Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve
Between Rancho Peñasquitos and Sorrento Hills
About
Los Peñasquitos (meaning little cliffs) Canyon Preserve lies between Rancho Peñasquitos and Sorrento Hills to the north and Mira Mesa to the south. Stretching approximately seven miles from the I-5 and 805 merge to just east of I-15; it encompasses some 4,000 acres of both Peñasquitos and Lopez Canyons, with trails perfect for hiking, biking, and equestrian use. Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve attracts people with its natural beauty and rich natural resources both today and in the past. Native American history within the Preserve dates back as far as 7,000 years ago. More recently the area was part of the first Mexican land grant in San Diego County, and the ruins of pasts adobes are still visible. There is a full variety of habitat, a year-round stram and riparian woodland, a small waterfall cascading over volcanic rock, grasslands, scrublands, groves of sycamore and live oak, and a fresh water marsh. Wildlife is plentiful, including coyotes, bobcat, and mule deer and numerous raptors, such as hawks, eagles, kites, falcons and owls soar overhead. A multitude of birds are found in the wooded areas. There are several convenient entrances to the Preserve. The east entrance, or staging area, is located at the intersection of Black Mountain and Mercy Roads. The western staging area is on the south side of Sorrento Valley Boulevard, approximately 1 mile east of Vista Sorrento Parkway. A convenient northern entrance is near Peñasquitos Creek Park at the intersection of Park Village Road and Camino Del Sur in Rancho Peñasquitos. A staging area for Lopez Canyon is located at the intersection of Pacific Mesa and Pacific Center Boulevards in Mira Mesa. Look for the information kiosks located at each of these entry points that designate the trail head and provide additional park information.
