Los Penasquitos Waterfall

San Diego County, California

Your visit at a glance

Waterfall height: Not recorded
Location: San Diego County, California
Access status: Official preserve map and staging areas documented; distance estimated from map
The walk: About 5 to 6 miles return (estimate from trail map mile markers)
Ground & access: Wide dirt multi-use trails with bikes and horses; creek crossings with bridges. The city warns of rattlesnakes, poison oak and rugged terrain.

City of San Diego: Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve

From the east staging area at Black Mountain and Mercy Roads, follow the main canyon trail west along Penasquitos Creek, passing the creek crossings shown on the preserve map. The waterfall is marked on the map beside the creek between the 2 and 3 mile markers, near Carson's and Sycamore crossings. From the west staging area on Sorrento Valley Boulevard, follow the main trail east about the same distance. Return the same way.

Plan your visit

Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve main trail to the waterfall

Estimated from the official 2023 trail map: the waterfall sits near the 2.5 to 3 mile markers counted from either main staging area. No exact published distance was found.

Wide dirt multi-use trails with bikes and horses; creek crossings with bridges. The city warns of rattlesnakes, poison oak and rugged terrain.

Where to start

Use the east staging area at Black Mountain and Mercy Roads or the west staging area on Sorrento Valley Boulevard. The trail map says parking lots are closed from sunset to 8 a.m.

Timing & water

The city says trails may be closed due to flooding or damage; call the Park Ranger Office at 858-538-8066 for trail status.

Before you go

No fee was found in the reviewed pages. Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 8 feet.

Visitor information

Visit sources

More waterfalls nearby

Within 40 straight-line miles. Road and trail distances will differ.

Explore California

Waterfall location

San Diego County, California.

Open location map