Hike - Los Penasquitas Canyon Preserve - Oct 12, 2016
Our Grossmont Adult Education weekly hike group went to the Los Penasquitas Canyon Preserve on October 12, 2016. While I had heard of it for decades and generally had an idea of where it was located, this was my first real adventure into it. It is a large east/west valley within the northern portion of San Diego. Surprising at how large it is with houses on the canyon rims looking down into the Preserve.
The trails were well maintained and relatively flat. For our 6+ mile hike, there was an elevation change of 300', but it was so gradual to be unnoticeable.
We saw additional hikers, dog walkers, bikes, strollers and even horses. Surprisingly, there was flowing water in the creeks, pools and a couple of small waterfalls.
While most of the vegetation was extremely dry due to lack of rain, it was still peaceful, serene, and beautiful. And, areas adjacent to the creek did have great trees that provided good cover and shade (not that we needed shade during our visit.) Our weather was overcast and cool - perfect hiking temperature. I suspect it is stunning in the spring when green and with even more water flowing.
There was an old ranch house, gardens, natural artesian spring, goats and chickens. During our hike, there was a group of very young kids have a fun field trip.
This is an area that I'll definitely return for another hike.
Read MoreThe trails were well maintained and relatively flat. For our 6+ mile hike, there was an elevation change of 300', but it was so gradual to be unnoticeable.
We saw additional hikers, dog walkers, bikes, strollers and even horses. Surprisingly, there was flowing water in the creeks, pools and a couple of small waterfalls.
While most of the vegetation was extremely dry due to lack of rain, it was still peaceful, serene, and beautiful. And, areas adjacent to the creek did have great trees that provided good cover and shade (not that we needed shade during our visit.) Our weather was overcast and cool - perfect hiking temperature. I suspect it is stunning in the spring when green and with even more water flowing.
There was an old ranch house, gardens, natural artesian spring, goats and chickens. During our hike, there was a group of very young kids have a fun field trip.
This is an area that I'll definitely return for another hike.