Penasquitos Creek Loop

Dogs Leashed

Features River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

A long loop through the preserve with unusual areas of lush, verdant woodlands that seem out of place in the desert landscapes of San Diego County.

Though signage is clear, some trails see illegal bike use to be aware of.

A well-maintained trail with lots of shade for a cooler option in the middle of the day.

This route provides access to the majority of the Preserve's trails.

Start at the Penasquitos Creek Park parking area and head west. The trail will wind around the creek and end at the highway. There are several creek tributaries you can cross along the trail.

At the highway, you cross the overpass and return on the south side of the creek heading east.

Besides the main trail, there is singletrack along the creek and outside of the main trail. There are also a number of spur trails to explore.

Invasive wild fennel, poison oak, and rattlesnakes are greatly present but greatly outnumbered by the beautiful plant and animal species to keep an eye out for.