Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve

Category: Nature preserve in San Diego, California

Address: 12020 Black Mountain Rd, San Diego, CA 92129, USA

Phone: +16195258213

Reviews

Sulo King

Jul 10, 2022

A great place to hike or mountain bike. The trail is scenic and pretty and pretty flat for the most part with very little incline. The waterfall is a nice midpoint to either stop and relax and either turn around or continue on the rest of the trail. I recommend thos trail to anyone.

Melina Rissone

Apr 10, 2022

What a wonderful time hiking this trail from the ranch house to the waterfall. In San Diego, you do not have to go far. It was a simple drive to get here and feel far away from the city. No car noise to be heard. We took the dog and she even enjoyed a little bath in the stream. If you are not into hiking you can take your bike for an easy ride. It's pretty much all flat.

Emma Lefkowitz

Mar 18, 2022

We love having this nature preserve just around the corner from Scripps Ranch. 12 miles of trails you can walk, run, bike, even ride your horses! There's even a couple small water falls in the area that you can walk to that have water year round (even if it's a small amount!). The sports fields are great for kids activities/games, and there's even a playground for the little ones. Highly recommend!

Bart Hodlik

Jan 24, 2022

This trail is very low key, so it's perfect for someone who is a beginner to hiking or is looking for a nice walk in the middle of San Diego. The waterfall at the end of the trail isn't so much a waterfall but more of a short white water stream with a ton of boulders around it. Bring a lunch and it's the perfect place to relax and eat. Depending on which side of the stream you walk, one side has virtually zero vegetation cover and the other side has plenty with handfuls of open areas. Also be prepared to pay $3 cash for parking at the entrance.

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Questions & Answers

Can you access the trail from the Camino Ruiz park?

daniel hopper | Jan 5, 2019
Nicholas Newsum | Jan 6, 2019

Yes it is accessible.

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How long is it?

Sarah Sach | Dec 5, 2020
Larry Hayden | Dec 6, 2020

About 7 miles Black Mountain side to Sorrento side. Waterfall is about centered between the two entrances if you stay on the main trail. But you can make it as long or short as you like. Trails go all over the place, multiple directions and uphill or downhill.

what are the hours?

alison cruz | Jul 8, 2020
Anthony Ferreira | Jul 9, 2020

Changes by season. Currently closes daily @ 8:00 PM

Are there any restrooms along the trail? My wife is quite pregnant

Timmy P | Jan 5, 2020
Lisa Lorraine Taylor | Jan 6, 2020

Hi Timmy, not along the trails. The bathrooms are closer to the entrance (by the baseball field). Congratulations and Blessings to you and your wife😁🙏🏾

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Can you ride bikes here? Dirt bikes? Bicycles?

Carly Kessler | Jan 5, 2019
William Rappaport | Jan 6, 2019

Yes you can ride bicycles in the canyon area. However, there are signs prohibiting motored bikes. The trail is mostly dirt, sand and rocky. There are thorns. If tou preder a road bike, there is a paved bikepath along the 56 freeway with trails into/out along the side of the canyon.

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Where is parking?

Noelle Lopez | Jan 5, 2019
Tyler White | Jan 6, 2019

There are several lots depending on which entrance. Two on mission gorge road that I know of.

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Is there charge to get to park?

Fery Saremi | Jan 5, 2020
Matt Bartelt | Jan 6, 2020

On the east side of the canyon, nearest the 15, there are two lots. If you use the parking on the south side of the canyon there is a fee. You can park for free at Canyonside park. I am not sure about the lot on the west side of the canyon on Sorrento valley

Can my dogs run off leash?

Marsi Haney | Jan 5, 2020
Megan Renee | Jan 6, 2020

They aren't allowed to but obviously that's up to you. I know some dogs are really well behaved off leash and it makes the adventure more fun =] But there are bikers and horses and other people with dogs. I've walked that trail with my dog but she's not friendly with other dogs so I don't know what would happen if an unleashed dog approached her while she was leashed. Just a friendly reminder =]

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How much the entrance or parking costs

Cecilia Ornelas | Jan 5, 2020
Matt Bartelt | Jan 6, 2020

If you park on the south side the parking is $10. Call ahead of time. Google Penasquitos Ranger Phone because the preserve is currently closed because of rain dammage

How many miles is the trail? Is it too vigorous for younger kids?

J Knee Fur | Feb 9, 2020
Anaya Rodriguez | Feb 10, 2020

Too hard for children ?

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Can we go in the water?

Rosalinda Napoles | Jan 5, 2019
Rosie Rappaport | Jan 6, 2019

It's quite shallow and not deep enough to swim. The water is from runoff so washed down city roads, pesticides from farms motor oils etc. I would definitely have a good soapy shower after and dont get any in your mouth.

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Can you bring a stroller?

Mari Cueno-Araiza | Jan 5, 2019
Anthony Rubino | Jan 6, 2019

Something like a Bob stoller with big tires would probably be fine on most of the trails but an umbrella stroller would not.

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There is a sign that says the trail is closed during and after storms, but I love running in the rain. Is this enforced or could I come to the trail durin a rain?

Vary Anomaly | Jan 5, 2019
Chad Grimes | Jan 6, 2019

Honestly there have been times when the trail has been bone dry but with a sign out that the park was closed. It depends on where you are in the preserve. If you use common sense you will know when you should stay off them.

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is it dog friendly

Anja Ulfeldt | Jan 5, 2019
Tyler White | Jan 6, 2019

Yes. Just pick up after and be aware there may be hikers, joggers, mountain bikers, and horses.

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Can you go mountain biking here?

Cesar Cuadros | Jan 5, 2019
Gilbert Echevarria | Jan 6, 2019

Yes, it's about a 13 mile loop if you do the whole thing

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Can you fish here?

Kuate Lowko | Jan 5, 2019
James Schmidt | Jan 6, 2019

No

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Are dogs allowed here ?

Kassidy Turbyfill | Jan 5, 2018
Bhavya Tatineni | Jan 6, 2018

Yes they do allow

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Do I need a permit?

Kathryn Mulryan | Jan 5, 2018
Lisa Moore | Jan 6, 2018

No but there is a 3 dollar charge

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Do E-bike still allowed in the preserve?

rico mangalindan | Jan 5, 2018
Bhavya Tatineni | Jan 6, 2018

I think no

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