creek Park parking area and head west. The trail will wind around the creek and end at the highway. There are several creek tributaries you can cross along the trail. At the highway, you cross the overpass and return on the south side of the creek heading east.Besides the main trail, there is singletrack along the creek and outside of the main trail. There are also a number of spur trails to explore.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
No Condition Reports
Report Conditions

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Contributors
Zander Gopfert