28 Aug Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail in San Diego, California

Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail is an approximately 6.8 mile (~10.9 kilometer) round trip hike to the Los Penasquitos Creek Waterfall. However, the waterfall will vary in size depending on whether it is the wet or dry season in San Diego. When we visited, the waterfall was not much to see, but it did run from a creek.

While in the area, be sure to check out the Ho Chi Minh Trail to Black’s Beach in La Jolla as well as the Mount Soledad Memorial.

Contents:

1) Location of Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail

2) Opening Hours and Entrance Fee

3) The Best Time to Visit

4) Quick Facts

5) Words of Warning

6) Description of Hike

7) Alternate Return Route

8) Recommended Items to Bring

1) Location of Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail

Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail is located in San Diego, California. For reference, it is approximately 20 minutes north of downtown San Diego and 20 minutes northeast of La Jolla Cove. The cove features a variety of attractions, such as sea lions, a secret swing, and an array of water activities. 

Two Trailheads

There are two trailheads for the hike. Both of them lead to the Los Penasquitos Creek Waterfall. We hiked from the south-east trailhead, and thus I will have more information on that trail in the following sections. As a note, the hike from the west trailhead is slightly shorter at around 2.7 miles (~4.3 kilometers) each way compared to the 3.4 miles (~5.5 kilometers) each way from the south-east trailhead.

Parking for Los Penasquitos

There are parking lots located at the west as well as the south-east trailheads. Each has ample parking spaces, though they can fill up in the mornings on weekends during nice weather. There is a $3 parking fee for both lots. Additionally, there are bathrooms located at both parking lots. Please note these are the only bathrooms available. Therefore, nature will become your bathroom once you start hiking along the trail. 

Nearby Lodging

There are over 1,000 properties listed in San Diego on booking.com. Otherwise, you can look for a place slightly north in Del Mar.

Nearby Airports

The closest airport is the San Diego International Airport, which is located 25 minutes south from the trail. Public transportation is available from the airport to the trailhead, but please note it will take around two hours. Therefore, I recommend you rent a car from the airport or utilize a ride share service such as Uber. 

A small creek at the end of the trail

2) Opening Hours and Entrance Fee

First, the Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail as well as the parking lots to access the trail are open only from 8:00am to sunset. However, this should not be too much of an issue since you are going to want to hike while it is still daylight outside in order to see the surrounding scenery. 

Furthermore, it is possible the trail could be closed due to flooding or other unsafe conditions. For example, the trail is often closed for two days following a storm due to the likelihood of flooding in the area. You can call the park ranger at (858) 538-8066 for an update on the trail status. 

Entrance Fee – Los Penasquitos 

Second, there is no entrance fee – woohoo! However, I do want to emphasize (as I noted above) that there is a $3 parking fee to park in the lots by the trailheads. Nevertheless, the $3 is worth it to hike along the trail as well as to see the creek and waterfall at the end. 

3) The Best Time to Visit

The Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail can become a bit crowded on weekend mornings, for everyone is wanting to finish the hike before the afternoon heat arrives. If you would like a bit of privacy, I recommend you plan to hike on a weekday morning. 

Best Season to Hike

The best seasons to hike the trail are autumn, winter, and spring. Why not summer? Summer brings about hot temperatures, especially in the afternoons. That is not ideal hiking weather. Therefore, plan to hike the trail when cooler temperatures arise from autumn through spring if possible. 

For example, we hiked the trail in late June, and I felt like I was melting. I figured the trail would not be too bad since there is little elevation gain, but we started too late in the morning and got hit with the afternoon sun. Additionally, we brought a puppy along who was not having it, and thus we carried them along for the vast majority of the trail. 

Estimated Visit Time

The hike is 6.8 miles (10.9 kilometers) round trip and takes an average hiker two hours and 10 minutes to complete. Therefore, I recommend you plan for at least two and a half hours in your itinerary for this trail. I always suggest adding in a bit of padding time for taking pictures, time to explore, if you tend to hike a bit slower than average, etc. 

Hiking the Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail with a puppy

4) Quick Facts – Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail 

1. Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail is located in San Diego, California. 

2. There are two trailheads: (1) south-east (2) west. The south-east trail is 6.8 miles (~10.9 kilometers) round trip while the west trail is 5.4 miles (~8.7 kilometers) round trip. 

3. The trail is open from 8:00am to sunset daily, though it can close due to flooding or other unsafe conditions. 

4. Rattlesnakes, cougars, bobcats, mountain lions, and other dangerous animals can be found in the area. 

5. At the end of the trail is a small creek with a waterfall. 

5) Words of Warning

First, let me start off by saying that San Diego summers can be HOT. We visited at the end of June and were greeted with temperatures in the 80s and 90s Fahrenheit (~26 to 32 Celsius). Thankfully there is not much humidity, so it is mostly a dry heat. However, the sun in California can feel stronger for those of us who normally live on the east coast. Additionally, there is not much shade along the Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail. Some shade can be found on the edges of the trail due to a few trees, but it is not much.

That being said, prepare for the weather, especially if hiking in the summertime. Bring enough water to ensure you stay hydrated. I brought a 32 oz Yeti, but it was not enough. I really had to conserve water on the hike back to make sure it lasted. Furthermore, bring an umbrella, hat, and/or sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun. Not only will they help protect you from getting a sunburn, but an umbrella or hat will also help keep you cooler.

Animals in the Area 

Second, there are signs at the trailhead warning visitors of animals found in the area. These animals include: rattlesnakes, cougars, bobcats, and mountain lions. Moreover, there was even a sign when we visited stating the last sighting of a mountain lion in the area. That being said, be cautious while hiking. Keep your eyes open and ears peeled for any signs of an animal nearby. Additionally, consider doing a little research on how to respond when seeing different animals if you are unsure. 

Flooding + Weather Conditions

Third, be aware the trail can be damaged due to flooding or other harsh weather conditions. If the area recently received a lot of rain or had a severe thunderstorm, call the park rangers at (858) 538-8066 to check on the trail conditions.

The (very dry) Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail

6) Description of Hike

Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail is a 6.8 mile (~10.9 kilometer) out-and-back trail in San Diego, California. You can start at the trailhead by the south-east trailhead, follow along the trail until reaching the Los Penasquitos Creek Waterfall, and then turn around to hike back to the trailhead.

On the other hand, you can start at the west trailhead for a 5.4 mile (~8.7 kilometer) round trip loop hike to the waterfall. However, I hiked from the south-east trailhead and will go into more detail about that hike below. 

If you are looking for more hiking options in the area, check out this guide to desert hiking in the Coachella Valley, which is located only two hours northeast of San Diego. It is the perfect distance for a day trip or a weekend adventure. 

Description of Los Penasquitos Trail

The trail is mostly flat, with only a few slight uphill and downhill portions. In total, the elevation gain is not even higher than 200 feet (~61 meters). Additionally, the trail is mostly in the sun. Trees on the edges of the trail provide some shade here and there, but not enough to give you full coverage from the sun. Along the route, there are a few additional trails that diverge from the main one. Hikers can explore these if they wish, but note you must return back to the main Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail in order to see the falls.

Furthermore, it is a dirt trail. Be sure to wear tennis shoes, hiking shoes, or another durable shoe as that will be the most comfortable.

Description of Scenery

San Diego is a desert, and thus this trail has typical desert scenery. It is a dirt trail surrounded by slight hills with a bit of greenery. You might even see a tumbleweed or two along the route. There is also a small creek that runs alongside the trail, visible every now and then.

At the end of the trail is the Los Penasquitos Creek Waterfall. However, let me set expectations when I say “waterfall”. The waterfall is fairly small on a good day, and it will be even smaller in the dry season. Those visiting from other locations in the United States might be expecting something different when they hear the word “waterfall”, and thus I wanted to just offer a warning. Furthermore, the waterfall is located along a small creek. Hikers can usually easily cross the creek by stepping along the rocks.

Hiking Experience and Time Needed

First off, let me say that my experience will be slightly skewed due to two main reasons. One – it was in the 90s Fahrenheit (~32 Celsius) with the sun beating down on us when we hiked. Two – we had a friend’s puppy with us that we eventually had to carry the entire time. The puppy was hot, searching for shade, and sitting down at every opportunity, so we thus had to carry him. You can imagine that a hike is not as fun when it is over 90 degrees (~32 Celsius) outside and you are carrying a 20 pound (~nine kilogram) puppy down the trail.

Nevertheless, it was a nice trail just over three miles (~five kilometers) each way with minimal elevation change. At the end we were rewarded with the Los Penasquitos Creek Waterfall. However, we could not even really tell where the waterfall was supposed to be. We arrived at the creek, but it was pretty shallow. Too bad we visited in the dry season! It took us approximately an hour and a half to arrive at the creek, though we walked a little slower due to the temperature and puppy situation. Plan for a little over one hour each way.

That all being said…would I do the hike again? Yes, but with a few caveats. I would not bring along a puppy and would ensure the weather is in the 80s (~27 Celsius) or below. That way I would be able to more fully enjoy the hike.

View of the creek where the small waterfall normally exists

7) Alternate Return Route – Los Penasquitos

Some of our group was quite tired by the time we made it to the waterfall. The temperature was in the 90s Fahrenheit (~32 Celsius), and we had to take turns carrying a puppy along the trail due to the fact he was hot, tired, and just kept sitting down in the shade. We thus split up into two groups for the return hike. Four people took this alternate route and hiked to the main road. On the other hand, my partner and I hiked back to the car along the route we had previously taken so we could then go pick them up.

The alternate route is shorter yet steeper than the Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail. It is approximately one mile (~1.6 kilometers) long and will take around 20 to 30 minutes to complete. Though our group took a little longer hiking due to the fact they were taking turns carrying a puppy. It took them around 40 minutes or more. My boyfriend and I hiked pretty quickly back along the main route, which is 3.4 miles (~5.5 kilometers). We finished hiking around the same time they did and then drove to pick them up.

To begin the alternate route, cross the stream at the waterfall. Then follow the directions on Google Maps as indicated within the link. The trail is approximately one mile (~1.6 kilometers). It ends once the trail intersects with Carmel Mountain Road (32.931030, -117.185115). An average hiker can complete the alternate route in around 25 minutes. 

Flowing creek at the end of the trail

8) Recommended Items to Bring

If you are road tripping, then check out a summer road trip packing list and/or a winter road trip packing list. For even more packing recommendations for your trip, check out travel essentials for women and/or travel accessories for men.

1. Water bottle: Please please please be sure to bring water with you while hiking along the trail. I do not mean bring water and leave it in your car. Nope. Carry your water around with you as you hike along the trail. Water is even more important if you are visiting in the summer, for the heat can make you become dehydrated real quick. For example, I always carry around my Yeti water bottle. However, I would recommend you bring at least two water bottles with you for this trail. 

Hygiene

2. Sunscreen: While this might not be as important on a cloudy day, it will be on a day full of beautiful clear skies. Walking around even for just 30 minutes can lead to sunburn if you have fair skin.

3. Bug spray: Let’s be honest – mosquitos, gnats, and any other little type of fly can ruin an experience. You cannot truly enjoy an attraction if you are swatting away bugs from your face the whole time. Therefore, be prepared with bug spray or a mosquito repellent bracelet.

Hiking Items – Los Penasquitos

4. Hiking shoes: A pair of hiking shoes will be incredibly helpful as you hike along the trail and if you decide to maneuver across the stream by stepping on rocks. 

5. Hiking poles: Bring along hiking poles if you would like a bit of extra support. They are not necessary since the trail is pretty flat, but they can definitely still come in handy.

6. Optional – crampons: These are only necessary in the winter months if there is snow or ice along the trail. Crampons are spikes that attach to the bottom of shoes.

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Take a quick flight up north to explore Seattle: Day Trip to North Cascades National Park.

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