Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve – Our Very Own Waterfall!

With the amazing weather that San Diego has to offer, it is always great to spend time in the outdoors to not only get some exercise but to enjoy the beautiful scenery.  Luckily, for Carmel Valley residents, the Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve is right in our backyard and offers a variety of fun trails, picturesque scenery and even a waterfall cascading through volcanic rock.  Who needs to travel to Hawaii for a pretty waterfall when we have one right here in Carmel Valley!

Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve is located between Rancho Peñasquitos, Sorrento Hills and Mira Mesa and encompasses over 4,000 acres.  On any given day, you will find visitors hiking the trails, with many training for running a marathon, cycling or just taking some time out of their busy schedules to enjoy some nature.  According to residents of Carmel Valley, the most popular trail is the one leading to the waterfall.  This trail is about a 3-mile hike each way, but is pretty flat, making it not to difficult of a hike.  In addition, the groves of sycamore trees provide a lot of shade, making runs during the summer months a lot more bearable.

For those interested in flora and fauna, Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve is home to over 500 plant species, more than 175 types of birds and a variety of different reptiles and mammals.  Just be sure to watch where you are walking, as there have definitely been some rattlesnake sightings.  Generally, if you do not disturb them, they will leave you alone, so don’t be scared off by them!!!  It’s too beautiful of a place to not visit!

If you are interested in spending some quality time outdoors, taking in the beautiful scenery and getting away from the hustle and bustle of the work week, be sure to visit Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve!  There is truly something for everyone, and you will learn so much about the history of the preserves and of Carmel Valley.  For more information, visit http://www.sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation/parks/penasq.shtml

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David A. Moya is a Carmel Valley San Diego community contributor and influencer for positive change.  As founder of The Carmel Valley Life he focuses on education, transparency and helping others find a voice for their passion.  During his earlier years, he fed his entrepreneurial spirit and founded a company focused on helping kids committed to peak performance.  David went on to pay for his BA in Finance through his real estate business and after graduating flew more than 30 flights to over 10 countries in order to master the art of communication and business.  Today, he enjoys creating value for his community by leading a movement of responsibility – one of sharing knowledge, stories and a helping hand.