Los Penasquitos - #LosPenasquitos

Socal - San Diego County - Mira Mesa NickNames: #LosPenasquitos

You can enter the Preserve from the West: Use Sorrento Valley Rd. exit off the I 5 or I 805 to Sorrento Valley Blvd. Travel East about 1.5 miles. The Preserve is on your right. Thomas Guide page 1208 D5. From the East: Use the Mira Mesa Blvd exit off the I 805 or I 15 to Black Mountain Rd. Travel North about 1.5 miles. Thomas Guide page 1189 D7

59 Review(s)9 Photo(s)Login

• Trail UpdateLess To Ride, But Still There-Scroll down to see "Update #48"... the Del Mar Mesa singletracks lasted 3 years longer, but are now finally and unfortunately fenced, marked and pending destruction under the blade of a bulldozer.

  This means that Los Penasquitos still offers decent trails, including some excellent SoCal singletrack, but that over half of the singletrack network in the area is "gone".
  EBasil a Weekend Warrior riding a Manitou HT from San Diego

  Posted:04/21/2008

• Trail UpdateCombine PQ Trail With Santa Luz-The relatively new Santa Luz trail can be combined with the Penasquitos Canyon/Del Mar Mesa trails for a great fun ride with enough hills for a good workout. I start out at Black Mountain Ranch park at the intersection of Black Mountain Road and Carmel Valley Road. Take the trail at the back of the park, ride down the hill, veering left until you're on single track heading down the mountain. You'll ride through Santa Luz, down near Rancho Santa Fe (under the power towers), out into the backside near Four S Ranch, eventually coming back around to the park. It's an 11 mile loop with some good hills. To keep going, ride down Carmel Valley Road to Caminto Del Sur, hang a left, go past the high school, under the 56 freeway and enter the trail there that will connect you with the Del Mar Mesa area. Explore on the mesa, then take one of the several connector trails down into Penasquitos Canyon. You can climb back out of the Canyon on several trails that all head back to the Mesa. When you're done return the way you came, or continue through Penasquitos Canyon, cross Black Mountain road, and ride a nice single track that parelles Mercy Road. This ends at a fire road back up the hill...tough climb especially at the end of a long ride. Then take city streets back to the park where you started. This is just a general description, you can best figure it out on google maps.
  dalerbon a 46 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Ironhorse from San Diego

  Posted:08/06/2007

• Trail UpdateHorses Crush Trails-Riders should definitely get off their bikes and speak kindly to the horse--this is for the safety of the rider, the horse and the horse rider...any MT. Bike rider who doesn't provide this courtesy is a clueless jacktard...Notwithstanding previous comments, Horse Riders get a grip, your horses crush the trails and cause major damage, far more than any bike riders--that's a fact. So don't cry about erosion unless you wnat to send your horse to the glue factory and save the trails.
  DudeVf1

  Posted:12/29/2006

• Trail UpdatePenasquitos-So Horses don't cause trail damage?? Let's see, a 30 pound bike with rubber wheels causes more damage than a 2,000 pound horse with metal shoes?? OK, what other aspects of life on your planet are totally off the mark??

  Horses tear up trails more than anything else--save for motorcycles. I especially like how mtbers stay off the trails after a rain (for the most part) yet I always see the trails torn up by your 4 legged post hole diggers before they have a chance to dry out. Not to mention the countless piles of crap in the middle of the trail.

  Also, your lame attempt at being cordial cannot begin to cover up your blatant passive-aggressive attitude. My guess is you encounter a lot more courteous bikers than rude ones, but you don't like to admit it. Probably because you are old or just not very athletic.

  These are not insults nor are they meant to be--just commentary to match your own. Stay on the equestrian msg boards where you close-minded attitude is embraced by other would be environmentalists.

  You give equestrians a bad name.
  DEnduro a 31 year old Die-hard Enthusiast

  Posted:12/28/2006

• Trail UpdatePenasquitos-The horse riders of Penasquitos would like to thank the few bike riders who are courteous enough to give us the required right of way, by slowing down and even stopping when they see the horses. The rest of the bike riders need to learn to read the signs. No where else in San Diego County have we encountered so many rude people who put others at risk. These are multi-use trails and we see many times that the bike riders go off into the horse trail (single-track), riding fast and not watching the trails for other users.

  I suspect that many of the riders are not aware of the edo-damage caused by single track vehicles like bikes. The erosion problem caused by the packing of the trails has to be obvious to even the more oblivious of you.

  At any rate, we do want to thank the few riders that give the horses the courteous right of way and we continue to hope that the rest of the riders become aware of the importance of all of us working together to keep the trails open. We need to get along and SHARE the trails! Thank you.
  HorseRider a 32 year old Weekend Warrior from San Diego

  Posted:12/25/2006

• Trail UpdateAwesome Traction-After the rain ride. Braving the cold, rode it tonight. Outstanding conditions! Did not have a "slip" (with exception of note below) the problem was more of too much traction making the bike take the turns too tight in the upper single track. Finishing off this quick loop around 6:30 pm, I crossed path with 2 riders that are equipped only with single speed bikes. I thought I was being brave on a cold night, but these two pressed on with a chuckle as I loudly noted their hardtailed one speeders! Go out and ride as the upper single track is starting to become overgrown - evidenced by the scraping of my handlebar ends on the bushes. NOTE: From the parking lot (softball field area) to the waterfall through the trail on PARK VILLAGE side, the SANDTRAP through the main intersection is piled higher and causes a washout condition because of low visibility like tonight-should not be a problem during a day ride. Also, there are still standing water on the valley floor).
  Ghostshifter a 39 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Epic from San Diego

  Posted:12/19/2006

• Trail UpdateClimbs Like A Goat!-Rode the trail Thursday afternoon for a quick 12 miler. At the end of the ride, decided to add the Sh1ts and telephone trail when I noticed three quick riders behind me on the climb. I stopped and let them through because I cannot and have not ever cleared the last steep climb towards the new housing development. Not because of the steepness, but always for traction and of course "spinning" stamina! Don't know the person's name, but he rides a steel silver stallion, specialized epic. I know it's not the "steed" he was on, but the technique and strength he attacked this incredulous hill climb resulting in the "almost" made it. The first I've seen in four years of riding this trail. He was just about a foot from clearing this incline when his front wheel just slipped due to the ruts and slippery lines and disrupted his cadence; hence, his balance as well. In my book, he cleared this obstacle. Awesome rider! Someday - I will clear this line as well.
  2-1-4 a 39 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a 2001 Rocky Mountain Element

  Posted:08/19/2006

• Trail UpdateSingle Track-There is still one good single track left in PQ. From the ranch house go to the "Falls". Imediatly after the falls rest point, there is a fork in the trail hang a left(toward the creek). This trail has 2 concrete bridges and is a BLAST to ride. It is very short but worth it.
  LazyBeaner a 29 year old riding a Old Hard Tail from Bay Park

  Posted:07/06/2006

• Trail UpdateWe rode this on May 3, 2006. It has been over five years since I have ridden it. It used to be a great fun ride. Unfortunately, the "trail closing enviros" have gotten too much influence in the park. Most of the single track through the river bed and along the hillside are now off limits to bikes. We were allowed to do a couple of creek crossings but having the single-track closed takes away a lot of the fun. It's still a good family or beginner trail, but no longer technically challenging.
  Joker a 37 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Fisher Kai-Tai from East Cnty

  Posted:05/06/2006

• Trail UpdateAll Stream Crossings Now Open-
  As of June 4th, every stream crossing in Los Penasquitos (Ranch House, Penasquitos, Carson, Sycamore and Wagon Wheel) will be open, with brand-new bridges for cyclists/peds. Wagon Wheel has been uncrossable/closed to bikes for 5 years...now open and multiuse! This opens up some additional route options on the canyon floor, so get out there!
  EBasil

  Posted:06/03/2005

• Trail UpdateRide 'em While We Gottem!-Yes, most of the north side is open, and most of the south side is still closed:

  --North Side: open from Canyonside rec on the east, all the way along the North Trail to the construction site near Sorrento Valley. Bridges Trail is brushy, but open, as is the parallel fire road. Telephone Pole/Powerline is open to the DMM, but has a "new top" (just turn left and follow the new path next to the wall). Cobblestone is open and really good, but still washed out in spots on Lower Cobbles. Sidehill is open, but badly damaged by horses that rode in the mud. Little Waimea is open, narrow and fun.

  --Del Mar Mesa singletracks: all open, all in great shape, but more cobbly, and all will be bulldozed this year. Ride 'em!

  --South Side: open from the County lot at Black Mountain Road for 3/4 mile to Ranch House Crossing, where all traffic is diverted to the north side. The rest of the south side, "Main Trail" is pending re-grading and repair after the creek washed it out pretty badly. The Rangers are now working to repair Sycamore Crossing, so that they can open the Sorrento Valley lot, and let commuters cross at Sycamore to get to/fro work

  --National Trails Day event at Los Pen on June 4th. At the Ranch House: rides, climbing wall, food, etc...

  
  EBasil

  Posted:05/10/2005

• Trail UpdateLos Penasquitos-Rode the north side last week. The signs show the trails as open, and while they're a little over grown they are in good shape!

  Enjoy
  a 28 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Giant NRS1 from San Diego

  Posted:05/09/2005

• Trail UpdateLost Penasquitos-Still closed. What a joke. Ride it Ride it Ride it.
  Blitzkrieg

  Posted:04/15/2005

• Trail UpdateCanyonside Rec Center-To park and access the currently open parts of Los Pen without starting in Carmel Valley, you can park at Canyonside Rec Center in Penasquitos.

  It's one block north of Mercy Rd, on Black Mtn Rd. and you can drive west to the end of the playing fields the where there are parking spaces and the trailhead for the "North Trail" leading out west toward the falls, etc...

  The other trailheads are closed because they lead directly to the "Main Trail", which is still closed.
  EBasil

  Posted:04/14/2005

• Trail UpdateWhere Do I Park?-Have ridden Los Penasquitos a couple times before and have always parked on the south end. Haven't ridden recently because of the rain until I had time today to sneak off from work a little early. I was extremely dissappointed to find that both parking areas identified for the park were closed due to flooding. I thought most of the northern trails were open. So not much to update on the trail as I spent about 45 extremely frustrating minutes trying to find an open access. Can someone help me?
  pwuerstle a 30 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Santa Cruz Heckler from san diego

  Posted:04/13/2005

• Trail UpdateAerial View Of Trails-You can find satellite views here:
  http://maps.google.com/

  Address: 11754 Carmel Creek Rd, 92130

  (also works great for other trails)
  madbuck a 25 year old URL: http://maps.google.com

  Posted:04/05/2005

• Trail UpdateCobbles And CMM Open-...from the Rangers:

  We have repaired the big washout at the base of the Queens trail.
  Cobbles/Queens trail is now open to all users. Please exercise caution,
  there are a few changes to the trail because of the immense amount of
  water flowing through the area. Have fun and be safe.

  The official trails on Carmel Mountain are now open as well. This does
  not include any of the trails that were fenced off in February, that is
  a permanent closure. If you see the fences knocked down, perhaps you
  could take a moment to put them back up and let the Rangers know. We
  are making regular patrols, but with the help of everyone it will work
  better. Thank you, have fun and be safe.

  
  Gina Washington, Senior Park Ranger
  Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve
  Open Space Division
  City of San Diego Park and Recreation Department
  858-538-8066
  gbrown@sandiego.gov
  
  EBasil

  Posted:04/05/2005

• Trail UpdateNorth Side Of Los Pen OPEN-LIMITED RE-OPENING OF LOS PENASQUITOS!

  Ranger Washington has just confirmed that the NORTH SIDE of Los Penasquitos, except for Cobblestone Trail, is OPEN for all users, as of now. This means that the entire North Trail from Canyonside to the construction on the west end and including Bridges Trail singletrack, is open. Telephone Pole/Powerline, Sidehill singletrack and Little Waimea singletrack are open.

  Cobblestone remains closed because of ongoing repairs to a large washout at the base of a horse/hike trail at the bottom of The Sh1ts. The Rangers don’t want to open the bike/hike side until the equestrian trail is repaired, likely next weekend. The entire “south side” and all the stream crossings are still closed, pending some major grading and etc… due to washouts and whatnot.

  Go check it out! The canyons are green, the singletracks are nearly overgrown and the rain ruts aren’t that bad! Skip Cobblestone and The Sh1ts for now, but ride the hell out of the DMM singletracks before they get bulldozed (that's coming, soon).
  EBasil

  Posted:04/01/2005

• Trail UpdateCarmel Mtn/Del Mar Mesa Update-RE: Carmel Mtn. Mesa, San Diego, Calif.

  At last night's Los Pen CAC, we received notice that the Rangers and City Staff [I]intend to present a Trails Plan for the Carmel Mtn. Mesa at the May 19th CAC meeting, for approval by the CAC. [/I]

  It is the intention of the CMM/DMM Management Plan authors to incorporate whatever the CAC adopts into the Management Plan. Half of this is good: one aspect of the Public Comment we submitted on behalf of the MTC was the demand that the Management Plan use the Trails Committee rather than "make stuff up". But, half of this is bad: we need to "speak now or forever hold our piece".

  We don't have the draft Trails Plan yet, but it is apparently based on the discussions held by the LPCP Trails Committee last year (the one meeting I missed). It was apparent last night that some significant disagreement exists over what the Trails Committee "agreed" to, or didn't. The draft maps I've seen from the Rangers show only what appear to be fire roads (all as multiuse), some singletrack marked as "pedestrian only" and some "equestrian only (no peds, either)" singletrack leading to the pending location for the Clews Horse Ranch. Other than this, we're in a vacuum for substance.

  We, the multiuse community, still desperately need a GPS survey of the trails up there, with color coding or otherwise for width (road/double/single) and notations for "importance", etc... Sometime prior to May, the Los Pen Trails Committee will be called to revisit the CMM and discuss finalizing what they came up with last year. [U]This, and the May CAC meeting, will be our ONLY chance to affect the trails plan. [/U] If we don't have trails info, and the ability to mobilize the community to communicate concerns, we risk missing out.

  Three MTC members are on the Trails Committee, and we will relay information to and from the Rangers. However, I do not have the time to GPS all the mesa trails and to create a good "TOPO" or "aerial photo map". If you ride or hike up there and care enough about the access issues to help out, we will run with it. But, if we cannot present a compelling argument for the preservation of particular trails, I am certain the strong preference of a few will result in an area with very little singletrack access.

  The "CMM" region we're dealing with includes Eucalyptus, that stepped hikeabike trail just to the west of Euc, and the entire top of the remaining mesa over to the current Clews Horse Ranch and the apartments.

  --Please feel free to post or forward this message to other mailing lists.--

  See you on the trails,

  Erik Basil
  [B]Multiuse Trails Coalition[/B]
  EBasil

  Posted:03/18/2005

• Trail Update
  So much for trimming the marjoram tonight...

  
  Ride rating: Beginner
  EBasil riding a soy-based Talibanator 5 from San Diego

  Posted:03/03/2005

• Trail UpdateThat's it, I'm taking my Kawasaki down there tonight. Don't worry about any mud that way.

  
  Poway Woway a Weekend Warrior riding a moto roto bike

  Posted:03/03/2005

• Trail UpdateClosed, Muddy & Thrashed-It's closed alright: and extremely muddy in sections. To the issue of opening it: the Rangers are actually working hard to make interim repairs to flooded/washed out areas and to open things ASAP. BUT, the anti-bike Nazi's are salivating at the prospect of idiots like the moron from Poway that can't just ride somewhere else while the entire park is closed.

  The smartest deal for actual mountainbikers is to leave PQ be while it's underwater (and much of it is, even 5 days after rain). If you're "rad" enough to nightride, you're rad enough to pull your head out of your ass and go somewhere else for a while.

  In terms of the development near the top of The Shits: it's not going to close off that SDGE access road. In fact, there will be a multiuse trail running along the "edge" of the development so that we can connect from the top of Telephone Poles over toward Hollywood & Vine.

  Remember: the reason PQ stays muddy WAY after you might think it's dry is that it's the flood plain and basically sits right on the water table. Once it gets wet like this, it stays wet. If you want it open sooner, volunteer some work time with SDMBA or the MTC to fix the washed out trails.
  EBasil riding a Manitou HT -ss from San Diego

  Posted:03/03/2005

• Trail UpdateTHis friggin' place won't be opened until July, if you're lucky. Just ride it at night when the park Nazis are home tending they herb gardens.
  Poway Woway a Weekend Warrior riding a Big Knobbied MTB

  Posted:03/03/2005

• Trail UpdateOpen?-Are the trails in the preserve open yet?

  Posted:03/02/2005

• Trail UpdateHow about the new development at the top of the shits right before the gate? I hope they don't get some goofy idea of trying to block off the trail. What a stupid place to build.

  Posted:03/02/2005

• Trail UpdateMuddy And Closed-As of Jan 21, the entire Preserve is still closed, including the Little Waimea, Sidehill, Cobblestone, Shits and Telephone Pole trails. Things are still very wet, trails are blown out and there are major washouts in many areas of the Preserve.

  The Rangers, volunteer staff and MTC Trail Crew are working to reopen trails ASAP, so let's honor the closed-signs until they do.

  The Del Mar Mesa singletracks are not part of the Preserve, and are open.
  EBasil riding a nuthin' from San Diego

  Posted:01/21/2005

• Trail UpdateVery Flooded-Just drive along Calle Cristobol or Sorrento and look into the canyon, if you want to see what happens when a lot of water comes through a creek in a flood plain.

  The $$ "stream restoration" project on the west end is completely under water.
  EBasil riding a Manitou HT or a Fisher Cake from San Diego

  Posted:01/12/2005

• Trail UpdateFlooded?-I understand theres been a few sprinkles lately, but is this place really flooded? I don't believe it.
  
  Uzzidestroyer a Racer

  Posted:01/11/2005

• Trail UpdateFlooded And Closed-The joint trail maintenance event, scheduled by the [b]MultiUse Trails
  Coalition[/b] and the [b]San Diego Mountain Bike Association[/b] for January
  22nd is "Off".

  The damage throughout the Preserve(s)
  is so extensive that Ranger Brown has indicated we won't have the
  ability to get rock material imported or other support for the
  maintenance event, even if it's sunny, SO THE EVENT IS POSTPONED,
  INDEFINITELY. I'm sure the ruts in Little Waimea are now much, much
  worse than they were, but there's damage throughout the Preserve and
  more than the Ranger Staff have been able to assess.

  The Los Pen Preserve [i]will remain closed throughout this coming
  weekend[/i], regardless of sun and wind, due to washouts they are aware
  of, deep mud that prevents emergency vehicle access and the concern
  about unknown hazards and washouts.

  Once the Preserve opens up, members of the MTC Trail Team will
  volunteer time to assess conditions and identify hazards throughout
  the Preserve. Once Ranger Brown has a good assessment of issues,
  we'll identify priorities for repair and maintenance.

  I normally end with "See you on the Trail", but not this time...
  Ride rating: Beginner
  EBasil riding a kayak from San Diego

  Posted:01/11/2005

• Trail UpdateI second Ebasil's comments. The main road through the canyon is heavily shaded in lots of spots and doesn't dry out for weeks after a rain. If you must go, stay on the exposed singletrack on the north side of the preserve, as it dries quicker and is less boggy.

  Best bet with kids is to hike from the end of Park Village housing (farthest west end) to the waterfall.

  
  Local PQ

  Posted:10/26/2004

• Trail UpdateMudbog.-
  Well, it's that season: when it rains, Los Pen gets and stays more muddy than most other riding areas. It's both a floodplain and a creekbed, very close to the water table and full of clay: it just stays wet.

  The Rangers have been fast about marking the Park as Closed and keeping the Sorrento Valley and Mercy Road lots locked off when it rains. Do everybody, and your drivetrain, a favor and keep off the trails while they're wet out there.

  Also, remember if you've got KIDS in there: the creek runs "dirty" for quite a while after rains, even if it looks "clear". Not the best time to play in the creek.
  
  EBasil riding a Manitou HT or a Fisher Cake from San Diego

  Posted:10/26/2004

• Trail UpdateLos Penasquitos-Mira Mesa-I rode here last weekend and the trails are in great shape. I saw two coyotes, one rabbit, and one rattle snake. I rode the new sections of Lower Cobbles trail and found it to be less crowded then the rest of the trails. The trails are dry but do really expect anything else? Overall this is a great place to ride.
  Ride rating: Novice
  Ride distance: 11.6 Elevation change:
  Singletrack=50% Dirt Road=50%
  raceface04 a 28 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Jamis Dakar from san diego

  Posted:08/20/2004

• Trail UpdateLower Cobbles Trail Changes-Okay, public service announcement time.

  If you ride Los Pen/DMM, you know about Cobblestone and how Lower Cobbles is now not only legitimately multiuse and open to bikes, but how the lower section of it is Closed to Horses (in exchange for the parallel section, closed to bikes). The "no horses" section includes the popular Whoops and is the scence for two recent trail alterations. Since there has been some excited chatter today over them both, I made some calls and got the facts:

  1. NEW FENCES/CLOSED SECTION of Lower Cobbles.
  As part of the Trails Committee agreement to designate parts of Lower Cobbles as "no horses" and the parallel section "no bikes", we and the Rangers agreed that the traffic should be "split" all the way down to the funky road crossing at the base of Lower Cobbles, where one of the new kiosks is. This means that the last ramp-up onto the little triangular mesa, then the right turn back down to Lower Cobbles (before popping up the last ramp toward the waterfalls) gets fenced off.

  The fencing does three things: 1) it allows the Rangers and enviros to protect that scrubby grass that lives up on the triangular mesita, which turns out to be special grass; 2) it keeps the horses and bikes apart from one another until the kiosk/crossing point (where sightlines are huge); and 3) it completes the "deal" made for the upper and lower Cobbles multiuse designation.

  The fences were put up Sunday, torn down by some evil Hot Air Balloonists (I like the sound and image of that) and then replaced today. The ramps and triangular area have been scarfed up for rehabitation. PLEASE, don't mess with these fences. Please do enjoy the tunnel-like brush trimming job done on the section of Lower Cobbles we'll now all take on our bikes.

  2. ALTERATION OF THE BIG WHOOPS on Lower Cobbles.
  Somebody cut "lunch box sized" hunks out of the ramps/whoops on Lower Cobbles, just below the lips of each. This wasn't the Rangers, and there is No Plan or Intent to mess with these (these are Not places for fence posts to go in), according to the Rangers, our best friends with this trail. Whoever cut those in did it without approval.

  I haven't ridden them yet, but the word is, the cuts make it worse for both cruising and for catching a little air. This may be something we have to go out and FIX, I dunno yet.

  Regardless, notwithstanding any wild rumors or conspiracy theories that may spring to mind upon encountering the unauthorized work on the Whoops, then the new fences blocking the old ramps... everything is as good as it can be: the fences were known and planned, and the whoops are not slated for action by The Man.

  
  EBasil riding a Manitou HT and a Fisher Cake from San Diego

  Posted:06/30/2004

• Trail UpdateTrails Day Events-Celebrate National Trails Day at Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve.
  Bring the family and join in the fun! Saturday, June 5, 2004
  10:00am to 5:00pm.
  12020 Black Mountain Road
  San Diego, CA 92129

  Join the San Diego Mountain Biking Association (SDMBA) and the LPCP
  Multiuse Trails Coalition on a guided ride throughout the Preserve.

  10:00am - Join us for a ride geared specifically to folks interested
  in a relaxed look at the canyon, to ride with their children, or to
  have a first try at mountain biking.

  1:00pm - SDMBA and Outdoor Outreach (An organization offering outdoor
  opportunities to inner city youth!) is conducting a mini skills
  clinic, mini obstacle course for kids, All kids participating in the
  skills clinic will receive a goodie bag generously donated by REI.

  2:00pm - join SDMBA and Outdoor Outreach on a fun 5-mile ride
  starting
  from the Ranch House and following the south trail; enjoy incredible
  scenery with creek crossings and waterfalls.

  An REI certified bicycle mechanic will be on hand to make sure the
  bikes are in proper working order and fitted correctly, so come early
  and have your bike checked out before the ride! A responsible adult
  must accompany kids on all guided rides. All rids start at the Ranch
  House; for information on the 10:00am ride contact: EBasil@aol.com.
  For information on the Outdoor Outreach program contact:
  mikihidaka@yahoo.com. Don't forget to come by the SDMBA booth.

  This great National Trails Day event will also include:
  · Children's activities by San Diego Archaeological Center
  · Climbing Wall by U.S. Army Recruiting Office
  · Equestrian Poker Ride and Hike by Ramona Trails Association
  · Kids' Eco-Education Classes by REI and Sea to Sea Foundation
  · Nature Walks by Friends of Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve and
  San Diego Tracking Team
  · Ranch House Tours by San Diego County Parks and Recreation
  · County of San Diego, Sheriff's Canine Search and Rescue
  · Sheriff's Volunteer Mounted Patrol - Ramona
  · North County Grangers -- Poway Division; Farm Animals -
  Petting Zoo,
  · 1800s Attire & Lifestyle Demonstrations
  · Whiskey Creek Cowboys -- 1800s Living History Theatrical Group
  · Nancy Conney, Sky Hunters
  · City of San Diego Fire Department
  · "Stump Racing," Lori Hall-McNary, Rockin' L&D Ranch
  · And More: Trails Fair, Opportunity Drawings, Dedication
  Ceremony, Live Music and Entertainment by "Celia Lawley -- The Fiddle
  Girl" and "The Orbitz"

  
  Directions: From the intersection of Black Mountain Road and Mercy
  Road in Mira Mesa, go one block north to the traffic signal at the
  entrance to the "Canyonside Rec Center" and turn into the facility
  Drive all the way west, past all the ball fields, and you will see a
  white rail fence and gate. Go straight up this driveway: Bring your
  bikes, kids and etc…
  
  EBasil riding a Manitou HT from San Diego

  Posted:06/04/2004

• Trail UpdateLos Penasquitos Canyon-Rode the canyon yesterday and found the new sections that has been opened. It's a good trail, still a good work out and a good place to take beginners. Seen two deer and alot of hawks. There's were alot of walkers and joggers on the trails on sunday. All in all it's still a good trail to ride. Thanks to the Multiuse Trail Coalition and the San Diego MTB Assn.
  Ride rating: Beginner
  Ride distance: 14miles Elevation change:
  Singletrack=20% Dirt Road=80%
  Smokin Scott a 41 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Specialized Enduro from El Cajon

  Posted:05/24/2004

• Trail UpdateLos Penasquitos Canyon-Rode the canyon yesterday and found the new sections that has been opened. It's a good trail, still a good work out and a good place to take beginners. Seen two deer and alot of hawks. There's were alot of walkers and joggers on the trails on sunday. All in all it's still a good trail to ride. Thanks to the Multiuse Trail Coalition and the San Diego MTB Assn.
  Ride rating: Beginner
  Ride distance: 14miles Elevation change:
  Singletrack=20% Dirt Road=80%
  Smokin Scott a 41 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Specialized Enduro from El Cajon

  Posted:05/24/2004

• Trail UpdateOld Trails, NEW Status-You read it right: tangible proof that the community efforts coordinated by the Multiuse Trails Coalition and the San Diego MTB Assn. are worth the hours and efforts: the dreaded, yellow "No Bikes" signs were removed from several sections of Los Penasquitos Canyon by Ranger staff yesterday:

  --The North Trail
  --Little Waimea
  --Bridges Trail (singletrack!)
  --Sidehill/Lucas (singletrack!)
  --Lower Cobbles (singletrack!)

  Our work isn't done, and some may miss the "outlaw thrill" of riding the trails the entire community of horsers, hikers and cyclists have been sharing for years, but most of us will savor the importance of legal singletrack being restored at San Diego's Ground Zero for anti-bike legislation.

  Ride safe, ride polite, ride often.

  
  Ride rating: Intermediate
  Ride distance: 23 Elevation change:
  Singletrack=50% Dirt Road=45% Paved Path=5%
  EBasil riding a Manitou HT from San Diego

  Posted:05/05/2004

• Trail UpdateThe Mystery Solved!-Thats good to know EBasil, thanks for the info. Nice to have a convenient pile o' dirt like that handy when you wanna burn a few calories without having to jump in your car and go somewhere.
  The SeaClasper

  Posted:04/12/2004

• Trail UpdateMystery Hill Water Project-
  The "mystery hill" won't be developed out: it's City Open Space. The construction activity you see is mining/tunnelling work. Those are extraction points for rock and dirt from a tunnel about 300' below the top of the hill, leading to the San Vicente Resevoir in Santee.
  EBasil riding a Manitou HT from San Diego

  Posted:04/12/2004

• Trail UpdateMira Mesa Mystery Hill-If you live in Mira Mesa, you might be interested in this little backyard nugget I like to call Mystery Hill...

  Directions:
  From Mira Mesa Blvd, head north on Black Mtn. Rd for 1/2 mile, take a right on Capricorn Way. If you're driving, there are lots of spots to park here just before the intersection with Westview Pkwy. Now bike across Westview Pkwy, take a left on Dauntless, a right on Hawkeye, and a left on Phantom. At the end of Phantom is a gate which you can go around or under; beyond this gate is a hill full of 'fire road', short but steep climbs, some nice views of the whole area, and even some singletrack!

  As to the legality of this excursion, there is a sign at the gate that reads 'No off-road vehicle activity'. I take this to mean that the place is legal for biking, and I saw a few locals hiking around up there yesterday. However, there is a fair amount of strange construction activity up there, which you should obviously avoid. Also, be cool and LOW-KEY when biking up Phantom and going under the gate, the last thing we need to do is irritate the people who probably have some influence over access at that location.

  I have NO idea what the ultimate fate of this area is - it really is a little gem, that could be a killer recreational area for local residents, it's amazing to me that nobody I've talked to seems to know about it. It will be a real shame if this gets bulldozed to hell like every other hill in the area. If anyone has a clue as to the status of Mystery Hill, please let me know.

  Finally, the dirt roads up here seem to connect to the far east end of Penasquitos Canyon below, next time I'm gonna try and make a little hill/canyon loop excursion right here in lovely Mira Mesa, where you can rest easy, knowing a Starbucks, Target or Vons is never far...
  Ride rating: Beginner
  Ride distance: 3 miles Elevation change: 500 ft
  Singletrack=10% Dirt Road=70% Paved Path=20%
  The SeaClasper a 34 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a 'Target Special' tricycle with tassles from Sandy Eggo, CA

  Posted:04/11/2004

• Trail UpdateLos Penasquitos & Mystery Hill-Hey can someone give me idea about any fun rides in Los Penasquitos, may be some steep ascents or descents that are legal? Yes, I read the previous entries, unfortunately I'm not as intimitely aquainted with 'The Shits' as other people appear to be!

  Also, does anyone know anything about the 'mystery hill' that's next to the 15 about 500 m north of the Mira Mesa Blvd exit? It looks like it has some relatively nice ride possibilities, but there's some construction on it and I've never seen anyone on it, riding or otherwise! I am sorely tempted to explore...
  Ride rating: Beginner
  Ride distance: 1000 miles Elevation change: -2
  Singletrack=1% Dirt Road=23% Paved Path=62% Truck Trail=14%
  The SeaClasper a 34 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Huffy 76'er w/banana seat and bell from A small village in Botswana

  Posted:04/10/2004

• Trail UpdatePerfect Conditions-Rode my "Canyon Ride" yesterday. Trail conditions were
  near perfect due to the rain last weekend and the dry
  weather over the past few days. Pretty much everything was
  doable -- including the middle section of The Shits. Two
  hours straight of hard hammering. It doesn't get any better!!!
  Ride rating: Intermediate
  Singletrack=40% Dirt Road=30% Paved Path=30%
  Phantom a 40 something year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Bike

  Posted:11/16/2002

• Trail UpdatePlenty Hot, Plenty Rattlers-UPDATE: August 25, 2002

  Awww, it wasn't THAT hot, but the canyon is in good riding shape. The main trail on the south side of the creek is in good repair and the water bars to the west of the cascades are holding up well. Carson Crossing is easily navigated (the big wheel catcher rock seems to have moved downstream) and refreshing, and the main trail on the north side of the creek is in pretty good shape, too.

  T-pole isn't too churned up, but still has that section of dead air to watch out for in the hot part of the day. The folks at "Bouganvilla" haven't closed off the fire road, so you can easily get over to Little Bean and the remaining singletracks, as well as the tops of The Shits and Cobblestone.

  Saw three rattlers yesterday, each 3' or longer.
  Ride rating: Intermediate
  Ride distance: 12+ Elevation change: 500'
  Singletrack=25% Dirt Road=70% Truck Trail=5%
  EBasil a Weekend Warrior riding a Manitou HT from San Diego

  Posted:08/26/2002

• Trail UpdateStill SOME Stuff To Ride-It's true, most of the mesa above Los Penasquitos Preserve has been bulldozed and built upon (yes, the same areas that hateful equestrians didn't want you to ride on are now landscaped with dichondra), but there are still some decent rides other than the nice beginner loops you can make in the park.

  Cross the stream at Carson Crossing and go up the power line road, left turn at the Tee and up at the top you can still drop down The Shits to the pond and climb back up either little or big Cobblestone. Some people come down Cobblestone and then enter the park on the singletrack from the pond.

  If you ride West on the fire road near the entry to The Shits, you'll come into the new $$$ development called Bouganvilla. Ride west on pave to the Tee, left and to the entry to Cobblestone, or continue on the dirt to sample a few of the remaining singletracks that run to the West/North of the fireroad as you head toward the golf course. I haven't found a decent way back into the Park from the west end, so I come back the way I climbed.
  EBasil a Cross-Country Rider riding a Manitou HT from San Diego

  Posted:02/12/2002

• Trail UpdateAll The Fun Stuff Is Gone-Peñasquitos used to be a really nice ride. You could jump across the creek and head up the powerline road to ride some really fun single track. Now, if you make it to the top of powerline, you'll only find houses, and more houses, and after that some more. It's a great place to take kids and those on their first MtB ride as there is enough challenge for them. Otherwise, if you want to really do some good riding, you'll have to head out to Mission Trails or maybe Sycamore Canyon.
  Ride rating: Beginner
  Ride distance: 16km-25km Elevation change: 100m - 300m
  Singletrack=10% Dirt Road=90%
  Gyan a 36 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Specialized M4 from Leucadia, CA

  Posted:02/11/2002

• Trail UpdateLos Penasquitos Area-Nice mileage ride for people who live close. Been riding it for many years. There are lots of hikers, horses and novice riders on the main trail through the park. The east side of the waterfall (from Black Mountain Rd) is a good "first ride". It is a little more challenging from the west parking lot. To spice it up, ride from the west lot, take the main road east past the waterfall. Look for the left turn where there is a "legal" water crossing. You can then ride this route up along the powerlines to the top of the bluffs. There is a lot of construction going on, but still a few nice trails. You can wind your way west again and then go through the housing developments and eventually down to El Camino Real. The road ride can take you south along Sorrento Valley Road and back to the parking lot. Probably about a 12-14 mile loop in all. Some road time, but a pretty cool mileage loop. Overall, a great place to take new riders and to get some miles in.
  
  Ride rating: Novice
  DK a 38 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Santa Cruz Superlight from Del Mar

  Posted:07/10/2001

• Trail UpdateStill Some Interesting Stuff ...-As others have posted here, the DT is pretty tame on the east side of the canyon and the ST that runs through the valley is off limits to bikes. However, there is an alternative. Travel the DT through the valley on the north side of the stream and just about where you would hit the waterfall area take a hard right turn up to the north. You'll find lots of fun ST, some grinder climbs, and even some technical. PQ canyon is also a fun place to do a night ride, but you'll find that the parking lot at Black Mountain and Mercy Road closes at 5 or so.
  Ride rating: Novice
  Mike a 39 year old Cross-Country Rider riding a Schwinn Rocket 88 from Penesquitos

  Posted:03/16/2001

• Trail UpdateLos Penasquitos Canyon-Props to Paul, Tony, and Mikey! Always fun riding here with you guys! Very interesting trails indeed.This is a fun one for all.
  Rod a 250 year old riding a HARDTAIL

  Posted:12/17/2000

• Trail UpdateUpdate On Singletrack-Hey jackass, keep your mouth shut and your eyes open. Your bragging isn't cool, and only hurts us all in the long run. I live nearby. And if I get busted riding there, it'll be your fault for stirring up the hornets nest.

  In the future, please keep your adloescent boasting to yourself.
  Red Riding Hood a 28 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Specialized Stumpjumper w/ a can o' woop-ass from Del Mar, CA

  Posted:07/12/2000

• Trail UpdateLand Of Secret Single-Track-Rode here first time on Sunday, and I see what people are talking about. We rode off onto a S.T. trail without a "No Bike" sign by accident..and what a ride! The roads are ok, but the illegal S.T. was the best. As soon as we got back on the road, we saw signs everywhere. We did go to the west end of the valley and walked our bikes over the creek (again!) and found an awesome S.T. back east to the parking lot, complete with several bridges...but I'm sure it was marked closed somehwere. In search of more like this...great ride, great day!
  Ride rating: Novice
  Ride distance: +/- 10 miles Elevation change: +/- 200 feet
  Singletrack=25% Dirt Road=70% Paved Path=5%
  MEIMatt a 26 year old Weekend Warrior riding a 2150A Varga Kachina VG-21 Tactical Trainer from San Marcos, CA

  Posted:07/12/2000

• Trail UpdateLos Penasquitos From Ranch House-Entering the trail from Los Penasquitos park the trail is fairly flat and easy, but becomes more difficult after the creek and lookout observation point. Some rock and gravel in places. Jim W, riding a Trek 4500
  Ride rating: Novice
  Dirt Road=95% Paved Path=5%

  Posted:07/03/2000

• Trail UpdateNot So Weird Ratings...-Several years ago the Los Penasquitos area was where we
  went for sweet, sick, steep singletrack. Many trails
  were so beautiful and the wildlife was plentiful. I
  haven't been back in three years. The last time I rode
  I was halfway down my favorite trail when I ran into a
  bulldozer. My first night ride, my first near
  collision with deer, my first time trying to keep up
  with the Cantina crew, and my first love are now hidden
  under new suburban sprawl.
  Endo Verendo a 32 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a FSR from Studio City

  Posted:05/03/2000

• Trail UpdateWeird Ratings.-I'm not sure who assigns ratings to these trails, but if you come here looking for "advanced" riding, you will be disappointed. The east end of the park is great for beginners, and the west end is intermediate at best. Penasqitos is a nice place to come for after-work rides, but the terrain isn't very challenging (except for a few places up on the mesa) and it's very crowded on weekends.
  
  Ride distance: Elevation change:
  A penasquitos local a 42 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Schwinn Moab-1

  Posted:05/03/2000

• Trail UpdateFrom Black Mountain Rd. turn left into the softball field/horse stables to avoid the parking fee.

  Trail condition is excellent.

  This trail is a 13 mile loop of doubletrack. Can be ridden in 45 mins and I usually do it three time for a good long steady distance training ride. It is a relitavely simple trail and you can continuously ride without slowing. Great for xc endurance training, pretty boring for a ride though.
  Truck Trail=100%
  Gary a Racer from San Diego URL: me

  Posted:06/10/1999

• Trail Updatehas been closed for several months. Call ahead to cantina bikes or cycle world before travelling out there. Rangers will ticket!!!

  Posted:04/10/1998

• Trail UpdateLos Penasquitos-This is a great trail. You can warm up on the fairly flat east trails then cross over the stream at carson crossing, (past the waterfall) then head to the hills for some good heart-pumping grinding or some medium climbing, whatever turns your crank. You can easily do a 25 mile ride. But---- watch out for the park rangers, they will nail you if you stray from the designated trails which do not include singletracks (bummer!). Also there are some pretty snooty horse riders who do not like mtb's and let you know it. They're easy to disarm though with a smile and a dismount.
  Singletrack=0% Paved Path=100%
  Steve a 42 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Cannondale3.0 from Carlsbad

  Posted:12/30/1997

• Trail UpdateThe main trail is 7 miles one way winding through a valley. The western half (3.5 to 4 miles) is pretty hilly and difficult. Some of the hills have a steep and a less steep trail you can choose to go up or down. The eastern half is pretty flat and easy winding through successive patches of woodland and barren areas. Hot air ballons often fly overhead and sometimes touch down in the valley for a few seconds. Lots of wildlife including rabbits and deer are regularly sighted in the early morning or the late evening hours. There is a horse ranch nearby and you may sometimes encounter riders on horseback. There is a stream that winds through the center of the valley. The main trail is on the south side of the stream. In certain areas there are trails that cross the stream to the trail on the north side of the stream which is shorter (3 to 4 miles), pretty flat, and more crowded because it borders a residential area and a park at its eastern end.
  Singletrack=90% Dirt Road=5% Paved Path=5%
  a 26 year old Weekend Warrior riding a Fisher Joshua dual suspension MTB from Del Mar, CA

  Posted:07/11/1997

• Trail UpdatePeñasquitos And Del Mar Mesa Trails-

  Posted:07/11/1997

• Trail UpdateLos Penasquitos-I just wanted to confirm the trail in Los Penasquitos in Mira Mesa. Lots of hills at the beginning of the trail but levels at the end. 4 trails in the whole park I think. But the fact is that the trail does exist..
  Orven "Hooligan" Zaragoza a 23 year old Die-hard Enthusiast riding a Schwinn S9six.40 from Chula Vista, San Diego CA

  Posted:07/11/1997