Los Penasquitos Canyon County Preserve

Perfect short day hike - could be done in ~1.5 hours if you just go to the waterfall and back. Awesome hike on a hot day with plenty of pockets of shade along the path. Good amount of parking and the QR code makes it really easy to pay ($5 for day pass).

This is a great walk from the Mercy Road parking area. It costs 3.00 a day and it is worth it. It's about 3 miles round trip and it's a flat walk all the way. It's great for those who don't hike, for kids, and for older people who need to get in some exercise but don't have the stamina for a mountain hike. Best of all there is a seasonal waterfall at the end of the hike. It is a lot of reward for a little work. So get outside and see a waterfall

Great flat trail (but with some rocks)! The waterfall was nice because of the march rains!

The hike is quite moderate, spanning approximately 6.5 miles for the round trip, taking around 3-3.5 hours. The endpoint waterfall is decent, not extraordinary. It's more of a workout than a destination for stunning views. Note that parking costs $3, so bring cash as they don't accept digital payments. Ensure you have change since you place the cash in an envelope, and without change, you might overpay. Dogs are allowed, and our dog enjoyed the hike.

Great walk along a creek with many access points to vary your distance. 6.5mi. RT from the park if you turn back at the falls. Took me about 2:15. There are other access points (see Maps) that make your distance to the falls more like 1-1.5 mi. There are two trails that run parallel, a wide mostly flat access road-type trail, and a more winding, shaded trail that runs next to the creek. The creek trail can involve numerous water crossings that are not much to speak of unless there has been rain recently. If the creek is running high you will either need wading shoes or end up doubling back several times. This hike is somewhat unique in Southern California as there are very few waterways (period) with this much preserved land surrounding. The waterfall is currently quite high as of 2/13/24 and lovely to see. Again, a unique spot given the ecosystem and easy accessibility. Parking does not cost if you park in the dirt lot near the baseball fields. Pets are welcome on a leash.