I had hiked through Los Penasquitos Canyon once before, and was here for a second time. The last time I visited here was a few years ago. This long, yet not so strenuous hike served as training for my solo thru hike backpacking the Trans Catalina Trail over 3 days. I was excited to be back once again, to both enjoy a long day hike, and also have time for some reflection, on life then and now. Hiking is a great medium for that since you have all this time to yourself, to just think deeper, problem solve, and strategize about your next move in life. It’s also nice to just not have to think, and allow overworked brains, to just unwind. I say I was here today, for a bit of both if that makes sense.
The hike began at the same place I started last time I visited here, at the Lopez Canyon parking area, just off of Sorrento Valley Blvd. in the Sorrento Mesa area of San Diego. I would not be hiking up Lopez Canyon today, but perhaps another time. Let me know if you hiked Lopez Canyon, and if you recommend I check it out.
This parking area is fairly vast, so I would doubt there would be a time when parking would be a challenge. Don’t quote me on that, since I have only been here twice, and both times on a weekday, when trails are less crowded.
I headed off through dense forest and brush, passing alongside Lopez Creek. I noticed a mountain biker right away, and would note this is an excellent place for beginning mountain biking, since the gravelled trails are wide and flat, making for a fairly non-strenuous day of bike riding. You could probably ride just about any type of bike here, but being that it is unpaved, mountain or gravel bikes would be the best. I have mountain bikes, and if I had one right now, this would be my kind of bike trail.
The sycamores alongside were a vibrant green. I approached the overpass, which I would dip under, making my way into Los Penasquitos Canyon.
Once in the canyon I was greeted by lush green grass in every direction. Spring was here in San Diego. There was a short and gradual climb at the beginning of the hike, up a hill.
Once at the top of the first hill, I was able to get a glimpse of the trail winding its way through the canyon below.
Here I was, back at Los Penasquitos Canyon again, three years later in April.
As I headed up the trail, the clouds began to clear somewhat.
I planned to stay on the South Trail, heading towards the old adobe.
There was an interesting rope bridge with a bit of bounce to it, which connects across the creek to the North Trail.
I continued on through the canyon, as the clouds cleared.
This part of the canyon is relatively exposed, so a sun hat is recommended.
The trail climbed higher again, but this would be the last significant climb, until the return trip on back.
The canyon winds its way to an old ranch house, and past a waterfall, which would be my next stop.
I many more mountain bikers riding the trails here and the wide trail would allow you to ride side by side.
After about 2.5 miles, I was now within a woodland of Sycamores.
There had been a rain about a week ago, and the trails were mostly dry, beneath the tree tunnel studded with oaks.
There were vibrant shades of green, with the leaves of low growing shrubs illuminated by sun.
The sycamore branches outstretched their arms over the entire width of the trail in such a welcoming way.
The sun filtered down through the canopy, and the shady overgrowth was a welcome break from the warm sun.
I always embrace the opportunity to walk along a path of sycamore leaves blanketing the trail.
The trail remained shaded for a while, which makes this a great choice for a sunny day.
I dipped in and out of sunshine and shade, past tranquil meadows.
There are lots of water loving marsh plants along this canyon, such as Yellow Dock and Mugwort, a true medicinal wonder, used for promoting wound healing as a poultice and in Asian healing arts, such as moxibustion, commonly practiced by acupuncturists.
There are so many majestic California oaks throughout the hike.
I passed by Sycamore Crossing, one of the many ways to cross over to the other side of the canyon over the creek, via a wooden bridge.
My next stop was Los Penasquitos Falls, a popular spot to cool off in the summertime.
I made a left, down into the canyon of Los Penasquitos Falls.
People were hanging out on the rocks on the side of the cliff.
The water was low, algae was in bloom, yet the falls were still flowing. I would not be wading in here with the algae.
The trail branches off after the falls, and you have the option to take the single track (more adventurous) route off to the left, which snakes its way through the meadow. Speaking of which, you’re more likely to be in close proximity to a snake on a narrow trail, so tread with care.
I did not regret taking the more scenic route, where bicycles were not allowed. It was quiet and peaceful.
These hoof prints were proof the trail is open to horses and equestrians.
I noticed a lonesome dove sheltering in the shady tree branches and shrubs.
Horseshoes versus trail runners, which is better in mud?
The singletrack tracks wound their way through dense forests, with the occasional meadow.
I stayed along the alternate route for the entire way to the ranch house.
I would cross over Penasquitos Creek many times.
There was a wooden boardwalk where I crossed over at Carson’s Crossing, so I did not have to rock hop to cross the creek.
I continued along the North Trail after crossing over.
The trail along the north side of the canyon, rotated between sections of shade and sun.
It was not really buggy by the water, which surprised me, since I expected it might be.
I continued on to the Ranch House, passing by Penasquitos Park crossing.
Eventually I spotted the Ranch House barn.
I explored around the ranch buildings.
This ranch house and the Los Penasquitos Adobe has been here a long time, and is a living history museum.
There are some interesting gardens, shielded from critters with wire mesh enclosures.
The entire watershed has been created, as a diorama, accompanied by a map to all points of interest.
I continued back along the trail on the South Side, past Eichler’s Grave.
Then, I crossed back over to the North Side once more, which is much sunnier, making a stop at the waterfall overlook, with its bench.
It was sunny and warm on the last stretch. Even though this was a cool day in April, canyons are known to feel warmer, and it was.
I enjoyed my hike today, and was not overly exhausted, despite hiking 12.5 miles.
I saw this snake cross the road on the way back. I am not sure what kind, but it was not a rattler…whew!
If you enjoy a longer day hike along well maintained flat trails, with a waterfall, streams, a mix of sun, and shady forest canopy, with a bit of history, then you will love this hike.
I would come here just about any time of year, except after a bit of rain, since it could be muddy. It is after all a drainage, and the creeks flow out to the sea.
A New Year
I was feeling very optimistic today, since hiking this canyon three years ago was an important turning point in my life. I was about to hike the Trans Catalina Trail. I did not know if I would make it, and was prepared to bail out at Airport in the Sky, if I was not up to the task. But with one foot in front of the other, I made it. It may have seemed like a small challenge for some, but for me, at that time in my life, it was a very big deal. I had never taken time to myself, in all those years of raising my daughter. It was a time when I was about to get divorced, and that time was fast approaching. I was in the process of breaking free from a very difficult relationship to a person who only cut me down in every way possible attempting to break my spirit. He did not win, or shall I say the enemy did not. God prevailed, and freed me from the chains of bondage, of living with a fear that I did not deserve happiness somehow. So much was at stake, but my freedom was worth risking it all. It was a very tough time. But I was feeling brave for the first time in a long time, and was taking it day by day, step by step.
Freedom from Bondage
So after my last visit here to Los Penasquitos Canyon, I had planned to hike the Trans Catalina Trail the following day solo. Coming back to this canyon, looking back on a turning point in my life, when it was in total disarray, was very emotional. When I hiked through Los Penasquitos Canyon back then, in 2021, all I knew about it was that it was one of the most recommended hikes in San Diego, and that it was a long one. I needed to be ready for a long haul, if I was going to haul myself, and all my belongings, from camp site to camp site throughout Catalina Island. It was exciting, and scary, since I had never solo thru hiked before. It was faith over fear then. Faith prevailed, and not soon after this thru hike, post-divorce, I was finally able to have a life where I could value myself and my self-worth accurately, for the first time in two decades. I was no longer ruled by fear and I was free. If you’re reading this and relate, I believe in you, and you can break free of your chains of bondage. All you need is a little faith over fear.
“And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
– John 8:32
I hope you enjoyed reading this, and it is helpful in knowing what to expect, should you decide to visit here. I also created this short documentary of my thru hike of the Trans Catalina Trail (TCT) in 2021, you can watch here on YouTube.
Note: When I recorded this video, I did not even have a blog, but just loved taking photos and videos. I finally put it all together, to share it so it can bring someone hope, who is also conquering their fears with faith and hiking of course.
Leave No Trace
Just be sure to come prepared and follow Leave No Trace principles to keep the wilderness pristine for future hikers.
About me
I’m Serafina! I’m a writer and California girl who loves to go exploring. Hope you will get outside today, breathe some fresh air, and be happy!
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Disclaimer:
The work on this blog is my opinion and my opinion alone and I am not responsible for the outcome if someone were to apply these thoughts to their own life. All text and photography copyright 2025 by Serafina, all rights reserved. Information and opinions provided are kept current to the best of the author’s ability. All readers’ usage of the ideas and opinions presented in the blog, are at their own risk. Be aware of the possible dangers of hiking, surfing, walking, cooking, and other activities, which may take place indoors or outdoors. By reading this, you agree not to hold the author or publisher of the content on this web site responsible for any injuries or inconveniences that may result from reading the blog, or partaking in any activity mentioned in the blog. Read the blog, and use its ideas, if you so desire, at your own risk.
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