Explore the Beauty of Los Penasquitos Canyon County Preserve
Discover the stunning landscapes of Los Penasquitos Canyon County Preserve, a natural oasis in San Diego perfect for hiking, wildlife watching, and photography.
Los Penasquitos Canyon County Preserve is a stunning natural oasis in San Diego, offering scenic trails, diverse wildlife, and picturesque landscapes perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. This serene escape invites tourists to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying hiking, birdwatching, and photography opportunities.
A brief summary to Los Penasquitos Canyon County Preserve
- 12020 Black Mountain Rd, San Diego, California, 92129, US
- +1619-525-8213
- Visit website
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning for the best chance to see wildlife and enjoy cooler temperatures.
- Wear sturdy hiking shoes; some trails can be rocky and uneven.
- Bring plenty of water and snacks, as there are no facilities within the preserve.
- Check the weather before your visit; the preserve can be muddy after rain.
- Explore the various trails; some lead to beautiful waterfalls and unique geological features.
Getting There
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Public Bus
To reach Los Penasquitos Canyon County Preserve from central Chula Vista, you can take the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) bus. Start by walking to the nearest bus stop for Route 704 at Chula Vista Center. Board the bus heading towards the 'University Town Center' and get off at the 'Nestor Ave & I-805' stop. From there, transfer to Route 20 heading towards 'San Diego State University'. Get off at the 'Black Mountain Rd & Camino Ruiz' stop. Walk north on Black Mountain Rd until you reach the entrance of the preserve at 12020 Black Mountain Rd, San Diego, CA 92129.
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Bicycle
If you prefer cycling, you can rent a bike from a local rental shop in Chula Vista. Start by heading north on 3rd Avenue towards the Bayfront. From there, connect to the Bayshore Bikeway heading towards San Diego. Continue until you reach the point where it intersects with Black Mountain Rd. Follow Black Mountain Rd north until you arrive at Los Penasquitos Canyon County Preserve. Make sure to wear a helmet and follow all traffic rules.
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Walking
For those who enjoy walking, the distance from central Chula Vista to Los Penasquitos Canyon County Preserve is about 8 miles. Start at the Chula Vista Public Library and head north on 3rd Avenue. Continue until you reach H Street and turn left. Follow H Street until it intersects with I-805 and cross the freeway. After crossing, follow Black Mountain Rd north for about 4 miles until you reach the preserve's entrance at 12020 Black Mountain Rd, San Diego, CA 92129. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and stay hydrated!
Discover more about Los Penasquitos Canyon County Preserve
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Ken Wakabayashi Bench
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Flag Assembly Area
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Porter's House
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Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego La Jolla
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Epstein Family Amphitheater
11.8 km
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Pacific Coast Hwy (US 101)
12.2 km
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Salk Institute for Biological Studies
12.3 km
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Sun God
12.3 km
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Selwyn Monument
12.6 km
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La Jolla Project
12.7 km
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Old Mission Dam
13.4 km
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Mushroom Beach House
13.7 km
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Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography
14.0 km
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New Scripps/Administration Building
14.3 km
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Fletcher Point
14.4 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Duck Foot Brewing Miramar
6.4 km
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UTC ICE
10.7 km
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Torrey Pines Golf Course
11.5 km
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Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
11.7 km
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Stuart Collection
11.8 km
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Geisel Library
12.0 km
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Red Butte
12.0 km
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North Overlook
12.3 km
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Torrey Pines State Beach
12.4 km
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Flat Rock
12.5 km
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Sunset Seat
12.5 km
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La Jolla Colony Park
12.5 km
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Torrey Pines Gliderport
12.7 km
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La Jolla Trail
12.9 km
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Del Mar
13.1 km
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Essential places to dine
Seasons 52
10.5 km
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A.R. Valentien
11.5 km
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The Grill at Torrey Pines
11.5 km
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Humphreys La Jolla Grill
12.2 km
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Urban Plates
12.5 km
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Steamy Piggy
12.6 km
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Shorehouse Kitchen
15.0 km
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Sandpiper Wood Fired Grill & Oysters
15.0 km
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Sea & Sky
15.1 km
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Piatti
15.1 km
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Shore Rider Bar
15.2 km
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Barbarella Restaurant & Bar
15.2 km
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Osteria Romantica
15.2 km
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Shores Restaurant
15.2 km
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The Marine Room
15.6 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Gift Shop
11.6 km
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The Shops at La Jolla Village
12.4 km
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La Jolla Village Square
12.6 km
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Sea Hive La Jolla
12.6 km
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Birch Aquarium Gift Shop
13.9 km
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Balboa Mesa Shopping Center
14.0 km
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Ocean Girl-Surf Boutique
15.1 km
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Lulumars Boutique
16.5 km
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Simple Laguna
16.6 km
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GK Fashion House
16.6 km
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The Shop La Jolla
16.6 km
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Robina
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Lissilaa Boutique
16.6 km
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Mila Boutique
16.6 km
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The International Shops
16.6 km
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Raised by Wolves
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The Wine Bar
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Drift La Jolla
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Shooters
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Realm Of The 52 Remedies
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West Bar
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Blarney Stone Pub
14.0 km
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Hiatus Pool Lounge
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We Olive & Wine Bar
16.8 km
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La Sala Lounge
16.8 km
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The Whaling Bar
16.8 km
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The Hive La Jolla
16.9 km
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Hennessey's Tavern
16.9 km
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KnB Bistro
17.1 km
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Nautilus Tavern
18.2 km
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
Sun God Lounge
12.0 km
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Middle Earth Lounge
12.2 km
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Woo Karaoke
12.2 km
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Blue Agave Night Club
16.2 km
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Nite Owl Cocktail Lounge
16.9 km
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The Comedy Store - La Jolla
17.3 km
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The Collective
19.0 km
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PB Avenue
19.3 km
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Bert's Bar West
19.8 km
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Spin Nightclub
22.1 km
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The Hole in the Wall
22.9 km
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Winstons Beach Club
24.1 km
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Pacific Shores Cocktail Lounge
24.1 km
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Phantom Lounge and Nightclub
24.8 km
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Parq Nightclub
24.8 km
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