Trail Run Project Logo

An east-west trail that provides access to the majority of Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve trails.


Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

13.1

Miles

21.1

KM

100%

Runnable

247' 75 m

High

35' 11 m

Low

319' 97 m

Up

319' 97 m

Down

1%

Avg Grade (1°)

8%

Max Grade (4°)

Dogs Leashed

Features River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Open all year. Parking areas are open from 8AM - 6PM.

Overview

A long loop through the preserve with unusual areas of lush, verdant woodlands that seem out of place in the desert landscapes of San Diego County.

Need to Know

Though signage is clear, some trails see illegal bike use to be aware of.

Runner Notes

A well-maintained trail with lots of shade for a cooler option in the middle of the day.

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.

Flora & Fauna

Invasive wild fennel, poison oak, and rattlesnakes are greatly present but greatly outnumbered by the beautiful plant and animal species to keep an eye out for.

Contacts

Shared By:

Zander Göpfert with improvements by DD Demers

Trail Ratings

  3.9 from 20 votes

#2415

Overall
  3.9 from 20 votes
5 Star
20%
4 Star
50%
3 Star
30%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#316

in California

#2,415

Overall
31 Views Last Month
4,532 Since Oct 25, 2016
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate

47%
12%
41%
0%
0%
0%

Photos

Mustard bloom in Los Peñasquitos Canyon.
Feb 19, 2017 near Carmel…, CA
The view downstream from the falls
Sep 22, 2020 near Carmel…, CA
The falls
Sep 22, 2020 near Carmel…, CA
Los Peñasquitos Canyon on a very clear winter day. Mt. Woodson is visible 15 miles away slightly right of center.
Jan 26, 2021 near Carmel…, CA
Wagonwheel creek crossing.
Oct 25, 2016 near Fairban…, CA
Side Hill - Connector to Del Mar Mesa Preserve.
Oct 25, 2016 near Fairban…, CA

0 Comments

Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started.