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USA :: San Diego :: Penasquitos Canyon

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Panoramic View East from South trail; Waterfall area is ~2.5km from here

Multiple Dates, last Jan 21, 2024

Los Penasquitos Canyon is Natural Preserve flanked by Sorrento Valley to the west and Black Mountain road to the east.  It is an oasis in dense populated urban world.  Area is popular with mountain bikers or trail runners - even occasional equestrian - but hiking is great option too.  There are many options, ranging from after dinner walk to half-day or longer hike.  There are two normal trailheads:  West at Sorrento Valley Road and East at Black Mountain Road.  Many other access points exist from residential areas at both sides of the Preserve.  Focal Point is the waterfall, rather small chute in bouldery area about halfway between.  Penasquitos Creek runs in the middle of valley and there are two main trails, on both sides of the creek.  Option presented here starts from Sorrento trailhead, crosses over to North side via Wagon Wheel, follows North trail to the Waterfall, crosses back via Carson crossing and finally returns back to Sorrento via South Side trail.

West trailhead parking lot is at south side of Sorrento Valley road, below Qualcomm building R.  If the lot is closed - or if you simply plan on returning later and don't want to risk getting locked out because of silly "sunrise to sunset" rule - cars can also be parked about 1km west at some of local businesses parking lots (this might change).  On my Jan `22 trip normal trailhead was locked, most likely because of Covid, so I used the alternate start.  Walk on north side of the road for couple of minutes and there will be trail on your left, together with Kiosk Table (1st photo in gallery).  This trail passes by El Cuervo Adobe ruin (fenced) then after muddy stretch joins normal trail;  Wagon Wheel crossing is nearby.  When I first hiked here way back in early 2000's there was no bridge at Wagon Wheel, but double deck has been placed since facilitating the crossing, although it has considerably deteriorated with time.   On North side trail is quite nice and within an hour from crossing is Waterfall area.  It will likely be busy but is still worth bit of exploring. Beyond North trail passes through lovely hammock of oak and sycamore trees, before reaching Carson Crossing (solid wood bridge).  Return on South side is similar to North;  some section of trail are road-like and bit rough, but there are also couple of nice valleys with meadows and large trees, specially scenic with autumn foliage.

Update Jan '24:  Penasquitos Creek was swollen after Rain Storm even overflowing to Sorrento Blvd. at one point.  Trail was quite muddy and while it was still possible to cross over at Wagon Wheel,  Carson was submerged.   Sycamore was not feasible.  These kind of conditions are rare, but still possible - check out the Gallery and be prepared before you head out.

Gallery