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Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve Trails

Part of Hiking Trails, our guide to hiking trails across San Diego County, from city peaks to desert canyons.

Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve has approximately 12 miles of trails in 3,700 acres, managed jointly by the County and City. The staging area is at 12020 Black Mountain Road, open 8 a.m. to sunset daily. The County says spring visitors may see a flowing waterfall at the west end.Checked October 23, 2026.

12miles of trails
3,700acres
8 a.m.to sunset daily
Address12020 Black Mountain Road, San Diego, CA 92129
Phone(858) 484-7504
Hours8 a.m. to sunset daily; Dec. 25 no public vehicle access or restrooms
ParkingStaging area open to vehicle and equestrian parking
FeesSee official site
Who it suitsHikers, cyclists and equestrians; shaded single-track by the creek or wider sunnier road
DogsNot confirmed
Official pageCounty Parks: Los Penasquitos

Trail Details

The County describes shaded single-track by the creek and a wider, sunnier road. The county storm-closure list includes the Penasquitos trail staging area, so check park notices in wet weather.

What We Could Not Verify

  • Fees, dog rule and individual trail lengths are not confirmed. County Parks, (858) 484-7504, can confirm.
  • Coordinates are not confirmed.

More in Hiking Trails

FAQ

Is there a waterfall?

The County says visitors in spring may be lucky to see a flowing waterfall at the west end.

Sources

  1. County Parks: Los Penasquitos

Checked October 23, 2026 by It’s San Diego. Cite this page: It’s San Diego (itssandiego.com), checked October 23, 2026. Free to quote with a link to this page; tables are licensed CC BY 4.0.