Los Peñasquitos Canyon, San Diego CA

• 4-star hikes
• 6 mile loop
• Easy | Gain 140 feet
• San Diego, CA | San Diego Region
.

A scenic view of a small waterfall flowing through large boulders in a rocky landscape. The water cascades down between the rocks, creating a smooth, silky effect. The sky is clear and blue, and there are a few people in the background, standing on the rocks and observing the scene.

Waterfall among the rocks on Peñasquitos Creek.

Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve is a 7-mile-long urban park north of San Diego that offers tranquility and a predominantly natural surrounding for hikers, runners, cyclists and equestrians alike. We've mapped a trail that explores the northeastern half of the canyon, mostly along narrow trails shaded by riparian woodland that thrives around the Peñasquitos Creek which flows all year round.

Our clockwise Peñasquitos Creek Route begins at the free parking area by the ball fields and playground of Canyonside Park. It follows the creek downstream, turning around at the Peñasquitos Creek Waterfall. The Peñasquitos Creek Waterfall is a fast-flowing, stepped series of small cascades leading to a final drop west of the trail, which we estimate to be around eight feet high. Unfortunately much of the larger waterfall is obscured by surrounding boulders, though with some rock scrambling it is possible to find some photo opportunities, like the one we managed to capture.

Trail Options Expand KML · Google Earth ·

⬤ 4★ Peñasquitos Creek Route 6.4 mi loop, easy, gain 140 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions GPX?

The creek crossing at the waterfall may pose a challenge on this otherwise easy hike. Those with shorter legs or less confidence in their balance may prefer to wade across, possibly with assistance. Stepping stones here are scarce, and there’s nothing to hold onto when stepping from rock to rock. We successfully managed a dry crossing, but not without some small risk of injury and embarrassment.

Aside from the waterfall, the park's main draw is the creek. As there are no creekside trails, we prefer a route that interacts with the creek on several occasions, crossing over the stream in three locations, and crossing two of them again on the return trip. Unlike at the waterfall there are no difficulties with the other crossings, which are spanned by footbridges.

The park's ambience is surprisingly natural for one so close to civilization. On the more exposed trails, expect some traffic noise and the occasional hum of residential garden equipment. However, closer to the creek, these sounds fade, replaced with the babble of flowing water and the activity of nearby woodpeckers. Additionally, we found the park to be extremely clean for an urban park with no sign of homeless folk taking up residence.

A person is walking along a dirt trail in a forested area. The person is wearing a black t-shirt, khaki pants, and a backpack. The trail is surrounded by dense vegetation, including trees and bushes with green and brown leaves. The sky is clear and blue, indicating a sunny day. The image captures the essence of a peaceful hike in nature, highlighting the beauty of the natural environment and the activity of hiking.

Narrow hiking trails offer plenty of welcome shade.

The park features both wide, gravel covered trails used mainly by cyclists, and narrower shaded woodland trails running parallel but closer to the creek, where bicycles are prohibited. Our route mapped route follows the narrow shaded trails, though the last mile still requires hiking on a section of exposed wide trail back to the trailhead.

Our route incorporates the free parking available at Canyonside Park. Other routes are available, beginning either at official paid parking lots within the park, or from feeder trails from neighborhood roads which may also offer some parking.

A scenic view of a wooden footbridge crossing over a small, calm stream in a forested area. The bridge leads into a sunlit clearing surrounded by tall trees with dense foliage. The water reflects the greenery and the blue sky above, creating a serene and picturesque natural setting. The image captures the tranquility and beauty of nature, making it interesting and relevant for those who appreciate outdoor landscapes and peaceful environments

One of several creek crossings along the route.

The image is a combination of two photographs placed side by side. The left photograph shows a close-up of a plant with white, fluffy flowers against a blurred background of greenery and sunlight. The right photograph depicts a group of people sitting and standing on large rocks near a small stream with green algae, surrounded by bushes and trees. The scene appears to be in a natural, outdoor setting, possibly a hiking or nature area.

Right image shows the difficult waterfall crossing.

A person is riding a horse on a narrow dirt trail surrounded by dense foliage and trees. The rider is wearing a straw hat and casual clothing, and the horse is equipped with a saddle and bridle. The scene appears to be in a natural, wooded area, possibly a forest or park, with sunlight filtering through the trees.

A horse rider on a leisurely ride.

Tangents:
• Official: San Diego Parks
• AllTrails Public: Los Peñasquitos Canyon
• Facebook Group: Comment, Follow Us

Trailspotting Nearby
5★ Torrey Pines (1-5 mi) · 5★ Mt Woodson & Potato-Chip Rock (4-8 mi) · 4★ Twin Peaks (2 mi) · Show Map

California Summits
Explore mountain-top hikes around California with Trailspotting.

Best hiking trails and rail trails in California

Best Trails of California
See our favorite hiking trails for each region of California.