Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail

Hiking @ Los Penasquitos Canyon

Last weekend was our first time to hike at Los Penasquitos Preserve and Park. I wonder why we never hiked this trail before. But I am glad that at least we were able to finally find another nature park that feels like an escape from civilization, yet, still is within San Diego City limits and very near the comforts of home. 

The hike here can be as short or as long, depending on anyone's interests. One can hike at the vast open space ( canyon's meadows) or in the rich oak woodland lining the Penasquitos Creek.

Rich Riparian Habitat in Penasquitos Canyon

There are trails for hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders. Mountain bikers however are not allowed in single track trails which is the trail we took by the creek side. Single track trails are intended only for hikers and some parts are shared with horseback riders. The double track trails for mountain bikers are in the wide open space, but can also be used by hikers and horseback riders. I am sure my trail of choice at spring would be the vast open space (meadows), when it would be filled with wildflowers. 

There are many access points at Los Penasquitos Canyon, the most popular one is probably the East access at Black Mountain Road, which is 3.5 mile to the Penasquitos waterfall ( very small waterfall), 7 miles round trip hike. Here's a link to the map so you could identify the closest access point from your place, depending on which part of San Diego you are coming from. 

Let me share with you a short video of our hike, coming out from the woods to the volcanic rock:

We chose the trail that meanders along the creek because of two reasons:
1. It is in the middle of woodlands, so we have a lot of shade. I know, by spring, probably, I would choose the open space when the meadows are filled with wildflowers. I can't wait for spring.
2. We will have greater chances of seeing wildlife. But sadly, we hiked middle of the day, that is not probably the best time to see wildlife. We did see a lot of woodpeckers though.

Acorn Woodpeckers

The Holes in this Oak were the work of woodpeckers, that's where they store their acorns

Acorn Woodpeckers live in large groups. They are fascinating to watch making noise on the tree, making holes, burying their acorns. They store thousands of acorns each year by jamming them into specially made holes in trees. A group member is always on alert to guard the hoard from thieves, while others race fly in ( to deliver acorn) and out ( to find more acorns ). Thus, we call the tree with a lot of buried acorns as "woodpecker's oak tree".
What I like about walking in the middle of the woods, aside from the shade, the trees, the creek, the ponds,

is that the surprise of seeing volcanic rocks all of a sudden, as if, "where did all these rocks come from, and why were they all in just one spot of Penasquitos Canyon?" The fun part of the hiking actually started on this portion where we had to scramble on rocks. 

@ Penasquitos waterfall cascading through volcanic rock

Though the waterfall is small, but what made it feel special was the over-all beauty of the canyon which is within city limits. We need not really travel far to enjoy the relaxing gifts of nature. I am glad a friend encouraged me to take this trail, now, we know of another place to escape the hustle and bustle of San Diego City life. I am glad to be living in a city with so many nature escapes. I remember what the son of my visiting friend before told me when I could not give him specific answer how San Diego city got its name. He said: "tita, San Diego should be called 'mountainous beach city'!" He was amazed by the many hills around San Diego. The name "los penasquitos" actually means "many hills." Had I known of the meaning of los penasquitos before, I could have told him, "that's why we have a nature preserve named los penasquitos."

Will experiencing Penasquitos Canyon change my list of Top Ten San Diego hikes? Maybe not, but I am so glad to learn of another hiking trail in San Diego. 

♥♥