Peñasquitos Canyon: East Trailhead to Peñasquitos Waterfall
About This Trail
The East trailhead to the Peñasquitos waterfall is a six mile round trip hike, but the trail is very flat and wide. The Peñasquitos waterfall should have water year round but it is worth it to go in spring when the water is really flowing. You can climb along the rocks at the falls but watch your step because they can be slippery. Follow signs to the waterfall. This trail is also a great bike trail! Keep an eye out for poison oak along the trail.
The trailhead is toward the back left of the parking lot. If you go under Black Mountain Road you are going the wrong way. There will be many trail intersections along the way, but keep going straight on the fire road. The creek should be on your right the entire way. You will eventually see signs for Carson’s Crossing, that is a good sign you are going the right way but keep going straight. If you are getting tired or need a snack, the bridges and shaded area here are a great place to stop. From there continue on for a little less than a mile until you reach signs for the Penasquitos Waterfall. Once you are ready to go home, head back the way you came. If at any time you accidentally get on the wrong trail which is easy to do, it’s ok. Keep heading in the right direction and eventually you will find a connecting trail.
Restroom: Unsure
Trail Features
| Seasons | Fall, Spring, Summer, and Winter |
|---|---|
| Surface type | Dirt |
| Carrier needed | Yes |
| Stroller friendly | Yes |
| ADA accessible | No |
| Water fountains | No |
| Bathrooms | No |
| Cell reception | Excellent |
| Pet friendly | Yes |
| Nearby convenience store | Yes |
| Camping Nearby | No |
| Emergency support within 5 miles |
Yes |
Trail highlights
Long but easy hike to a small waterfall.
Other Trails in Peñasquitos Canyon
Fee & Parking Details
Park in the trailhead parking lot.
Trail Contributor
Hike it Baby member since spring 2016. Past HiB Orange County CA Branch Ambassador. Current HiB San Diego CA Branch Ambassador. Current National Team volunteer for Community Values, HiB30 Challenge Prizes, Mentor, and Ambassador Continued Education teams.
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About The Guide
Hike it Baby Family Trail Guide is an online resource to help families with children source trails that little legs can hike and parents can feel comfortable with. Hike details are sourced and have been hiked by families who participate in our community. Our contributors do their best to give you all the details they can, but if something is missed, you can reach out to the contributor and offer suggestions for them to add to make it a better trail description for all. This guide was built with a generous 3-year partnership with L.L Bean. Like Hike it Baby, L.L Bean believes that helping get families into nature from birth on is key to healthier, happier communities.
Trail Disclaimer
Hike it Baby makes every effort to keep trail content up to date, but trail conditions are subject to change. Hike it Baby is not responsible for any injuries that occur while hiking the trails covered in this guide. Hike it Baby is a platform that helps connect families to federal, state and local parks nationwide.