San Diego Reader

• Park | Outdoor Space | Rancho Penasquitos

Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve

• 12020 Black Mountain Road, San Diego, CA 92130 | Directions
• 858-342-8856 | Website

Peñasquitos Creek runs through the heart of Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve. The waterfall is created by dramatic volcanic rock formations: peñasquitos means “little cliffs.” When the creek is flush, there are opportunities for rock-jumping and swimming, with several points of access along the Highway 56 corridor. To the east, hikers can park at Canyon Side Park, off of Black Mountain Road, or at the official reserve parking area (there’s a charge to park in the preserve’s lot). To the west, access is from the parking lot on Sorrento Valley Boulevard. Note that access to the preserve is closed after rainfall.