Los Penasquitos Canyon Loop

Los Penasquitos Canyon Loop

After about a five minute hike on the trail you will start to enter into Los Penasquitos Canyon. Every section of the trail is different, one minute you are walking next to a stream with trees arching over the trail and another minute you are walking through an open field of grass. The trail is mostly easy with one little hill before you get to the waterfalls. Once you are at the top of the hill you will see an open area, stop there and the waterfall is down the trail to your right. After walking the trail down to the waterfalls you will be at the top of them. If you walk down past the main waterfall there is a wading pool that is perfect to cool off before you hike back. Be cautious walking around the waterfalls because the trails are not well marked and have loose rocks. After leaving the falls you can either turn back or take some of the other trails that are out there. Keep in mind that the gates to the parking lot are only open from 8-6. You can always park in a nearby neighborhood and walk in if you are going to be later than 6 and do not want to be locked in the parking lot.

Getting There

Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail is a great easy hiking trail with views unlike any other in San Diego. The trail is well known for biking, horse back riding, walking, jogging and walking your dog. To get to the trail, take the 5 freeway and exit onto the 56 East freeway. From the 56 East freeway, take the Black Mountain Rd exit, and turn right onto Black Mountain Rd. Drive for about another mile and turn right onto Mercy Rd into the parking lot. From the parking lot you will see the trail, which is clearly marked and well maintained.