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Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve in San Diego | Map and Routes

Kid-friendly · Sports Facility · Scrub · Reservoir

4.8 (951 ratings)

Welcome to Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve, a breathtaking 3507.1-acre park located in San Diego. This stunning preserve is a paradise for walkers and hikers, offering a wide range of trails ...

Welcome to Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve, a breathtaking 3507.1-acre park located in San Diego. This stunning preserve is a paradise for walkers and hikers, offering a wide range of trails and routes suitable for all levels of activity. Whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, this park has something to suit your needs. With its diverse landscapes and beautiful natural scenery, Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve provides an ideal setting for outdoor enthusiasts to explore and enjoy the beauty of nature. For more information about the park and its routes, you can download Pacer Pedometer, which offers detailed information about the various trails and routes available within the preserve. The park features an extensive network of trails, including routes such as Cobbles, Waimea Fire Road, Side Hill, and Big Waimea, each offering unique experiences for walkers and hikers. With a total of XX routes to choose from, visitors can embark on adventures that cater to their preferences, whether it's a short, scenic walk or a longer, more challenging trek. As you explore the park, you'll encounter diverse terrain, including lush vegetation, serene ponds, and picturesque vistas, making every step a delightful experience. Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve truly provides an unparalleled opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature while engaging in walking and hiking activities. In addition to its numerous walking and hiking trails, Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve also offers longer routes like Old Lopez Road, La Tortla + Paseo Montrl, and Los Peñasquitos, providing more adventurous individuals with opportunities to engage in lengthier and more challenging hikes. Whether you're seeking a quick nature walk or a full-day hiking excursion, this park has the ideal routes to accommodate your activity preferences. With its convenient location and abundance of natural beauty, Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve is the perfect destination for walkers and hikers to indulge in outdoor exploration and experience the tranquility of the San Diego landscape. For more details about the park's routes and additional information, don't forget to download Pacer Pedometer to enhance your walking and hiking experiences.

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Reviews (21)
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Walking and Hiking in Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve

Located in the beautiful city of San Diego, the Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve offers a wonderful opportunity for walking and hiking enthusiasts to explore the natural beauty of the area. With a range of essential amenities such as parking lots, leisure playgrounds, picnic sites, drinking water, and restrooms, visitors can ...

Located in the beautiful city of San Diego, the Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve offers a wonderful opportunity for walking and hiking enthusiasts to explore the natural beauty of the area. With a range of essential amenities such as parking lots, leisure playgrounds, picnic sites, drinking water, and restrooms, visitors can enjoy a comfortable and convenient experience in the park. Additionally, the presence of sports facilities including bike paths, horse riding, basketball and volleyball courts, and swimming pools caters to the diverse recreational needs of outdoor enthusiasts. While exploring the park, visitors can also take in the sights of Eichar's Grave Site and enjoy the convenience of other amenities such as bicycle parking and shelter. Whether you are looking for a leisurely walk or a challenging hike, Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve in San Diego is the ideal destination to immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature and indulge in various outdoor activities.

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Other Info about Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve

Hourssunrise-sunset
Phone(619) 525-8213
Websitehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Pe%C3%B1asquitos_Canyon_Preserve

Essential Amenities in Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve

Playground
Picnic Site
Drinking water
Restroom
Parking lot

Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve Sport Facilities

Basketball court
Baseball field
Beach volleyball court
Volleyball court
Bike path
Swimming pool
Horse riding

Things to See in Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve

Memorial

Eichar's Grave Site

Other Amenities in Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve

Shelter

Fast Food

Bicycle parking

Best Walking Routes in Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve

#1 - Two Bridges
1
Length: 0.4 milesEst. Time: 7m

Two Bridges is a 0.4 mile (1,000-step) route located near San Diego, California. This route has an elevation gain of about 0 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#2 - Camino Ruiz Trail
1
Length: 0.6 milesEst. Time: 9m

Camino Ruiz Trail is a 0.6 mile (1,500-step) route located near San Diego, California. This route has an elevation gain of about 0 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#3 - Old Lopez Road
1
Length: 2.2 milesEst. Time: 38m

Old Lopez Road is a 2.2 mile (5,000-step) route located near San Diego, California, USA. This route has an elevation gain of about 282.1 ft and is rated as medium. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

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Reviews of Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve

4.8/5
951 ratings
MeganJan 1, 2025
5

Such a nice good flat trail. Good for strollers even.

JenniferJul 21, 2025
3

Some Trash/ Graffiti.

AndrewJul 15, 2022
4

Nice work done .

See All Reviews (21)
See All Reviews (21)

Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve Leaderboard

RankingCheck-ins
Ian
108
Penny
96
Emily
71
4loryhd858
40
54wattsboys11
28
6Leslie
25
7ricky
24
8Farhad
23
9Bahar
13
10sprieker
13
*Leaderboard only shows top 10 users. Only public activities are eligible for leaderboards. For any one park, a user can only check-in a maximum of once per day.
Nearby Parks
Lopez Ridge Park
Winterwood Lane Community Park
Elizabeth Rabbit Neighborhood Park
Challenger Lawn
Sandburg Park
Maddox Park
Peñasquitos Creek Park
Camino Ruiz Park
Fenton Technology Park

FAQs About Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve

Where is the best place to walk in Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve?

The best place to walk in Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve is the Old Lopez Road, which is a 2.2-mile route with beautiful scenery and a moderate difficulty level. This route is highly recommended by the Pacer community for its picturesque views and enjoyable hiking experience.

How many routes are in Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve?

Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve offers a total of 15 routes for walking and hiking, providing a variety of options for different fitness levels and preferences.

Which is the longest route in Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve?

The longest route in Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve is the La Tortla + Paseo Montrl, which spans 5.6 miles and offers a more challenging and immersive hiking experience. This route is ideal for hikers looking for a longer and more adventurous trek in the preserve.

Are there facilities or amenities for walkers/hikers in Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve?

Yes, Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve offers a range of amenities for walkers and hikers, including picnic sites, drinking water, restrooms, and a bike path.

How accessible is Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve?

Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve is accessible with parking lots, bike paths, and horse riding trails. There are also picnic sites and drinking water available.

What kind of sports can I do in Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve?

In Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve, visitors can enjoy activities such as biking, horse riding, basketball, swimming, beach volleyball, and even baseball.

What is the best season to walk in Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve?

The best season to walk in Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve is typically in the spring and fall when the weather is milder, and the landscape is lush and green.

What are the typical weather conditions to prepare for in Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve?

Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve experiences a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Visitors should prepare for warm temperatures in the summer and cooler, potentially rainy weather in the winter.

What kind of wildlife might you encounter in Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve?

Visitors to Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve may encounter a variety of wildlife, including mule deer, coyotes, rabbits, various bird species, and reptiles such as lizards and snakes. It's important to be respectful of the wildlife and observe from a safe distance.

Last updated: Dec 2, 2025

Parks Near Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve

Lopez Ridge Park
Winterwood Lane Community Park
Elizabeth Rabbit Neighborhood Park
Challenger Lawn
Sandburg Park
Maddox Park
Peñasquitos Creek Park
Camino Ruiz Park
Fenton Technology Park

Latest Check-ins at Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve

BaharDec 2, 2025
Dec 2, 2025Walking
natenewton22Nov 28, 2025
Nov 28, 2025Running
Bill FloeterNov 27, 2025
Nov 27, 2025Running
BaharNov 27, 2025
Nov 27, 2025Walking
BaharNov 26, 2025
Nov 26, 2025Walking
BaharNov 19, 2025
Nov 19, 2025Walking
BaharNov 16, 2025
Nov 16, 2025Walking
ElaineNov 12, 2025
Nov 12, 2025Walking
FarhadNov 8, 2025
Nov 8, 2025Running
richtrevisan217Oct 9, 2025
Oct 9, 2025Walking
*Latest check-in only shows the last 10 users. Only public activities are eligible. For any one park, a user can only check-in a maximum of once per day.

Total Check-ins at Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve

RankingCheck-ins
Ian
108
Penny
96
Emily
71
4loryhd858
40
54wattsboys11
28
6Leslie
25
7ricky
24
8Farhad
23
9Bahar
13
10sprieker
13
*Leaderboard only shows top 10 users. Only public activities are eligible for leaderboards. For any one park, a user can only check-in a maximum of once per day.
Best Walking Routes in Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve
#1- Two Bridges
1
Length: 0.4 milesEst. Time: 7m

Two Bridges is a 0.4 mile (1,000-step) route located near San Diego, California. This route has an elevation gain of about 0 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#2- Camino Ruiz Trail
1
Length: 0.6 milesEst. Time: 9m

Camino Ruiz Trail is a 0.6 mile (1,500-step) route located near San Diego, California. This route has an elevation gain of about 0 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#3- Old Lopez Road
1
Length: 2.2 milesEst. Time: 38m

Old Lopez Road is a 2.2 mile (5,000-step) route located near San Diego, California, USA. This route has an elevation gain of about 282.1 ft and is rated as medium. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#4- Duck Pond Connector East
1
Length: 0.3 milesEst. Time: 4m

Duck Pond Connector East is a 0.3 mile (500-step) route located near San Diego, California. This route has an elevation gain of about 0 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#5- Cobbles
1
Length: 1 milesEst. Time: 17m

Cobbles is a 1 mile (2,500-step) route located near San Diego, California. This route has an elevation gain of about 0 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#6- Side Hill
1
Length: 0.5 milesEst. Time: 9m

Side Hill is a 0.5 mile (1,000-step) route located near San Diego, California. This route has an elevation gain of about 154.2 ft and is rated as medium. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#7- Hopper
1
Length: 0.2 milesEst. Time: 3m

Hopper is a 0.2 mile (418-step) route located near San Diego, California. This route has an elevation gain of about 0 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#8- Goat Trail
1
Length: 0.3 milesEst. Time: 4m

Goat Trail is a 0.3 mile (500-step) route located near San Diego, California. This route has an elevation gain of about 0 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#9- Lopez Canyon Trail
1
Length: 1.7 milesEst. Time: 28m

Lopez Canyon Trail is a 1.7 mile (4,000-step) route located near San Diego, California. This route has an elevation gain of about 124.6 ft and is rated as easy. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#10- Little Waimea
1
Length: 0.3 milesEst. Time: 4m

Little Waimea is a 0.3 mile (500-step) route located near San Diego, California. This route has an elevation gain of about 72.2 ft and is rated as medium. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#11- Old Lopez Road
1
Length: 0.4 milesEst. Time: 7m

Old Lopez Road is a 0.4 mile (1,000-step) route located near San Diego, California. This route has an elevation gain of about 101.7 ft and is rated as medium. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#12- Waimea Fire Road
1
Length: 0.3 milesEst. Time: 4m

Waimea Fire Road is a 0.3 mile (500-step) route located near San Diego, California. This route has an elevation gain of about 72.2 ft and is rated as medium. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

#13- Big Waimea
1
Length: 0.6 milesEst. Time: 10m

Big Waimea is a 0.6 mile (1,500-step) route located near San Diego, California. This route has an elevation gain of about 223 ft and is rated as hard. Find the best walking trails near you in Pacer App.

Reviews of Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve

MeganJan 1, 2025
5

Such a nice good flat trail. Good for strollers even.

JenniferJul 21, 2025
3

Some Trash/ Graffiti.

AndrewJul 15, 2022
4

Nice work done .

natenewton22Nov 28, 2025
5

Nice trail

BillieSep 21, 2025
5

?

DannielOct 27, 2025
5
AnnaJul 18, 2025
5
DoraJun 16, 2025
5
Frances TsengJun 10, 2025
5
FarhadMay 17, 2025
5
rohan.ncsuApr 27, 2025
5
VynnieMar 30, 2025
5
PacerPalJan 26, 2025
5
KatelynJan 5, 2025
5
ElidaNov 3, 2024
5
EmilySep 15, 2024
5
JyotiSep 8, 2024
5
GirishAug 23, 2024
5
krksh95Jul 19, 2024
5
PacerPalOct 19, 2024
4
xxSep 30, 2024
4
4.8/5
951 ratings

Photos of Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve

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